According to a study conducted by the fintech SumUp among French business leaders, Nantes is currently the city where artificial intelligence is most adopted in the professional world.
Nantes, the top city in France for AI usage at work
In the city of the Dukes, over 43% of the business leaders surveyed are planning to use artificial intelligence tools by 2026. This figure highlights how eager local businesses are to accelerate their digital transformation. This momentum is part of a broader trend. In Europe, several studies show that France is among the countries where AI usage is growing the fastest. According to data shared by Le Monde, around 40.9% of French citizens are already using AI regularly.average, whether in their daily lives or at work. In companies, this rate would be even higher: more than one in two would now use tools based on artificial intelligence. This adoption showcases the growing importance of these technologies in the growth and competitiveness of French companies.
AI, a priority for many French businesses
On a national level, the study highlights a clear trend: artificial intelligence is becoming a strategic lever for companies. Nearly a quarter of the surveyed companies (23%) indicate that adopting AI tools is their number one priority for enhancing their activities. Other digital projects also lead the way in investments:
*18% of companies want to adopt new accounting and invoicing software
*16% plan to modernize their payment terminals to better meet customer expectations
Some sectors are showing particular enthusiasm for AI.AI is making waves! This is especially true in retail, where almost 29% of businesses say they're already using or planning to adopt these technologies. In the hospitality and catering industry, things are a tad different. Professionals here are leaning more towards management and billing tools, chosen by 25% of respondents. Still, there's a part of the economic landscape that's taking a cautious approach. About 30% of the surveyed businesses state they don't plan to adopt new technological tools anytime soon.
A technological revolution that also brings challenges
While there is genuine enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, its adoption comes with questions. For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), integrating these technologies raises concerns about employee training, investment costs, and data management. Despite these challenges, the study reveals that nearly 44% of French companies are not worried about the rise of AI. On the other hand, 15% acknowledge the difficulties but are confident in their ability to overcome them.
One thing is for sure: artificial intelligence is transforming the French economic landscape for the long term.
Methodology:
The survey was conducted in October 2025 with 500 owners and decision-makers of small and medium-sized enterprises.
French SMEs operating either online, in physical stores in France, or through a hybrid model.