Top 10 Richest Men In France According To Forbes (2025)

When it comes to global wealth, France stands tall—not just for its Eiffel Tower, fine wine, and fashion—but for being home to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. These billionaires are not just business moguls; they are empire builders whose influence spans fashion, cosmetics, food, shipping, telecoms, and investment.

Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the lives and legacies of the top 10 richest men in France, as ranked by Forbes. Whether you're a student of business, a budding entrepreneur, or just someone fascinated by wealth and influence, this post is for you.

1. Bernard Arnault & Family — $178 Billion

• Age: 76

• Source of Wealth: LVMH

• Industry: Fashion & Retail

Let’s begin with none other than Bernard Arnault, the crown jewel of French billionaires and often the richest man in the world depending on the global stock market. The chairman and CEO of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) oversees a luxury empire of 75+ brands, including Dior, Fendi, Sephora, and Hublot. Arnault is the quintessential example of how strategic acquisitions and brand consolidation can elevate a business to global heights.

Known for his understated elegance and sharp business acumen, Arnault has turned LVMH into a lifestyle statement for the wealthy. Even in economic downturns, his brands remain desirable, proving the resilience of luxury goods in times of financial uncertainty.

2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family — $81.6 Billion

• Age: 71

• Source of Wealth: L'Oréal

• Industry: Fashion & Retail

Although technically a woman (and the richest woman in the world), her inclusion here is necessary due to her dominant wealth standing in France. As the granddaughter of L’Oréal founder Eugène Schueller, Francoise inherited not just the fortune but also a stake in the business. While she doesn’t run the company, she sits on the board and plays an influential role.

L’Oréal’s global footprint in cosmetics, hair care, and beauty makes it a powerful brand, particularly in emerging markets. The Meyers family's net worth surged during the post-COVID rebound when personal care products bounced back in global sales.

3. Alain Wertheimer — $36 Billion

• Age: 76

• Source of Wealth: Chanel

• Industry: Fashion & Retail

Together with his brother Gérard, Alain Wertheimer is one-half of the duo that owns Chanel. A brand known for timeless class, Chanel doesn’t flood the market like fast fashion. It remains exclusive and elegant—and that's precisely why it commands such power and profitability.

Alain, the quieter of the two brothers, is said to reside in New York and manage the business aspects of Chanel, leaving the creative side to the professionals. His wealth is tied directly to the brand’s success, and despite being media-shy, his influence is well-felt in global luxury circles.

4. Gérard Wertheimer — $36 Billion

• Age: 74

• Source of Wealth: Chanel

• Industry: Fashion & Retail

The other half of the Chanel ownership, Gérard Wertheimer shares the same fortune as his brother. While Alain focuses on business, Gérard is said to have a passion for equestrian sports and wine-making. The Wertheimer brothers represent a kind of old-money elegance that is increasingly rare in today's flashy billionaire class.

Their strategic decision to keep Chanel privately owned allows for greater control and discretion, helping them navigate volatile markets and trends without shareholder pressures.

5. Emmanuel Besnier — $24.5 Billion

• Age: 54

• Source of Wealth: Lactalis (Cheese)

• Industry: Food & Beverage

Emmanuel Besnier is known in France as “The Invisible Billionaire” because of his highly private lifestyle. He inherited Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy group, which produces globally recognized brands like Président cheese and Galbani.

While the dairy industry might not sound as glamorous as fashion or cosmetics, it’s immensely profitable—especially with rising global food consumption. Besnier has kept the company in the family and continues to dominate global cheese production.

6. François Pinault & Family — $21.7 Billion

• Age: 88

• Source of Wealth: Kering

• Industry: Fashion & Retail

François Pinault, the founder of Kering (the parent company of Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent), handed over the reins to his son, François-Henri Pinault, but still remains a central figure in French capitalism. A self-made billionaire, Pinault started with a timber trading company before pivoting to retail and luxury goods.

He also owns the auction house Christie’s and is a major patron of the arts. Pinault's story shows how reinvention and diversification can lead to sustained wealth over decades.

7. Thierry Dassault — $10.6 Billion

• Age: 68

• Source of Wealth: Dassault Group

• Industry: Diversified

The Dassault family fortune, built from aviation and military technology, continues to thrive through diversified investments in media, real estate, and software. Thierry is a leading figure in the family’s conglomerate.

Though less media-centric than others on this list, the Dassault family's influence in both business and politics is immense in France, showing the power of cross-sector investments.

8. Xavier Niel & Family — $10.6 Billion

• Age: 57

• Source of Wealth: Telecom, Internet

• Industry: Telecom

Xavier Niel is the founder of Iliad, a French internet and telecom company known for disrupting the market with affordable services. He is one of the few tech billionaires in France and has made a name for himself as an innovator.

Niel is also heavily invested in education and startups, having launched Station F in Paris—the world’s largest startup campus. If there's a poster child for France’s tech revolution, it’s definitely Xavier.

9. Laurent Dassault — $10.6 Billion

• Age: 71

• Source of Wealth: Dassault Group

• Industry: Diversified

Another key member of the Dassault dynasty, Laurent Dassault continues to manage and expand the family fortune through real estate and financial services. His strategic leadership complements that of his relatives Thierry and Marie-Hélène.

The Dassaults represent intergenerational wealth that has successfully evolved with France’s changing industrial and financial landscape.

10. Vincent Bolloré & Family — $10.3 Billion

• Age: 73

• Source of Wealth: Investments

• Industry: Finance & Investments

Vincent Bolloré is a seasoned investor with stakes in everything from logistics to media. The Bolloré Group controls major African port logistics operations and has significant influence in French media through stakes in Vivendi and Canal+.

He’s often referred to as a corporate raider and has a reputation for aggressive expansion. If you’re studying investment strategies that blend traditional and emerging markets, Bolloré’s moves are a case study.

Honorable Mentions

• Carrie Perrodo & Family – Oil – $9.6B

• Jean-Michel Besnier – Cheese – $8.6B

• Marie Besnier Beauvalot – Cheese – $8.6B

• Rodolphe Saadé – Shipping – $7.8B

Final Thoughts: What Can We Learn?

The stories of these billionaires remind us that France’s wealth landscape is heavily shaped by luxury, tradition, and innovation. Whether it's through legacy fashion empires, booming food and dairy sectors, or disruptive tech, the top 10 richest men in France have mastered the art of building resilient, high-performing businesses.

For Nigerian entrepreneurs and investors, there are key lessons in diversification, family-owned structures, and the balance between heritage and innovation. While the terrain might differ, the principles of wealth creation remain universally applicable.