This article suggests a historical institutional approach using the concepts of paradigm and political action repertoires applied to the field of rural development in France. Seven repertoires have been identified. These are connected to their emergence into the political arena after WW2, and pertain to three successive paradigms: the modernization of sectors and rural society, support to economic and social cohesion and, lastly, the growing importance of environmental issues. In particular, two repertoires are reflected in the modernization paradigm: agricultural development and land-use planning. The paradigm promoting economic and social cohesion underpins two of these repertoires: territorial development and regional development. Lastly, the current strengthening of demands for ‘greener’ public policy has led to the coexistence of two repertoires: environmental management and agroecology.