The three crises of the Île-de-France region

Seen from a geographical point of view, the principal economic theories sung the praises of urban concentration and forecast a splendid future for large cities. The density of urban areas should enable the most efficient balance between the supply and demand for jobs to the greatest benefit of all concerned. The situation in the Île-de-France region (the area which surrounds Paris) justified this line of thought for a long time before it radically changed. For the past fifteen years or so, employment has been badly affected throughout the city and its suburbs, and has even collapsed in Paris, in favour of the provinces and medium-sized towns. In an attempt to understand this ambiguity, Laurent Davezies has identified three key points : problems related to transport, the administrative disqualification of the Île-de-France, and the reduction in the number of inhabitants. This last factor is linked to retired people leaving the city permanently, and the frequent absence of the younger generation who favour a reduced, 35-hour week and having second homes.