The Geography of Services

Service economy concentration in major cities exacerbates regional inequalities:

Paris Dominance: The capital region generates 40% of service sector value-added with just 19% of population. La Défense alone hosts 180,000 workers in 3.5 million square meters of office space.

Secondary Cities: Lyon (finance and biotech), Marseille (logistics and services), Toulouse (aerospace services), and Lille (retail and call centers) develop specializations but struggle to match Paris's scale.

Rural Service Deserts: Many rural areas lose banks, post offices, and shops, creating "service deserts" that reinforce depopulation. Government programs mandate minimum service levels but face economic realities.