Gobelins Manufactory: visiting it from the 13th arrondissement

A few minutes from Place d’Italie, a discreet institution keeps alive a craft that is more than three centuries old: the Manufacture des Gobelins, where tapestries are still woven by hand for the French state. Here is what you can see there, and why it is one of the most unusual visits in the 13th arrondissement.

What is the Manufacture des Gobelins?

Located at 42 avenue des Gobelins, the Manufacture is the historic heart of the Mobilier National, the former royal furniture repository founded in 1663 by Louis XIV and his minister Colbert. Its mission hasn’t changed: making and maintaining the furniture and tapestries of the Republic’s official palaces, from the Élysée to the ministries. Tapestry weaving, which dates back to the 15th century on this site, is still practised here, using techniques handed down from workshop to workshop.

What can you see there?

Two experiences complement each other. The Galerie des Gobelins hosts rotating exhibitions drawn from the Mobilier National’s collections, where historic pieces sit alongside contemporary creations. The guided workshop tours take you behind the scenes: you can watch the weavers at work, on looms some of which have not changed for generations.

Practical information: the Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday during exhibitions, from 11 am to 6 pm, and closed on Mondays. Admission is free on the last Sunday of the month. Workshop tours take place on Saturdays at 3 pm, for around €12 (reduced rate €8). It is best to check the programme and book ahead, as places are limited.

Getting there

The Manufacture is just a few minutes away: metro line 7, Les Gobelins station, or buses 47 and 83, Banquier stop. From the Place d’Italie area, it’s also a short walk, which you can extend towards the Butte-aux-Cailles or the street art trail on Boulevard Vincent-Auriol.

B55, a short walk from the Manufacture

Staying in the 13th means having this heritage within walking distance. A wine-themed hotel, B55 offers quiet rooms, an indoor pool, a spa and a wine bar, a few minutes from the Gobelins and well connected to the rest of Paris. An ideal base for combining a cultural visit with a relaxing stay.

The Manufacture des Gobelins is one of those places you would never suspect just walking past. Take the time for an exhibition or a workshop tour, then settle in nearby: book your stay at B55 and discover the 13th through its hidden treasures.