A novel process for the synthesis of fenofibrate, includes reacting a metal salt of fenofibric acid with an isopropyl halide, in a solvent system composed of a mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide and a C2-C4 alkyl acetate. The process can be used on an industrial scale and makes it possible to obtain a fenofibrate of a quality in accordance with the Pharmacopoeia without the need for purification by recrystallization.