What are the largest supermarket chains in France in 2026?
Les Mousquetaires, Carrefour Group and Système U are the largest supermarket chains in France in 2026 based on the number of locations. Les Mousquetaires operates around 2,200 stores under the Intermarché and Netto banners across all 13 regions of Metropolitan France. Carrefour Group follows with approximately 1,400–1,500 stores under multiple banners nationwide, while Système U runs around 1,600–1,700 stores across the country.
Together, these three retail groups account for the majority of supermarket locations in France and form the backbone of the country’s grocery market.
Les Mousquetaires
≈ 2,200 LOCATIONS (January 17, 2026)
Île-de-France holds the highest concentration of Les Mousquetaires stores, anchoring its 2,200-location European network. The group’s dominance relies on its unique “Producers & Traders” model, 56 integrated factories, and a “store every 10km” local footprint, offering consumers traceable quality and value that traditional French retailers cannot match.
Système U
≈ 1,600–1,700 LOCATIONS (January 17, 2026)
Pays de la Loire and Nouvelle-Aquitaine hold the most Système U stores. Its dominance relies on an “independent cooperative” model and 4,800 local producer partnerships, offering traceable quality and regional value that traditional corporate French retailers cannot match.
Carrefour Group
≈ 1,400–1,500 LOCATIONS (January 17, 2026)
Île-de-France holds the highest concentration of Carrefour stores, anchoring its 1,500-location French network. The chain’s dominance relies on its “Act for Food” program, an omnichannel digital ecosystem, and “Simpl” budget labels, offering consumers unmatched traceability and price-competitiveness that traditional retailers cannot match.
E.Leclerc
≈ 600–650 + Express LOCATIONS (January 17, 2026)
Nouvelle-Aquitaine holds the highest concentration of E.Leclerc stores, anchoring its 650-location French network. The chain’s dominance relies on its “Alliances Locales” partnerships with 14,000 producers and its fierce price-leadership, offering consumers traceable quality and value that traditional corporate retailers cannot match.
Auchan
≈ 350–400 LOCATIONS (January 17, 2026)
Île-de-France holds the highest concentration of Auchan stores, anchoring about 30% of its French network. The chain’s dominance relies on its “all-under-one-roof” hypermarket model, massive non-food selection, and “Act for Food” sustainability program, offering consumers unmatched convenience and value compared to traditional regional retailers.
| Rank | Brand | Number of Locations | Regions Present In | Cities Present In |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Les Mousquetaires (Intermarché / Netto) | 2,200 | 13 | 1,800+ cities and towns |
| #2 | Système U | 1,600–1,700 | 13 | 1,300+ cities and towns |
| #3 | Carrefour Group | 1,400–1,500 | 13 | 1,200+ cities and towns |
| #4 | E.Leclerc | 600–650 + Express | 13 | 500+ cities and towns |
| #5 | Auchan | 350–400 | 13 | 300+ cities |
