Studying an economic advisory body like the Paris Chamber of Commerce gives an insight into the large range of possible consequences of the French capital’s special position (from simple prominence to real centralization or to escape from the common law).It also sheds light on different versions of Parisian identity. At the beginning of the century, the institution described itself as a think tank only interested in general interest. It then gradually changed, beginning to take local interest into account and to consider the weight of the Parisian suburbs, and deliberately creating ties with the provincial Chambers. Meanwhile, more Parisian-born members were chosen. All that led to the construction of a specific economic identity: “la fabrique de Paris”, allowing the Chamber to promote flexibility and supporting its increasing involvement on the employers’ side.