The Towers bringing us together: the twins turn 30!
Episode #1: from idea to reality, the genesis of the Alicante Chassagne Towers

This year, the Alicante Chassagne Towers, also known by the acronym TAC (for their French name Tours Alicante Chassagne) by Parisians, are celebrating 30 years of existence. Located in the heart of the La Défense business district, these two emblematic skyscrapers are much more than just buildings; they embody Societe Generale’s progress and symbolise the values of innovation, collaboration and modernity that have guided the Group for decades.
What is the story behind these towers and their design? What impact are they continuing to have on employees’ day-to-day lives? We go back to 1988, and the birth of this ambitious project.
The genesis of a visionary project
By the late 1980s, Societe Generale was confronted with a major problem: its central services were scattered all over central Paris and its premises were poorly suited to the demands of a modern bank. In 1988, Chairman and CEO Marc Viénot decided to unite the Company’s forces within a new central head-office building capable of accommodating 9,000 staff. This plan, the “New Head Offices project”, needed to meet several objectives: improve working conditions, foster synergies between teams and reduce operating costs.
After several studies and searches for a suitable site, La Défense was chosen as the location. In 1992, Societe Generale signed a sales agreement for the construction of a real-estate complex in the Valmy quarter near the Grande Arche de La Défense. Construction began that August and mobilised up to 3,000 labourers.
Iconic architecture
The Alicante and Chassagne Towers, designed by architects Michel Andrault, Pierre Parat and Nicolas Ayoub, stand out through their modern design. 167 meters high, these towers are clad in glass and are characterised, inside, by their red and blond shades that bring a bit of warmth. They get their name from the quarries the stone came from: Chassagne in eastern France and Alicante in Spain.
The entrance lobby, a transparent glass cube, welcomes visitors and employees and leads to the Agora, a central area conducive to conversations.
The Elephant: a symbol of conviviality
Among the emblematic elements of the Towers, the sculpture of the Elephant, a work by Welsh sculptor Barry Flanagan, occupies a central position. Located at the rear of the Agora since 1996, it has become staff members’ favourite meeting point.
Every day, hundreds of “rendez-vous à l’Éléphant” (meet you at the elephant) are organised, whether for lunch, coffee or simply a chat. This meeting place embodies the spirit of friendliness and sharing that prevails within Societe Generale; it is the symbol of social interaction and relaxing breaks in employees’ place of work. It has become the soul of the Agora.
Much more than just work premises, the Alicante Chassagne Towers represent Societe Generale’s commitment to its employees and its future. The celebration of the Towers’ 30th anniversary honours not only their modern and functional architecture, but also the spirit of collaboration and friendliness within them. Through the Elephant and their many meeting places, these Towers have become a symbol of our corporate culture.