Born on March 4, 1954 in central France.
Went to school in Le Mans; a graduate of Le Mans University and the Law Department at Descartes Paris University. Holds a master's degree in Public Law and a diploma of applied research in public law and political sciences.
Was elected to posts at municipal and departmental levels: a member of the municipal council, vice mayor and mayor of Sable-sue-Sarthe in the Sarthe Department (from 1983 to 2001); vice chairman and chairman of the general council of the Sarthe Department (from 1992 to 1998). From 1990 to 1993, chairman of the economic development committee of the Sarthe Department. From 1998 to 2004, chairman of the Pays-de-la-Loire regional council.
Started his political career as a National Assembly deputy aide (1976 and 1977). Worked at the transport minister's office (from 1978 to 1980) and the defence minister's office (in 1980 and 1981). In 1981, head of the legislative and parliamentary service at the Industry Ministry.
In 1981, was first elected Sarthe's member of parliament with the neo-Gaullist Rally for France (RPR) and was repeatedly re-elected to the National Assembly. From 1986 to 1988, headed the National Assembly's Commission for National Defence and Armed Forces. He is Sarthe's senator.
From 1993 to 1995, minister of higher education and scientific research in the Edouard Balladur-led government. From 1995 to 1997, delegate minister of postal services, telecommunications and space in the government of Alain Juppe. From 2002 to 2005, minister of social development, labour and solidarity in the government of Jean-Pierre Raffarin.
In the 1980s, the RPR national secretary for defence. In 1999, claimed (alongside Sarkozy) the post of the RPR chairman, however, without success.
In 2004, established a closer relationship with Sarkozy, future presidential candidate from the ruling Union for a Popular Movement (UMP). In June 2005, was political adviser for Sarkozy's election headquarters. He drafted a programme for the future president and did a lot to help Sarkozy win the election.
On May 18, 2007, was appointed prime minister of the first government formed by Sarkozy.
Vladimir Putin and Francois Fillon first met in May 2008 during Putin's working visit to Paris. Putin and Fillon chair annual meetings of the Russian-French Commission on Bilateral Cooperation. At the latest one, the 14th meeting of the commission that was held on November 27, 2009 in Paris, a joint Russian-French statement was signed to declare 2010 the Year of Russia in France and the Year of France in Russia.
Married, with five children.