Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Ministry of Economy and Finance, often called "Bercy" since its establishment in 1988 in the eponymous district, is responsible for economic policy and public finance management in France. Its origins date back to the Old Regime with functions such as the Superintendent of Finance or the Comptroller General of Finance (from 1661). After the Revolution, Finances were divided into two separate administrations in 1791, before being gradually reunited under variable names, integrating over the centuries competences in budget, national economy, and industry.

Prior to 1989, the ministry's central services were dispersed, particularly in the Richelieu wing of the Louvre since 1871, after the fire of the Hôtel des Finances du Mont-Thabor in the Paris Commune. The transfer to Bercy was decided as part of the work of the Grand Louvre under François Mitterrand. The current site, designed by architects Paul Chemetov, Borja Huidobro, Louis Arretche and Roman Karasinski, occupies 260,000 m2 divided into five main buildings (Colbert, Vauban, Necker, Turgot, Sully). Two historic 19th-century pavilions, former military forage stores, have been listed as historic monuments since 1962.

The department brings together key branches such as FIB (Taxation), DG Treasury, or INSEE, as well as specialized entities (Customs, DGCCRF, EPA). Its organisation reflects the evolution of state priorities, with ministries delegated for industry, digital, or foreign trade according to governments. The site also houses contemporary works of art (1% artistic) and an internal mail transport system, Teledoc, linking 120 points on 9 km of rails.

There have been notable variations in the ministerial function: separation between Budget and Finance (e.g. Fillon governments, 2007–2012), integration of Industry (since 1997, with exceptions), or temporary attachment of Employment (2007–2010). The allocation decrees, regularly updated, define a broad scope, including taxation, innovation, tourism, and anti-fraud. Since 2025, Roland Lescure has held this position in the Lecornu government.

The Ministry is classified as a Ministry of the Interior, Justice, Armed Forces and Foreign Affairs. Its architectural and administrative history illustrates the reforms of the state, from private hotels from the 18th century to modern urbanism from the 20th century. Visits to the site, possible by reservation or during Heritage Days, allow you to discover its artistic heritage and its unique infrastructures, such as the abandoned helipad of the Colbert roof or the remains of the Wall of the General Farmers.

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