Siècle

"Antoine Bernheim is a fan and pillar of the Siècle, one of the most exclusive clubs in France. He is not the only one. All the ENA graduates, whether they have left the civil service or not, candidates for « pantouflage » or « rétro-pantouflage », love it. And for good reason: it is the last prestigious social gathering that matters. Founded in 1944 by Georges Bérard-Quélin, a lobbyist closely associated with Mitterrand, this Parisian circle brings together approximately 750 high-ranking officials, business leaders, journalists, and intellectuals from all walks of life once a month. It continues to attract a significant portion of the nation's elite. Since January 1, 2008, the Century has undergone a transformation under the presidency of Denis Kessler, a former influential figure in Medef. Through an active policy of co-optation, it aims to become the ultimate melting pot for the elites, who are often bound by the grand bodies and traditional networks with civil society. The ritual is engraved in marble. On the third Wednesday of the month, the members of the Century gather around 8 pm at the headquarters of the Automobile-Club de France, Place de la Concorde. The cocktail takes place on the second floor. Each participant receives a list of guests. Then, at precisely 8: 50 PM, comes the chef's surprise: everyone finds their seven table neighbors in the big library. A table president is supposed to ensure that there is only one conversation. In the best case scenario, you will encounter a lawyer, a banker, a medical professor, some journalists, Poivre d'Arvor, Arlette Chabot... When one no longer holds the position for which they were chosen, they are supposed to retire."

"In any case, "we are not candidates for the Siècle. It is they who choose you. The board of directors acts as a scout," explains Etienne Lacour, Secretary General of the Siècle."

""In addition, it is an extraordinary information accelerator. You have such a concentration of high-ranking officials! If you want to take advantage of it to test an idea, now is the time or never," says a follower of the Siècle."