The Provence region is characterized by its diverse economy life, with many sectors of excellence.
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region is the third largest regional economy in France.
In La Ciotat, the “Athelia” business zone hosts more than 280 companies with 4000 employees on 80 hectares.
Among the most important companies in Provence, many world leaders:
- CMA-CGM (Marseille), No. 1 worldwide in the shipping sector.
- Airbus Helicopters (Marignane), the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, and among the world’s leading manufacturers of military helicopters
- NHINdustries, European joint venture in charge of the NH90 program, managed by Airbus Helicopters (France), AgustaWestland (Italy) and Fokker Technologies (Germany)
- Amadeus (Sophia Antipolis), in the top 3 of global GDS (Global Distribution Service)
- Pernod Ricard Group, the world’s second largest group in the distribution of wine and spirits.
Provence also stands out in the tourism sector, 2nd most visited tourist region in France after Ile de France (Greater Paris). The tourism sector represents approximately 18 billion euros, or 13% of the region’s GDP.
