The French class system is based on birthright rather than wealth and money doesn’t determine or buy status (so ploucs nouveaux riches needn’t apply). As in most Western countries, there’s a huge and widening gap between the rich and the poor, e.g. business tycoons and the lowest-paid workers, particularly those living in rural areas. The best way to become (and remain) rich in France is to be born with a platinum spoon in your mouth. However, the French don’t generally flaunt their wealth, and many find the subject of money distasteful (especially the seriously rich).