France has attracted considerable foreign direct investment in a variety of sectors and regions.
In the following sections, we provide an overview of the sectors and regions that have historically captured investors.

Key attraction sectors

Aerospace: France’s aerospace industry enjoys an excellent reputation, with major companies such as Airbus headquartered in the country.
The sector regularly attracts FDI thanks to its innovation and global reach.

Agriculture: France’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, known for its high-quality products.
Foreign investment in agriculture often targets sustainable and organic farming practices.

Digital: France’s digital and technology sector is booming, particularly in cities like Paris.
FDI in this sector stimulates innovation and supports start-ups.

Clean energy: France is committed to clean energy initiatives, making it an attractive destination for FDI in renewable energy projects.

Healthcare : France’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors have a strong presence, attracting investment in research and development.

Rail: With a world-class rail system, France’s rail infrastructure attracts FDI, particularly in high-speed rail technology.

Important regions

Paris and Ile-de-France region: The capital, Paris, and its surrounding region, Ile-de-France, have always been the epicenter of foreign investment.
The city’s global connectivity and business-friendly environment make it a prime choice.

Lyon and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region: Lyon, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is an emerging hub for FDI, particularly in the digital and biotech sectors.

Aerospace Valley: Located in the Occitanie region, Aerospace Valley is a hotbed of aerospace investment, attracting leading companies and research institutes.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine region: Known for its agricultural and renewable energy opportunities, this region attracts FDI in sustainable practices.

Grand Est region : The Grand Est region is starting to attract FDI for its growing manufacturing and logistics sectors.

PACA zone (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur): The sunny south of France, particularly the PACA region, is a magnet for FDI in the tourism and luxury industries.

Table: The evolution of the top 10 destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) between 2012 and 2022

Source: Nayak S., 2023 September.
Ranked: Top Countries for Foreign Direct Investment Flows.
Visual Capitalist. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/top-countries-foreign-direct-investment-flows/

France’s appeal to foreign investors lies not only in the diversity of its sectors, but also in its commitment to innovation, sustainable development and business-friendly policies.
While these sectors and regions have traditionally attracted investment, France continues to evolve and adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of the global economy.