France is one of Europe’s strongest economies and boasts a large and affluent consumer base. Its manufacturing, aerospace and textiles industries comprise a large part of the national GDP, but emerging sectors also present new growth opportunities.
National leaders are becoming increasingly aware of tech’s economic potential and are launching new initiatives to capitalize on its high-growth potential. In particular, the country is investing heavily in artificial intelligence and aims to become a global leader in that space.
From auto manufacturers to AI and IT companies, these are the businesses most important to France’s economy and job-seeking population.
Top Companies in France to Know
- Datadog
- Qualtrics
- Capgemini
- L’Oréal
- Schneider Electric
- Safran
- Peugeot
- Orange
Top Companies in France
Schneider Electric is a Paris-based automation and energy company. It develops industry-specific solutions, such as data center power delivery and electric vehicle battery manufacturing. It also offers an extensive lineup of energy-efficient products for residential homes.
Mistral AI is Europe’s answer to Chat GPT. The French artificial intelligence startup builds open-source AI models, which in turn help other companies create unique products. Like other companies, Mistral AI also offers chatbot and generative functionality with its Le Chat platform.
E-commerce company Mirakl was founded in France and now operates as a global company with offices in four countries. The company offers tools for e-commerce growth and optimization, including Mirakl Payout for secure seller payments, Mirakl Target2Sell for AI product recommendations and Mirakl Platform for creating marketplaces.
Known for its beauty and cosmetics products, L’Oréal is a global personal care company headquartered in Paris. Its brands include retail labels like Maybelline and designer ones like Yves Saint Laurent and Prada. L’Oréal prides itself on developing its products with science-backed ingredients.
Technology company, Snap, is the developer of apps and services like Snapchat, Spectacles and Bitmoji. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and has 17 office locations, including Paris. Employees enjoy generous parental leave, commuter benefits and an 80/20 work policy.
Hivebrite is a networking software company. Its product is a platform for in-group networking amongst educational and corporate alumni communities, nonprofits, professional associations and other groups that need more privacy than an open social network, but whose members desire the breadth of a digital space. Hivebrite digital communities are robust and active, thanks to the full suite of platform features for connecting. The company is based and headquartered in Paris.
Safran is an aerospace manufacturer with civil and defense pursuits. The company is experienced in several areas of the aviation industry and manufactures everything from engine boosters to emergency evacuation systems and air conditioning units. Motivated by the climate crisis, Safran has developed new engine architectures for sustainable fuel types and hybrid-electric technologies.
Capgemini is a global IT company with over 270,000 employees. It’s known for its cloud hosting services, custom AI development, cybersecurity and enterprise network management.
Datadog is made up of more than 5,000 employees working to connect organizations in a variety of industries with cloud monitoring and security solutions through its integrated platform. Datadog is an international company, and Paris is one of multiple cities where it maintains a European hub.
Navan provides technology solutions for corporate travel and expense management. Its platform includes a marketplace of travel options, 24/7 access to support and customizable dashboards for real-time data visibility. By leveraging these tools, businesses can save time on expense reconciliation and reduce costs associated with business travel bookings. It’s hiring in Paris.
Qualtrics’ software helps companies manage their workforces and understand their customers. Companies can collect feedback, monitor analytics, engage with users and unearth qualitative research on customer trends and behaviors through its’ various products.
Thales is a technology company that works with some of the biggest names in aviation. Its services include cybersecurity, quantum computing and AI solutions for radar and drones.
Popular in Europe, Africa and Asia, Orange is a large telecommunication service provider for individuals and businesses. The company’s services include cable TV, home internet and mobile broadband. On the enterprise side, Orange provides cloud computing and hosting.
Software company AB Tasty provides a digital experience platform that helps businesses improve their online performance. Users can optimize websites, mobile apps and other digital channels in ways that enhance user engagement, increase conversions and drive better results. AB Tasty’s Paris office is one of eight global locations, including New York, San Francisco, Madrid and Cologne.
Peugeot is a French auto manufacturer offering vehicles that are described as fun to drive and have racy designs. It has an extensive lineup of electric and hybrid vehicles, many of which are top sellers throughout France and Europe.
With a hybrid office in Neuilly sur Seine, Comcast Advertising offers technology solutions across the TV advertising industry. It has three brands, AudienceXpress, FreeWheel and Effectv. The company’s products aim to develop effective ad campaigns and streamline media buying and selling processes.
Founded in 2012, Contentsquare is a digital experience analytics company. With a platform powered by AI, it allows businesses to build strong customer relationships by providing contextual insights into consumer behavior and intent. The company partners with clients across industries including retail, telecommunications and travel. Contentsquare has offices all around the world, including Paris.
Hermès is a luxury retailer that designs jewelry, makeup, clothing and home goods. The company employs 16,000 individuals and operates an immense distribution network, across brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce.
