Secondary Economic Activities

Secondary activities, such as manufacturing, employ 28% of the workforce in the region.

• The Paris Basin has a long tradition of industry dating back to the 17th century, with well-dispersed and developed industrial regions that support various manufacturing sectors.
• The River Seine is easily navigated and connects to the sea, allowing deep water ports with modern docking facilities. This makes it attractive for heavy industries like steel, petrochemical, and textiles, which use the ports to import and export goods efficiently.

• Paris serves as a nodal point with excellent communication infrastructure, benefiting from low-lying terrain and advanced transport systems, reducing overhead costs for industries.
• The region boasts two major international airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, facilitating the transport of goods and supporting industrial activities with easy global access.

• With a large workforce of 21 million people, including 12.2 million in Greater Paris, the region provides a substantial pool of labour for industries. The presence of 17 universities, such as Sorbonne, attracts high-tech industries.
• The Paris Basin has a thriving fashion industry, home to famous houses like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Historically, it developed to meet the demands of the royal court and now caters to a global market.
• Cosmetic Valley, located in Chartres, is an example of decentralisation in the industry, with brands like L'Oreal and Paco Rabanne moving production out of Paris to the wider region.

• The car manufacturing industry is significant, with Citroen and Renault having assembly plants in the region. Although Renault closed its plant in Billancourt due to space constraints, it relocated to peripheral areas.
• The French government has invested in industrial estates and technological parks to attract new industries such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and optics, often locating them in suburbs like Marne-la-Vallée to reduce congestion in Paris.
• About 85% of French research is conducted in the Paris Basin, benefiting from the large, educated workforce and the concentration of universities and research institutions.
• Most French manufacturing industries and 38% of banks have their headquarters in the Paris Basin, indicating the region's central role in the national economy and its industrial importance.

*Paris is famous for designer goods like Louis Vuitton *