The new offices of Banque de France have been open to the public since March 10th, at 161 avenue du Comte-Vert. However, the inauguration took effect this Wednesday, June 1, in the presence Lise Gaandrille-Talarico (departmental director in Savoie), Erick Lacourrege (Managing Director of Economic and Network Services), Kathie Werquin-Wattebled (Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Regional Director, and the Prefect of Savoie Pascal Bolot).
The Chambery branch was only moved a few hundred metres to the former Customs premises. It is currently being sold the remarkable building at 447 avenue de Covet, which it has occupied since 1980. It is too big at the moment, as the Institution goes through a complete reorganization. The institution's banknote recycling activities, in particular, were stopped at the close of 2019. In his inaugural speech, Erick Lacourrege recalled how digitalisation and integration into the eurosystem have profoundly changed the mission of Banque de France. "We have stopped customer activity for over 20 years. We also stopped cash activity. We have refocused our activity on stronger missions: financial rating of companies and credit mediation, support to SMEs and VSEs and analysis of the economic environment, as well as support for vulnerable people through our missions of financial inclusion and banking.
New, modern, and conveniently located on a busy street, the new premises aim to make it easier for all to access a Banque de France that is less of a "fortress" and more accessible to all citizens, business leaders, and financially disadvantaged people who require its assistance.
An imperial decree dated April 8, 1865, five year after Savoie was annexed to France, allowing for the creation of the Banque de France branch in Savoie. The privilege of missions was granted to the bank of Savoy between 1860-1865. The director general recalled that she was in conflict with the Banque de France during those few years because she refused to give up the privileges of the missions.
The Banque de France is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - noon, and 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. Only by appointment.
