Deindustrialization in advanced economies has become one of the consequences of economic globalization. This process has been developing over the past four decades, however, the destruction of industrial potential has been seriously discussed recently. The article analyzes the process of France’s entry into the global economy and the subsequent partial destruction of the national industry. The French model of entry into the open economy was distinguished by its own characteristics: the speed and scale of the transformation, accompanied by rising unemployment and curbing income inequality. French society was not ready for globalization and perceived it as a threat. Deindustrialization, which took place against the background of structural and technological restructuring of production, changed the social structure. The first social victims were workers. In contrast to a reduction in the number of workers in France, the representation of top and middle managers increased. At the same time, fragmentation of the middle class took place; its lower strata were threatened by unemployment and lumpenization. In French society, new social divisions appeared, and socio-spatial imbalances grew. At the end of the global financial and economic crisis of 2008–2009, the European countries recalled the industrial policy. France is currently endorsing a new program for development of an innovative economy. In the case of its implementation or non-implementation, three scenarios are possible. The “Step into the Future” scenario involves the implementation of a program for development of an innovative economy and modernization of society. New industries will create new jobs, contribute to the emergence of new activities and new professions related to the assimilation and processing of information. The “French Desert” is possible if the first scenario cannot be implemented. The “Back to Etatism!” scenario implies a technocratic version of modernization and strengthening state influence on society.