Tour Albert

The Tour Albert, also known as Tour Croulebarbe, is located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris and is considered the first high-rise residential complex in the French capital. The building was designed between 1958 and 1960 by the architect Édouard Albert and rises 67 meters (220 feet) and 23 stories above the surrounding buildings. It was originally built as part of an urban planning concept that was meant to create a connection via a bridge, but the plan failed when the transit authorities rejected it. Despite this, the tower's striking silhouette and architectural style shape the look of the neighborhood.

Architecturally, the building stands out for its load-bearing structure of hollow steel tubes filled with concrete, some of which remain visible on the facade. This construction is characteristic of Albert's work and is complemented by steel panels and windows with translucent bases. On the sixth floor is a large terrace, whose ceiling was designed in black and white by Jacques Lagrange. Although this area was actually meant to be open to the public, it remained inaccessible because the bridge project was abandoned. Another terrace is located on the 22nd floor.

The building has gained cultural and historical significance. It was designated a historic monument in 1994, and a comprehensive restoration followed in 2005. In the late 2010s, the property attracted growing interest from investors. The Tour Albert also served as a filming location for the movie "Plaire, aimer et courir vite" (Sorry Angel), which is set in the early 1990s. Visitors can mainly admire the building from the outside, since it is a residential building; it can be reached via the Les Gobelins or Corvisart metro stations.