Arts and crafts

Automates et poupées

This shop and workshop specializes in the restoration of antique dolls, automatons, musical boxes, singing birds and bears. You may also find a selection of new articles, including home-made creations. The visit will be focused on the restoration of antique dolls.

- Dates and time: (More dates to come)
(visit focused on the restoration of antique dolls)
(visit focused on the restoration of automatons)
- Approximate duration: one hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 20
- Fee: 10 €

Additional information
- For all
- Visit in French
- Booking on the website www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at: 01 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, and other dates or languages

Balcaen, stylish furniture

Balcaen specializes in the reproduction of up-market French style furniture. You are invited to visit the finishing workshops, where the final patinas and golden leaf are applied.

- Dates and time: Friday 6 March at 3pm
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 14
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information:
- Inaccessible for people with physical disability
- Visit in French and English
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at: 01 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, and other dates or languages

Website: http://www.mobilier-balcaen.com/

Ben Azri, jewel and and interior designer

Humanist, lecturer passionate with Berber culture, Ben Azri was inspired from the antique Tifinagh alphabet to create his new collection of silver jewels. He brings you into a world of symbols, history and generosity.

- Dates and time: (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 15
- Fee: 6 €

Site internet : www.benazri.com

Additional information
- Access for all
- Visit in French and English
- Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
- Booking on the website : www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0)1 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, and other dates or languages

Claire Wolfstirn, contemporary jewels

After being a designer, Claire trained in jewel designing and then opened her own workshop. Her creations combine pure lines and are nature –inspired, as in her collection "wild grasses". She will talk all about and explain her inspiration and techniques.

- Dates and time: (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 7
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information:
- Inaccessible for people with physical disability
- Visit in French and English
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Claude Delhief's workshop, glyptician

Discover the art of engraving precious and semi-precious stones, as well as other rare materials, by the Master of Art Claude Delhief. The workshop produces silversmith and ornamental pieces, which are engraved in intaglio, cameo and round. Classes in glyptic, drawing and sculpture are offered for amateurs and professionals.

- Dates and time: More dates to come!
- Approximate duration: 2 hours
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 10
- Fee: 10 €

Additional information
- Inaccessible for people with physical disability
- Visit in French and English
- Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
- Booking on the website : www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0)1 42 51 19 80

Website: www.glyptique.com

Frédéric Keskinides, furrier

The Keskinidès have been working as furriers for 3 generations. Frédéric, who was distinguished as one of the best in France “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” has created items for the greatest fashion houses. Today, he produces items just for his own shop, and his Christian Dès fur label.

You will visit his workshop where he creates, transforms and repairs coats, hats and scarves. He will show you his methods of working and some of his creations.

- Dates and time: (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 7
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information
- Inaccessible for people with physical disability
- Visit in French and English
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at : contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at: 01 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, and other dates or languages

Website: www.keskinides.com

G4 - engraving workshop

The G4 engraving workshop specialises in metalworking for printing. Nathalie Bégué, Meilleur Ouvrier de France (a top French craftswoman), uses traditional techniques like line-engraving, stamping and embossing on paper. You will be able to see an engraving demonstration.

- Dates and time : (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 10
- Fee: 7 €

Additional information
- For all
- Visit in French and english
- Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
- Booking on the website : www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

The Grand Herbalist's shop

Since 1880, this shop has been a sanctuary for medicinal and aromatic plants. Mr Raveneau is a pharmacist. His job involves advising his patients on how to cure their illnesses and how to make medicines based only on medicinal plants. In his laboratory, he will show you plants from all over the world, which he leaves to dry, and explain the preparation of essences, of essential oils, and maceration processes. Herbalism is a complex and continually evolving science, which is not widely-known.

- Dates and time: Friday 6 February and 15 May at 3pm
- Approximate duration: from 45 min to 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 10
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information:
- For all
- Visit in French and English
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at: 01.42.51.19.80

Henri Selmer - music instruments maker

Between arts craft and high technology, Henri Selmer Paris has been making brass and wind music instruments since 1885: saxophones, clarinets and bassoons, brass, as well as mouthpieces and accessories. You will visit the showroom with the finest pieces, as well as the repair and fixing workshop for wind instruments.

- Dates and time: (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 12
- Fee: 6 €
- After the visit you will attend a tango concert at 6:30pm

Additional information
- For all above 15
- Visit in French and English
- Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
- Booking on the website : www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 0) 1 42 51 19 80

Website: [www.selmer.fr

Jacques Gauthier, fine leather craft

Here is one of the last fine leather craft workshop. All kinds of bags are made here on custom, as well as many other leather items. The workshop also takes care of restoration. The front-door shop presents a selection of fine and fancy leather articles. You will attend an introduction to the know-how, and a demonstration of double needles sewing.

- Dates and time: Thursday 12 March and 30 April at 10am
- Approximate duration: On hour and a half
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 10
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information
- For all
- Visit in French and English
- Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Ets. Le Briand, manufacture of traditional bedding

Located in the faubourg St Antoine since 1880, this company makes and repairs wool mattresses, box springs and bed heads. Combines respect for tradition and modernity, and uses all natural materials.

- Date and time: (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 8
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information
- Inaccessible for people with physical disability
- Visit in French and English
- Booking on the website : www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, other dates or languages

Website: http://www.le-briand.com/

Le Cadrilège, art framing

Michèle creates frames in the most various materials to enhance drawings and paintings. During the visit, she will show you her artwork on a practical level.

- Date and time: (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 5
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information:
- Inaccessible for people with physical disability
- Visit in French
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at: 01 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, and other dates or languages

Le Chambrelain, porcelain painting

Anne Chouffet presents the technique of porcelain painting that she has practiced for 25 years in the most famous porcelain manufactures, before starting to teach it. Classes are held daily. The workshop also produces original creations.

-Dates and time: (More dates to come)
-Approximate duration: 1 hour
-Maximum number of participants/visit: 8
-Fee: 6 €

Additional information
- Inaccessible for people with physical disability
- Visit in French and English
- Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
- Booking on the website : www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Ets. Légeron, artificial flower and feather decorations

Created in 1727, this workshop makes decorative artificial flowers and feathers for the most prestigious fashion designers. The work is entirely handmade to order. You will be shown the various steps of this ancestral know-how.

- Dates and times: Thursday 12 March and 7 May and 2 pm
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 10
- Fee: 8 €

- Inaccessible for people with physical disability
- Visit in French and English
- Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
- Booking on the website : www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Website: www.legeron.com

Liberto Planas, art stringed-instrument maker

At first, a musician and classic guitar teacher, Liberto Planas, then trained in the art of stringed-instrument making, which he has now been teaching for many years. He makes and restores most string instruments. His customers are international collectors and museums who are looking for high-quality craftsmanship.

- Date and time: Friday 5 June at 10.30 am
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 5
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information
- Inaccessible for people with physical disability
- Visit in French, English, Spanish, Italian or Japanese
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at: 01 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, and other dates or languages

Marais book-binding workshop

Célia Malouvier trains small groups of students in her workshop-school. Some choose this as their favourite leisure activity, while others follow a professional vocation. Binding allows to express a personal creativity: Each student designs his project and chooses all the materials. The work requires then much application in contact with beautiful materials as paper and leather. Célia teaches the technique, composed of a following of 150 operations, and how to handle the professional tools. The tour will let you discover the main steps in bookbinding, and the work on each material : leather, paper made in the vat, cloth...

- Dates and time: At 3:00 pm on March 12, May 7, and June 25, 2008.
- Approximate duration: 30 to 45 min
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 8
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information
- For all
- Visit in French (for visit in English: contact us)
- Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
- Booking on the website : www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Master Perfumer and Glover

This traditional French perfumer has a history dating back to the end of the 18th century. You will discover how perfumes are made in an artisanal way, using only natural materials.

- Dates and time: Friday 13 February and 10 April at 3pm
- Approximate duration: from 45 min to 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 10
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information:
- For all
- Visit in French and English
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at: 01.42.51.19.80

Mérat-Auger workshop, art engraving and typography

MM. Auger, father and son, create collection books, with small editions, on beautiful rag papers, for artists or art editors. They will share with you their experience and passion, with a demonstration. You will discover the box of typographical composition, and learn the difference between a monotype letter and a caster lead letter.

- Dates and time: (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit : 8
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information
- For all
- Visit in French and English
- Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Métal d’Alcôve, lights and luminous sculpture

Eric Katz creates unique pieces from salvaged items that he re-looks, in a 1930s to 1950s inspired style. In his workshop shop, he produces and also teaches those who would like to work glass and metal themselves. He will demonstrate his techniques in the course of your visit.

- Dates and time: (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 6
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information
- Inaccessible for people with physical disability
- Visit in French
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, other dates or languages

Website: http://metal.alcove.free.fr/

Michèle Wilson, wooden puzzles

The wooden art jigsaw puzzle is the Rolls-Royce of puzzles. You will discover that hand cutting refines the level of difficulty of the game, and gives an incomparable finish as it perfectly follows the artwork.

- Date and time: (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 10
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information
- For all
- Visit in French and English
- Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
- Booking on the website : www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Website: www.pmw.fr

Nicole D workshop

Nicole Dana has learnt painting with a Chinese master. She used to practice Chinese calligraphy and now develops her art on porcelain painting. In her workshop, you will see her art works and techniques.
- Dates and time: Saturday 22 March 2008 at 3pm
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 6
- Fee: 6 €
Additional information:
- For all
- Visit in French and English
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at: 01.42.51.19.80
Site internet : www.atelier-nicole-dana.fr

Pardo workshop, coat of arms engraving

Elisa, designated one of the best engravers in France “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” works in the engraving workshop created by her father. Their specialty is coats of arms, and small silversmith’s items. They will explain their techniques, and you will be able to watch them using their tools under a microscope.

-Dates and time:(More dates to come)
-Approximate duration: 1 hour
-Maximum number of participants/visit: 6
-Fee: 6 €

Additional information:
-Inaccessible for people with physical disability
-Visit in French and English
-Booking on the website www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at: 01 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, and other dates or languages

The Phonogallery

The Phonogallery is an exhibition, rental and repair place for historical sound material : phonographs, grammophones, 78 laps discs, and cylinders. M. Aro, a passionate repairman and collector will tell you the story of the recorded music and sounds. You will also have the opportunity to listen to some cylinder –recorded old music, as old as the start of the 20th century.

- Dates and time: Saturday 7 February, 4 April, 13 June and 4 July at 1pm
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 15 people
- Fee: 6 €
Additional information:
- For all
- Visit in French and English
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at: 01.42.51.19.80
Site Internet : www.phonogalerie.com

Plume de radis, fine leather goods

Sandra Baud makes fashion leather accessories: bags, wallets, bracelets... for her it is also an art. The shapes, colours, and motifs hold an important place in the making of a leather item that has to be both useful and pleasant. Moreover, Sandra loves to discuss the work with her customers to remain as faithful as possible to their wishes and tastes, within the limit of the spirit of her work. It is important for her to personalize each of her creations and make each one of them a unique item.

- Dates and time: (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 10
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information:
- For all
- Visit in French and English
-Booking on the website www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at: 01 42 51 19 80

Website: www.plumederadis.com

Primateria, polychromy on wood

Sébasien Pisivin restores and creates painted works of art on wood while respecting traditional practices. He will evoke his work, through the pieces in his workshop to describe the materials used and to show how he approaches the subject.

-Dates and time: (More dates to come)
-Approximate duration: 1 hour
-Maximum number of participants/visit: 10
-Fee: 6 €

Additional information
-Inaccessible for people with physical disability
-Visit in French and English
-Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
-Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Website: http://primateria.free.fr/

Quart de Poil, furniture and item designer

This company creates modern furniture and items, mainly in leather and paperboard. Their most famous collection is inspired from folding. Isabelle will present to you how they have their product ranges conceived and manufactured.

-Dates and time: (More dates to come)
-Approximate duration: 1 hour
-Maximum number of participants/visit: 15
-Fee: 6 €

Additional information
-For all
-Visit in French and English
-Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, and other dates or languages.

Website: www.quartdepoil.com

Rennotte workshop, bronze-smith

The workshop creates all pieces of furniture in brass. This is the place to go for replacing or repairing the ornaments on your period furniture. Bronze-smith and gilder, Rennote owns a shop in Paris and a workshop in Charenton (close suburb). Both are included in the tour (take metro tickets).

-Dates and time: (More dates to come)
-Approximate duration: 2 hours
-Maximum number of participants/visit: 10
-Fee: 6 €

Additional information
-Inaccessible for people with physical disability
-Visit in French and in English
-Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
-Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Sally Ruddock-Rivière, hat-designer

Sally creates hand-made hats on custom, in an elegant baroque style. Through this encounter, you will discover an artwork in the world of upscale fashion.

-Dates and time: (More dates to come)
-Approximate duration: 1 hour
-Maximum number of participants/visit: 8
-Fee: 6 €

Additional information
-Inaccessible for people with physical disability
-Visit in French and English
-Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, and other dates or languages.

Tempo Vitraux, stained glass

This stained-glass workshop has 3 activities: creation, restoration and classes. Created 5 years ago by Claudine Zidi , the workshop now sees the orders flooding in. 3 stained-glass workers are permanently employed, 1 specializes in contemporary creation, another in traditional styles and restoration, and a third in the making of glass jewels from offcuts. The techniques, tools and various steps in the making of stained glass windows will be explained to you during the visit, along with a demonstration.

- Dates and time: 28 November 2008 at 3.30pm
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 6
- Fee : 6 €

Additional information:
- For all
- Visit in French and English
- Booking on the website:www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Consult us for groups, and other dates or languages.

Terrienne, ceramics creation workshop

Alexis creates pieces of earthenware and porcelain for sophisticated and modern Parisian interiors. She is also a teacher and gives classes for amateurs. Earthenware is an excellent way to centre oneself on what is essential, according to the artist. Alexis offers to share her know-how with you for a discovery visit.

-Dates and time: (More dates to come)
-Approximate duration: One hour and a half
-Maximum number of participants/visit: 15
-Fee: 6 €

Additional information
-For all
-Visit in French and English
-Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
-Booking on the website : www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com

or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Website: http://www.alexisduclos-terrienne.com

Univers Minéral, lapidary

William Gonin selects and shapes gems to enhance their qualities. A young self-taught man, he works on customized jewellery for private customers and also has a large collection of fine and precious stones to put in his shop window. During the visit, he will show you the classification of stones, the techniques and tools of his work as well as recounting a few anecdotes.

- Dates and time: (More dates to come)
- Approximate duration: 45 mn
- Maximum number of participants/visit: 6
- Fee: 6 €

Additional information:
- For all
- Visit in French and English
- Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
-or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
-or at: 01.42.51.19.80

-Consult us for groups, and other dates or languages

Website: www.universmineral.com

Verre Passion, glass jewel designer

Patricia's universe is glass, and she expresses herself with stained-glass windows and jewel making. All her creations are unique pieces made on site. During the visit, she will demonstrate the cutting and preparation of the glass before the baking process, and the setting of the pieces.

-Date and time: (More dates to come)
-Approximate duration: 1 hour
-Maximum number of participants/visit: 6
-Fee: 6 €

Additional information
-For all
-Visit in French
-Consult us for groups, other dates or languages
-Booking on the website : www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80

Website: www.verrepassion.com

Vincent Mouchez, ornamental detail sculptor

This craftsman works by request to create or repair carved works, often in coordination with cabinet makers. You can come and meet him in his workshop for a presentation of his techniques.

-Date and time: (More dates to come)
-Approximate duration: 1 hour
-Maximum number of participants/visit: 6
-Fee: 6 €

Additional information
-Inaccessible for people with physical disability
-Visit in French and English
-Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80 -Consult us for groups, other dates or languages

Vincent Mouchez, ornamental detail sculptor

This craftsman works by request to create or repair carved works, often in coordination with cabinet makers. You can come and meet him in his workshop for a presentation of his techniques.

-Date and time: (More dates to come)
-Approximate duration: 1 hour
-Maximum number of participants/visit: 6
-Fee: 6 €

Additional information
-Inaccessible for people with physical disability
-Visit in French and English
-Booking on the website: www.meetingthefrench.com
or by e-mail at: contact@meetingthefrench.com
or at +33 (0) 1 42 51 19 80 -Consult us for groups, other dates or languages