France, a major player in agricultural production, is moving towards a secure, modern and sustainable agri-food industry. The country’s extensive land area presents broad opportunities for agriculture and forestry. France’s varied relief and soils and contrasting climatic zones further enhance this potential. These factors make the country the leading agricultural nation in the EU, accounting for more than one-fifth of the total value of output, and alone is responsible for more than one-third of the EU’s production of oilseeds, cereals, and wine. In addition, France possesses one of the largest afforested areas in western Europe.

France is shaping up to become one of the most competitive, innovative, and low-carbon economies in the world. Energy production in the country is primarily based on nuclear energy, but the future of France’s energy industry lies in renewable energy. With growing installed wind, tidal and solar power capacity, on top of preexisting hydroelectric facilities, renewable energy rose to provide a significant amount of France’s national electricity consumption.

The vehicle industry is dominated by the activities of the two automobile manufacturers, Peugeot SA (including Citroën) and Renault. The production of automobiles provides a significant number of direct employment opportunities, and also supports employment in related sectors, such as tire manufacturing, with Michelin being a major player in the industry. France is also home to a substantial railway locomotive and rolling stock manufacturing industry, with the expanding high-speed train network serving as a key market. Last but not least, the country has a number of high-tech aerospace industries, which manufacture aircraft, missiles, satellites, and related launch systems. These industries are concentrated in the Paris region and in the southwest around Toulouse and Bordeaux.

The chemical industry encompasses the production of a broad range of products, spanning from fundamental organic and inorganic substances to refined chemicals, medications, and other related items like fragrances. Considerable efforts are invested in research within this sector. The production of fundamental chemicals is mainly focused in regions that provide convenient access to raw materials, such as Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Étang-de-Berre, and Rhône-Alpes. On the other hand, the production of pharmaceuticals is more closely associated with significant market zones and research hubs, particularly Île-de-France.

Originally concentrated in Lorraine because of the presence of iron ore, steel production shifted to the coastal sites of Dunkirk and Fos-sur-Mer, which relied on imported ore and coal. France is also an important producer of aluminum. Such basic metal industries support a diverse range of engineering activities, spread widely throughout France but with important concentrations in the highly urbanized and industrialized régions of Île-de-France and Auvergne–Rhône-Alpes.

The French tradition for haute couture has been estimated to start as early as the era of Louis XIV. And Paris is considered one of the world’s foremost fashion capitals. The market is characterized by the presence of country-origin luxury brands and their widespread presence across both online and offline channels, and is segmented into clothing and apparel, footwear, bags, jewelry, watches, and much more.

France is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations thanks to its variety of landscapes and climatic conditions, its cultural diversity, and its renowned cuisine. The country has 45 sites inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List and features cities or sites of high cultural interest, beaches and seaside resorts, ski resorts, as well as rural regions and small and picturesque villages of quality heritage.