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Where are the main economic activities in France?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: In the big metropolises. The main economic activities are in the metropolises (very large cities). Jobs, wealth and services are concentrated there. This is called "métropolisation". Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “La France : aire urbaine et métropolisation” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “La France : aire urbaine et métropolisation” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ In rural areasDans les zones ruralesThat is not the right answer: the fact sheet says jobs are concentrated in the metropolises.
- ✓ In the big metropolisesDans les grandes métropolesCorrect answer. The main economic activities are in the metropolises (very large cities). Jobs, wealth and services are concentrated there. This is called "métropolisation".
- ✗ In the Massif centralDans le Massif centralThis region has few inhabitants and few jobs.
- ✗ In the Alps and the PyreneesDans les Alpes et les PyrénéesThese mountains have few inhabitants and few jobs.
What the source says
« En France, la population, les principales activités économiques, les emplois, les richesses et les services sont donc concentrés dans les métropoles. »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Où se trouvent les principales activités économiques en France ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the resident card (CR). The Ministry's wording: “Où se trouvent les principales activités économiques en France ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “La France : aire urbaine et métropolisation” (French).
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