The Monnaie de Paris

The Monnaie de Paris was founded in 864, making it the oldest French institution still in activity, now in charge of the public service of minting euros. 

The history of the site

The Monnaie de Paris is the oldest enterprise that is still in activity today. Originally set up on the right bank, the bank for trade, it was near the business area with the Pont au Change and Rue des Lombards. It was a centre of power. At the beginning of the reign of Louis XVI the Monnaie de Paris was moved to the left bank, the bank of learning and knowledge, which was highly symbolic, since the Monnaie de Paris was then recognised as a centre of creation. The royal manufacturing centre on Quai de Conti was designed by the architect Jacques-Denis Antoine in a neoclassical style with vast courtyards, pediments and columns. He even designed the furniture in the reception rooms. The finest craftsmen of the period took part in the project, including the painter Jean-Jacques Forty and the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. 

The Petit Hôtel de Conti

This small private mansion, made by  Jules Hardouin-Mansart, and also known as the "Aile Mansart" ("the Mansart Wing") was preserved when the Monnaie de Paris was built. Inside, the art workshops are still there, where the jewellers and enamellers designed the engravings in the rooms, the jewels and official decoration. These workshops have a reputation for excellence in their fields. It is a real productive workshop, where skills have been handed down for 12 centuries. As part of the MétaLmorphoses project, this small building will be adapted to show off the professions, skills and treasures of the Monnaie de Paris to visitors in a future museum. It is also worth noting that 3 to 4 times a year, contemporary art exhibitions are held here. Lastly, the famous chef Guy Savoy (3 stars in the Michelin Guide) has opened a restaurant of the same name, near the Parc Saint Séverin Hotel.