France in 2025: 52 Billionaires, with Bernard Arnault Still at the Top
In 2025, France has 52 billionaires, one less than the previous year, according to the annual Forbes France ranking. Although the number of the wealthiest individuals in the country has slightly decreased, the collective wealth of billionaires remains impressive. Bernard Arnault, owner of the luxury giant LVMH, retains the top spot with an estimated fortune of 164 billion euros, even though he has lost his position as the world’s richest person, now held by Elon Musk, whose fortune has surpassed 342 billion dollars.
Elon Musk’s Rise and the Global Dynamics of Billionaires
Globally, the number of billionaires reached 3,028 in 2025, a significant increase from 2,781 the previous year. While the collective wealth of billionaires has grown substantially, Elon Musk stands out as the only individual who has added more than 100 billion dollars to his fortune in a single year. The competition for the global podium is becoming increasingly fierce, dominated by American tech moguls.
Top 5 French Billionaires: Bernard Arnault and the Luxury Industry Leaders
In France, following Arnault, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, heir to L’Oréal, ranks second with 75.4 billion euros. Next are the Wertheimer brothers, owners of Chanel, with 33.2 billion euros each. Emmanuel Besnier, head of Lactalis, completes the top 5 with a fortune of 22.6 billion euros. François Pinault, founder of Kering, drops a position and now holds 6th place with a fortune of 20 billion euros, following a challenging year marked by a decline in sales, notably from Gucci.
New Entrants and Departures: Constantly Evolving Dynamics
This year’s ranking saw the addition of two new billionaires: Stéphane Courbit, founder of Banijay Group, and Eric Hémar, CEO of ID Logistics. However, the ranking also experienced several departures, including Nicolas Puech, an heir to Hermès, and several families who had entered the list recently but are no longer present in 2025. This turnover reflects the constantly changing dynamics of the luxury and business sectors in France.
Finally, with nine women still featured in the ranking, the 2025 French billionaire list highlights the continued presence of these influential figures, while emphasizing the rarity of new entrants into this very exclusive club.
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Cold case Sophie Narme: the courts refuse to exhume the body in the investigation of Dominique Pelicot, under investigation for rape and murder
Tignes confined: residents face chaos after heavy snowfall
Accusations of sexual violence against Abbé Pierre: revelations in an investigative book and reactions from the Church of France
Savoie: four avalanches after heavy snowfall, a man buried in Val Thorens in cardiorespiratory arrest