Inspiration is around the corner : Experience a selection of the best French craftsmanship through Homo Faber Guide

 

• Looking to discover France through new eyes?
• Searching for a one-of-a-kind bespoke handcrafted object?
• Curious to learn of Christian Lacroix’s best kept addresses?
• Eager to see the rare skills of an eventailliste or find the last passementier?
• Would you like to try your hand at basket weaving or at jewellery making?

Homo Faber Guide places the world of fine craftsmanship in Europe at your fingertips. Experience excellence with access a selection of the best master artisans, rising talents, galleries, ateliers, manufacturers and museums from all over the continent. The guide is created in collaboration with the international network of the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship which provides local expertise, recommends, evaluates and endorses featured participants.

Rediscover France in a new light, revisiting your favourite places, enriched by new encounters and experiences. Follow the recommendations of our carefully selected French city ambassadors and prestigious partner institutions to find hidden gems as they share the craftsmanship found on their doorsteps. Wherever you are in France, find courses around the corner to express your own creativity.

First to the city of lights, follow in the footsteps of city ambassador India Mahdavi and you will wind your way to the workshop of Parisian lacquerer, Anne Midavaine. Here at Atelier Midavaine, you will find large-scale lacquer panelling, folding screens and elegant furniture. Feast your eyes on the tools, the colours and the vibrancy of her creative surroundings. Paris seen through the eyes of designer Pierre Marie will take you to the 20th arrondissement in search of the last passementerie workshop of its kind. Book a visit to see the archives of Duvelleroy or transform plastic into delicate flowers under the watchful eye of master artisan William Amor. Be led to the workshop of innovative metalworker, Hervé Wahlen by Institut National Métiers d’Art.

Venture to the West Coast to Rochefort to find the gold thread embroiderer, Sylvie Deschamps, see for yourself the incredible skill and detail required to embroider pieces of haute couture, military dress and to restore antique costumes. Then make your way to the workshop of ceramicist Juliette Clovis near to Bordeaux, and witness the wonder of her sculptural creations. Take a detour to discover the beautiful creations of silversmith, Roland Daraspe, in Macau, upon the recommendation of Fondation Bettencourt Schueller. Stop on your way at Limoges to become acquainted with the prestigious Bernardaud Manufacture or at Aubusson to see how artisans are taking traditional tapestry techniques and transforming them with contemporary twists.

Set sail to the South of France and see it like never before, as Christian Lacroix shares his best-kept secrets, as the ambassador for Nîmes. Step into the nearby workshop of Rogan Brown and witness his extraordinary mastery of paper art or create your own piece of jewellery at the atelier of Sara Bran. Visit the workshop of woodturner, Alain Mailland, in Chamborigaud, to see for yourself why Ateliers d’Art de France recommended him. Pack your bags for the North, first stop Mauviel 1830 for a memorable experience, visiting the manufacturer, and learning of the materials, shapes and finishes mastered by the artisans. Head to the Musée de la Nacre et de la Tabletterie to immerse yourself in an endangered craft tradition. Book an experience at the workshop of Valérie Colas des Francs in Nemours to have a go at straw marquetry.
 

Explore the East with a new perspective, marvel at the meticulous skills of master weaver Franz Ippoldt, the last of his kind to weave exact replicas of historical tapestries. Take a detour to discover the gifted cabinetmaker Emmanuel Joussot, who continues his family tradition of creating handcrafted frames and wooden furniture. Follow your heart northwards and catch a glimpse of the magic behind the eponymous Baccarat crystal glass.