Ministry of the Economy and Finance building

The Ministry of the Economy and Finance building is a ten-story complex arranged along the Seine in the Bercy district. It comprises five connected sections that form a unified workspace for government administration across the waterfront location.

Construction took place from 1984 to 1989, creating a new home for government staff who previously worked in the Louvre Palace. This relocation marked a significant shift in where France's financial administration would operate.

The complex honors French statesmen through the names given to its five sections, reflecting how the nation values its administrative heritage. Walking through the grounds, you notice how these historic references are woven into the everyday work environment of civil servants.

The site includes a boat landing on the Seine, providing river access to the location. Be aware that this is an active government facility, so public access to interior spaces may be restricted.

The Colbert section features two enormous arches positioned directly against the Seine, a striking engineering achievement that allowed the building to sit right at the river's edge. This structural solution solved the challenge of placing a government complex in such a tight waterfront location.

Location: 12th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1981

Architects: Paul Chemetov, Borja Huidobro, Louis Arretche

Architectural style: postmodern architecture

Floors above the ground: 10

Height: 45 m

Website: http://economie.gouv.fr

GPS coordinates: 48.84044,2.37656

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02