Grenoble and Toulouse highlighted in Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2026

The Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2026 has released its rankings, highlighting significant achievements for French cities in terms of quality of life and economic potential.

In the quality of life category, Grenoble ranked 4th globally with a score of 90.8 out of 100, making it the highest-ranked city in the European Union. The ranking, based on criteria such as income equality, life expectancy, and crime levels, saw Canberra, Australia, take the top spot with a perfect score of 100. Paris also performed well, securing 10th place globally.

Additionally, Toulouse has been identified as a “city to watch” due to its strong economic prospects. Ranked 136th overall, Toulouse is noted for its robust aeronautics sector, including companies like Airbus, and its growing diversification into information technology. Projections suggest the city will see a population increase of approximately 57,000 residents over the next four years, the strongest growth expected among major French cities.