The Gobelins Manufactory: an artistic treasure in Paris

Nestled just steps away from the Latin Quarter, the Gobelins Manufactory is one of Paris’s best-kept secrets. This iconic site, where tradition meets contemporary creation, is well worth a visit during your stay in the French capital.

The fascinating history of the Gobelins Manufactory

The history of the Gobelins Manufactory begins long before it became such a prestigious institution. To understand its origins, we must travel several centuries back in time.

The Gobelins family, dyers from father to son

The story begins in the 15th century with Jehan Gobelin, a dyer from Reims who set up his workshop along the Bièvre River. At the time, the river’s waters were renowned for their tinctorial qualities, ideal for producing dyes and pigments. His descendants, masters in the art of dyeing—particularly the famous scarlet red—developed the business and gave their name to the neighborhood and the Gobelins enclosure. Their secrets of color shades became legendary.

Colbert and Louis XIV: the birth of the Royal Manufactory

A major turning point came in the 17th century. Under the leadership of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, minister to Louis XIV, and painter Charles Le Brun, various Parisian workshops were brought together in 1662 to create the Royal Manufactory of Tapestries and Furniture for the Crown. Its purpose was clear: to supply sumptuous furnishings and textile decorations for royal palaces. From that moment on, the Gobelins tapestry manufactory became a symbol of French power and excellence in decorative arts.

The Mobilier National: a treasure of creativity and craftsmanship

Today, the Gobelins Manufactory is part of the Mobilier National, the institution responsible for the furnishing of official buildings of the French Republic, drawing on exceptionally rich public collections.

Weaving: an art mastered by skilled artisans

The weaving tradition lives on in the workshops of the manufactory. Visitors can observe highly skilled artisans, known as liciers, working on traditional looms, often using the high-warp technique. Unlike machines, every thread is placed by hand. With meticulous precision, the licier handles shuttle and comb to create thousands of knots that gradually form a true textile work of art.

Large tapestries can take several years to complete, requiring patience and exceptional expertise. These artisans perpetuate a highly technical craft passed down from generation to generation. They are the guardians of ancestral weaving techniques, whose slow and precise gestures tell a story of art, dedication, and tradition.

From the Savonnerie to public collections

The site also houses the Savonnerie Manufactory, specialized in the hand-knotted velvet carpets, as well as a restoration workshop essential for preserving public collections.

The Mobilier National manages an impressive inventory of furniture and decorative objects, ranging from historical pieces to contemporary creations, often used for official purposes or diplomatic gifts. These works can be admired during the temporary exhibitions regularly held at the Gobelins Gallery.

Visiting the Gobelins Manufactory: practical information

The Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays). Admission costs €8 at the full rate and €6 at the reduced rate for a self-guided visit.

Guided tours with a lecturer take place on Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. (€12 full rate, €8 reduced rate). A guided tour of the workshops is also available on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. (€17.50 full rate, €9.90 reduced rate).

During the visit, you will discover the restoration workshop, watch the weavers at work on their looms, and gain insight into the fascinating process that transforms an artist’s design into a textile masterpiece.

Tip: Each year, during the European Heritage Days, the Gobelins Manufactory opens its doors to the public free of charge.

Stay nearby: Hôtel de l’Espérance, your romantic retreat

After exploring the treasures of the manufactory, extend your Parisian escape in the authentic charm of the Latin Quarter. The Hôtel de l’Espérance welcomes you just minutes from Avenue des Gobelins, on a quiet street close to Rue Mouffetard.

This 4-star hotel combines modern comfort with the romantic atmosphere that defines this historic neighborhood. Ideally located for discovering the cultural gems of the Left Bank, it is the perfect starting point to explore Paris differently.

Book your stay at Hôtel de l’Espérance now and enjoy an authentic Parisian experience in the heart of the Latin Quarter, just steps from the Gobelins Manufactory.