Featherwork, ceramics, embroidery, floral design… These time-honoured crafts instantly evoke the elegance of French savoir-faire, where skilled hands bring extraordinary talent to life. From April 7 to 12, the European Days of Crafts take centre stage across France. To mark the occasion, La Vallée Village—an iconic fashion destination just outside Paris—celebrates this living heritage with The Art of Crafting. On the agenda? A series of workshops open to the public, featuring demonstrations and hands-on introductions to métiers as rare as they are fascinating. Here’s everything you need to know.
A Living Stage for Artisanal Excellence
With a strong commitment to sustainability, La Vallée Village shines a spotlight on exceptional craftsmanship through The Art of Crafting, raising awareness of this intangible heritage that defines France’s reputation for excellence.
Blending heritage with modernity, the event creates a dialogue between those who make fashion and those who wear it. Throughout the Village—from the glass-roofed dining space of Menu Palais to the open-air shopping streets—craftsmanship comes alive.
Precision gestures, little-known techniques, intricate production stages… Passionate artisans will reveal (almost) all the secrets behind their craft. Who knows? It might even spark a vocation.
Workshops to Add to Your Calendar
During the week, two artisans will be there each day (three on weekends), offering no fewer than eight 30-minute demonstrations from 11am to 6pm.
To attend, simply head to the glass atrium of the Menu Palais restaurant, where all workshops take place. Ask for the daily schedule upon arrival and drop in whenever you like—no booking required.
Daily programme:
- Tuesday, April 7: Embroidery and featherwork demonstrations
- Wednesday, April 8: Costume-making and floral design demonstrations + metal chasing initiation
- Thursday, April 9: Ceramics and leather goods demonstrations
- Friday, April 10: Embroidery and leather demonstrations
- Saturday, April 11: Leather goods, shoemaking (morning), and metal chasing (afternoon) + hands-on initiation (morning: metal chasing / afternoon: shoemaking)
- Sunday, April 12: Featherwork, shoemaking (morning), and metal chasing (afternoon) + hands-on initiation (morning: metal chasing / afternoon: shoemaking)
Psst… Word has it that the immersive metal chasing workshop lets participants create their very own personalised medal alongside an artisan—and take it home. Tempted?
The Art of Crafting, April 7–12 at La Vallée Village, daily from 11am to 6pm. More information available online.
