Monnaie de Paris – Coins, Craftsmanship & A Slice Of French History

Paris is filled with grand landmarks, but few come with as much history and, quite literally, as much money as the Monnaie de Paris. Sitting regally on the Left Bank since 1775, this is the world's oldest operating mint, where coins have been produced since the days of Charles the Bald. (That was back in the days when French kings had great names.)

But this isn't just about pocket change. Monnaie de Paris — AKA the Paris Mint — is a fascinating blend of history, artistry, and craftsmanship. Inside its 18th-century palace, you find exhibitions on coin-making, live demonstrations by master engravers, and a museum packed with shimmering treasures from across the ages. Add in some contemporary art and a Michelin-starred restaurant, and you have one of the city's most overlooked gems.

The Paris Mint: A Thousand Years of Making Money

The Monnaie is on the left in this 1783 painting by Pierre-Antoine Demachy, photo Wikimedia

Monnaie de Paris has been making coins since 864, which is a long time to be in any business, let alone one where your product gets spent almost immediately. It all started when Charles the Bald (again, great name, Charles) decided France needed a unified currency. Ever since, the mint has been supplying coins, medals, and more, surviving revolutions, wars, and changing currencies.

By the 18th century, the boringly-named Louis, never one to resist a grand architectural statement, moved the mint to its current home on the Quai de Conti. (Rue de Monnaie, a street in the 1st Arrondissement, is so named because the Paris Mint was located there from 1387 to 1776.) The new mint building, designed by Jacques-Denis Antoine, is a neoclassical masterpiece that remains one of the most beautiful buildings along the Seine.

Over the centuries, Monnaie de Paris has evolved, adapting to technological advances while keeping the art of coin-making alive. Today, it continues to produce commemorative coins and medals while doubling as a cultural hub.

And if you think modern money production has lost its artistry, a walk through its halls will change your mind.

What to See at Monnaie de Paris

Coin-making artifacts a the museum, photo Monnaie de Paris by Jean Lubtchansky

The Museum: A Journey Through Currency

You may not think of coins as works of art, but one look at the museum's collection will change that. From ancient Roman coins to beautifully engraved medals, the exhibits show how currency has evolved over time. Minting tools, printing presses, and centuries-old engravings line the halls, telling the story of money through intricate design and masterful craftsmanship.

Want to see what Louis XIV's pocket change looked like? How about a coin from the French Revolution? It's all here, along with multimedia displays explaining how these little metal discs shaped history.

Live Demonstrations: Watch Artisans at Work

Ever wondered how coins are made? No? Well, you will once you step into the workshops of the Paris Mint. Here, skilled artisans hammer, engrave, and sculpt coins using techniques that haven't changed much since the Renaissance. It's mesmerizing to watch — there's something oddly satisfying about seeing molten metal take shape under the hands of master craftsmen.

And if you want to get in on the action, you can strike your own commemorative coin to take home. A souvenir with real weight to it.

Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Just when you think you've stepped into a time capsule, Monnaie de Paris surprises you with contemporary art exhibitions. International and French artists regularly showcase their work here, using the grand historic halls as a dramatic backdrop. The result? A fascinating contrast between old-world elegance and modern creativity.

A Prime Spot on the Seine

Monnaie de Paris on the Seine, photo Monnaie de Paris by Bernard Touillon

The Paris Mint enjoys one of the best locations in the city. Sitting on the Quai de Conti, it's just across from the Louvre and a short walk from Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. You can soak in breathtaking views of the Seine, stroll along the Pont Neuf, or meander through the lively streets of the 6th arrondissement.

The mint itself is a masterpiece, with its imposing neoclassical façade, grand courtyards, and colonnaded interiors. Whether you're here for the history or just looking for a quiet place to escape the crowds, the setting alone makes it worth a visit.

Dining at Guy Savoy's Michelin-Starred Restaurant

Photo restaurant Guy Savoy

For those who like their history lessons served with a side of fine dining, Monnaie de Paris has one of the most prestigious restaurants in the city: Guy Savoy. This Michelin-starred spot sits within the mint's grand halls, offering a menu that turns French cuisine into an art form.

Expect delicate flavors, artistic plating, and a price tag that reminds you that you're dining in a place dedicated to money. Reservations are essential, but if you're looking for a meal that's as memorable as the setting, this is it.

Controversially, Michelin downgraded Guy Savoy to two stars in the 2023 edition of the Guide, after Chef Savoy's two-decade run at three stars. It was a shocking decision in the culinary world an particularly surprising given the restaurant's consistent acclaim and recognition as the world's best restaurant by La Liste just months earlier. As of the 2025 guide, Guy Savoy has not regained its third star (although it was named Best Restaurant In The World for the eighth consecutive year).

Monnaie de Paris: A Hidden Treasure by the Seine

Solid gold 1,000 euro coin available from the Paris Mint

Monnaie de Paris is one of those places that many visitors walk past, but they really shouldn't. It's not just a mint — it's a living museum, an art space, and a tribute to craftsmanship that spans over a thousand years. Whether you're admiring centuries-old coins, watching artisans at work, or treating yourself to a Michelin-starred meal, this hidden treasure on the Seine is well worth a visit.

So next time you're here, skip the usual landmarks for a moment and step into the world of Monnaie de Paris. You might just leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of making money.

The Paris Mint – Resources

• 11 Quai de Conti
• 6th Arrondissement
• Metro: Odéon, Pont Neuf, or Saint-Michel
• Monnaie de Paris Website…
• Guy Savoy Website…