Gobelins Manufactory

Welcome to the 13th arrondissement of Paris, specifically to the historic Manufacture des Gobelins (Mah-noo-fac-toor day Go-blan). We are standing far from the typical Haussmannian boulevards of central Paris, in an area that…

Let us take a moment to admire the primary building before us: the monumental Galerie des Gobelins. Built slightly later than the original workshops, its facade is instantly recognizable by its striking orange brickwork…

While we cannot stand directly over the shoulders of the weavers without a scheduled interior tour, we must deeply understand the process occurring inside. The creation of a Gobelins tapestry is an exercise in extreme patience…

The Manufacture des Gobelins is not an isolated institution. It is part of a larger, state-run complex known as the Mobilier National, which is responsible for furnishing official state buildings. …

To understand why the Gobelins Manufactory is located precisely here in the 13th arrondissement, we must look beyond the brick walls and into the geological history of the neighborhood. The key to this location lies in an…

As we move further away from the manufactory, exploring the surrounding 13th arrondissement reveals a startling architectural diversity. This district is not your typical postcard vision of Paris; instead, it is a surprising and…

To conclude our specific exploration of the neighborhood surrounding the Gobelins, we must seek out its most charming secrets. Tucked away in the folds of the 13th arrondissement are pockets of 'the countryside in Paris'—hidden,…

As our journey through the Manufacture des Gobelins and its surrounding neighborhood concludes, we are left with a deep appreciation for the endurance of human craftsmanship. The Gobelins is not merely a factory; it is a vital…