Ministry of Economy and Finance – Before
The Ministry of Economy and Finance, situated adjacent to the Parc de Bercy, underwent a significant relocation process in 1989, transitioning from its former residence in the Aile Richelieu of the Louvre Palace to its current location.
The present-day building stands in place of the Barrière d’Eau, a tollgate that once formed part of the General Farmers Wall, erected in the 1780s to demarcate the fiscal perimeter of Paris.
However, the upheavals of the French Revolution led to the dismantling of this wall only a few years later. Remarkably, amidst the demolition, the two toll pavilions of the Barrière d’Eau were spared, preserving vestiges of this historic structure.
These pavilions have since been seamlessly integrated into the Ministry of Economy and Finance, with one of them, located on Rue de Bercy, now serving as the main entrance to the building.
This architectural fusion of past and present not only pays homage to Paris’s rich history but also provides a tangible link between the city’s fiscal legacy and its contemporary administrative functions.
Ministry of Economy and Finance – Fortress of Bercy
The Ministry of Economy and Finance is commonly referred to as Bercy or sometimes dubbed the “Fortresse de Bercy” due to its robust architectural style.
It was designed by architects Paul Chemetov and Borja Huidobro.
Nestled discreetly behind high walls and security grids, the expansive compound stretches parallel to the Boulevard and Pont de Bercy.
It spans an impressive length of 370 meters and covers an area of 230,000 square meters.
The compound comprises five distinct buildings, each named after former finance ministers: Colbert, Necker, Sully, Turgot, and Vauban.
The architectural marvel features a long, single-block structure with expansive windows that create a series of dramatic 32-meter-long arches, with the two end arches stretching an impressive 72 meters.
The southern arch, anchored by the Seine, serves as a docking point for two speedboats, always at the ready to transport the finance minister or senior executives to the city center.
For more urgent journeys, a helicopter landing pad adorns the building’s roof.
The northern end arch, symbolically reminiscent of a gate leading into the City of Paris, houses the Pavillon Colbert and the Finance Ministers’ office, adding a touch of grandeur and symbolism to the architectural ensemble.
Ministry of Economy and Finance – Moats and gardens
The Ministry of Economy and Finance at Bercy is distinguished not only by its striking architectural design but also by its unique setting. Encircled by a landscaped moat adorned with small gardens, the building stands isolated from the Boulevard de Bercy and Pont de Bercy, creating a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape.
Winding paved paths meander through a series of small lawns, showcasing an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures that add an artistic flourish to the surroundings. For a closer look, one can lean over the parapet on Boulevard de Bercy and catch a glimpse of this captivating landscape.
Upon reaching a monumental bronze door, visitors gain access to the court of honor (Cour d’Honneur), where they are greeted by an extraordinary sight: high reliefs depicting Les Travaux de la Terre, or agricultural works.
These sculptures serve as a homage to Sully, the Finance Minister of Henry IV, who famously championed the importance of agriculture with his aphorism, ‘Labourage et pâturage sont les deux mamelles de la France’ (Tillage and pasture are the two breasts of France).
While the Ministry of Economy and Finance at Bercy may not be among the most classically elegant modern buildings in Paris, its distinctive architecture and prime location make it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
For those curious to explore its interiors, the ministry opens its doors to the public during Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine ) on the third weekend in September, offering a rare opportunity to delve into the rich heritage and history housed within its walls.
Directions: 12th district
Metro: Bercy on Line 6
Coordinates: Lat 48.840640 – Long 2.378390
