The annual European Heritage Days are an opportunity for the public to visit monuments and sites that are usually off limits. Among the participants this year are several luxury fashion houses, which are set to reveal some of the secrets of one of France’s most iconic industries.
Established by the French Culture Ministry in 1984, the European Heritage Days event has since been taken up by some 50 countries and inspired others outside the EU to launch their own versions.
A number of fashion houses and luxury companies are opening their doors for the three-day event, which this year coincides with Paris Fashion Week starting 23 September.
Artisans' paradise
For the second year running, the 19M gallery established by legendary brand Chanel is encouraging the public to visit its vast multidisciplinary space at Porte d’Aubervilliers.
Its name refers to the 19th district of Paris, the date of birth of designer Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, and the letter “M” for mode (fashion), métiers d’art (artisanal professions) and main (hand), in tribute to craftspeople and their savoir-faire.
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Designed by award-winning architect Rudy Ricciotti, 19M houses 12 art and manufacturing studios, where up to 700 artisans and experts work daily. The 25,000-square-metre space also features a gallery, a café and a garden.
One of the highlights for this year's Heritage Days is the temporary exhibition dedicated to the history of Maison Lesage. Specialised in embroidery and weaving for fashion and interior design, the brand is celebrating its 100 years.
Meanwhile in the 7th district of Paris, the Kering luxury group – owner of Gucci and Saint Laurent among others – is inviting the public to see inside its headquarters at 40 rue de Sèvres.
The company prides itself on refurbishing the 1634 building, which started out as a hospice for terminally ill patients. It became the Laennec hospital in 1878, named for René Laennec, inventor of the stethoscope.
Fashion fans will be particularly interested in the collection by Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga on display in the east wing, while modern art lovers can see part of the Pinault collection in the chapel.
Jewels of the crown
Two well-known jewellery brands are also taking part.
For the third year in a row, the Cartier Jewellery Institute is opening the doors to its 18th century mansion in the 9th district of Paris. Around 150 artisans specialising in jewellery-making have been based here since 2002.
This year, visits will focus on the art of gemstones, giving the public the chance to meet the artisans and even try a workshop to learn some tricks of the trade.
Meanwhile, Boucheron will open the doors to the Hôtel de Nocé – a private mansion on Place Vendôme housing a specialised workshop founded by the French entrepreneur and trained jeweller Cédric Gangemi.
Acquired in 2023, the workshop employs around 60 craftspeople from several trades in the sector, including designers, jewellers, setters and polishers.
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Beauty queens
After two years of renovation, the Maison de Beauté Carita is ready to welcome the public for the Heritage Days.
The luxury skin and haircare brand was founded in 1945 by two sisters, Maria and Rosy Carita, who invented the concept of beauty care long before it became a trend.
The flagship store at 11 Faubourg Saint-Honoré was inaugurated in December 1952 in the presence of the Duchess of Windsor.
It has seen the likes of Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Adjani, Greta Garbo and Jane Fonda spend time in its three-storey temple of beauty.
Dazzling department stores
Where would French consumer culture be without its elegant department stores? The concept of these “cathedrals of commerce” can be attributed to Aristide Boucicaut, a novelty salesman from Normandy and founder of Le Bon Marché in 1852.
For the Heritage Days, two of Paris's other historic department stores are joining the programme.
Le Printemps, established in 1865, is organising a behind-the-scenes tour, notably giving visitors access to its private terrace, secret underground spaces and grand Art Deco staircase renovated last year.
Meanwhile, the Galeries Lafayette, established by Alsacian cousins Théophile Bader and Alphonse Khan in 1893, is hosting an exclusive nighttime visit with film screenings and a musical performance under its famous glass dome.
The European Heritage Days run from 20 to 22 September 2024, with some 17,000 venues open to the public. Most are free of charge, though some require online reservation in advance.
