France has a unique approach to regenerating inner-cities – what can we learn from it success ?

The regeneration of inner-city areas is a global challenge. Inner cities in France certainly have their problems, but the nation also has a good record of successful major urban regeneration projects. We have analysed three of these initiatives to understand what factors contribute to good regeneration outcomes. Urban regeneration can be defined as a holistic approach to revitalise under-used areas of the city. It's commonly associated, however, with the related challenges of gentrification, rising property values, and displacement of low-income groups. And these projects do not always achieve a sense of place.