ParisLocal
The hand of artisans
Unique or limited-edition handmade products. Crafts are back in the spotlight in Paris, where they are enjoying a veritable resurgence in popularity: jewellery, interior design, furniture, fashion – artists and craftspeople who work with unexpected and sometimes forgotten raw materials are coming to the fore. Decorator Pierre Marie works with stained-glass techniques reminiscent of the Middle Ages, using specialised workshops; Lison de Caunes creates straw marquetry furniture using ancestral techniques; Véronique de Soultrait works with rope wall decorations; Marianne Guedin’s delicate paper folding and the sumptuous materials invented by Pierre Bonnefille are all contemporary examples. A genuine desire for unique, high-quality products, a quest for non-standardised products shaped by the hand of man (or woman), reviving historic skills.
Paris has been at the heart of trends for thousands of years.
At Versailles, Louis XIV shone as a visionary of luxury: he brought together the best craftsmen, notably by creating the royal manufactures, which drew inspiration from the precious skills imported from all over the world: glass and mirrors from Venice, porcelain from China, soap-making, tapestry, etc. The King is determined to refocus this artistic production on the region. The aim? Excellence in quality and mastery of craftsmanship. Today, they represent a heritage and an invaluable wealth of expertise.
Most luxury companies were founded in the 19th century, and all of them have their roots in Paris. Hermès in 1837, Cartier in 1847, Louis Vuitton in 1854. Paris was its capital, its showcase, its ultimate destination. In the 19th century, it was the centre of the world. The Universal Exhibitions proved this – 5 in less than 45 years – and the Eiffel Tower was its immutable symbol. It became the City of Lights.
Paris was a magnet. For its artists, for its fabrics, for its literary salons. Baron Haussmann opened up the city’s streets, and the grand hotels welcomed foreign travellers and offered constant innovations.
ParisLocal boutique: focus on artisans in Greater Paris
A blend of tradition and modernity, ParisLocal Boutique offers a selection of unique items, embodying the expertise of artisans from Paris and the Greater Paris region.
The products on offer range from Parisian chocolates and jams to handmade soaps, designer jewellery, accessories and ceramics.
More than 350 items are on offer for visitors looking for an authentic, responsible souvenir.
Experiences
Established in 1925, the network of Chambers of Trades and Crafts (CMA) is celebrating its centenary this year.
A century of expertise, proximity and commitment to serving artisans.
