Question 1

What exactly does the guided tour of the Gobelins Manufactory include?

Accepted Answer

The tour includes a 1.5-hour commented journey in the Gobelins enclosure , access to two active weaving workshops (high warp or low warp depending on the day's schedule), explanations from the official guide , and free entry to the Gobelins Gallery if a temporary exhibition is ongoing. Your e-ticket is included in the booking.

Question 2

How does the e-ticket work and how to access it on the day of the visit?

Accepted Answer

Your e-ticket is sent immediately by email after your order is confirmed. On the day of the visit, simply present this document on your smartphone at the entrance of 42 Avenue des Gobelins to join your group without going through the ticket office. No printing is necessary.

Question 3

Do the weavers really work in front of visitors during the tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that's the heart of the experience: the art technicians of the manufactory are active in their workshops during your visit, and you observe them handling the spindle , the comb , and the control mirror on their loom . It's not a reenactment or theatrical demonstration, but a state production workshop in full operation.

Question 4

What is the difference between high warp and low warp weaving?

Accepted Answer

The high warp refers to weaving done on a vertical loom, a technique specific to the Gobelins Manufactory , where the weaver works standing facing their tapestry. The low warp is practiced on a horizontal loom, like at the Beauvais Manufactory , and requires a seated posture. In both cases, the tapestry is woven in reverse, and the control mirror is essential for checking the final result.

Question 5

Can you postpone or cancel your booking without fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, any postponement or date change is free up to 24 hours before the start of your visit. After this period, no changes can be accepted due to the workshops' organizational constraints. Simply contact our customer service with your e-ticket number to make the change.

Question 6

Where do we meet before the start of the visit and how to get there?

Accepted Answer

The meeting point is set in front of the main entrance of 42 Avenue des Gobelins , in the 13th arrondissement, at 1:45 PM. The nearest metro station is Les Gobelins on line 7, two minutes' walk away. Bus lines 27, 47, and 91 also serve the Les Gobelins stop directly in front of the manufactory.

Question 7

Is the Gobelins Manufactory tour suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

The experience is suitable for children from around 8 years old, provided they can attentively follow a 1.5-hour guided tour in French. The technical aspect and precision of the explanations are more appreciated by teenagers and adults. For families, it is recommended to briefly prepare younger ones for the world of Gobelins tapestry before the visit.

Question 8

Is the tour accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Accepted Answer

The Gobelins enclosure is a historical site with some areas featuring old cobblestones and stairs in the production buildings. We invite people with reduced mobility to contact us before booking to identify possible arrangements with our team and adapt the route to their needs as best as possible.

Question 9

Is the tour offered in languages other than French?

Accepted Answer

The guided tour is conducted exclusively in French . A good understanding of French is necessary to fully enjoy the technical explanations about the weavers , weaving tools, and the history of the National Furniture . No foreign language audioguide is available for this specific tour.

Question 10

How does the Gobelins Manufactory differ from the other two national manufactories?

Accepted Answer

The Gobelins Manufactory specializes in wall tapestries woven in high warp since the 17th century. The Beauvais Manufactory produces tapestries in low warp using a distinct horizontal technique. The Savonnerie Manufactory is dedicated to Turkish knotted carpets. These three sites, united under the aegis of the National Furniture , constitute a set of French heritage unparalleled in the world.

Question 11

Do you need to book well in advance to secure a spot?

Accepted Answer

Due to the strictly limited capacity in the workshops, slots fill up quickly during high season and weekends. It is advised to book your e-ticket at least one to two weeks in advance between April and September, and several days in advance the rest of the year to ensure your preferred slot is available.

Guided Tour of the Gobelins Manufactory

Practical Info

Good to know

Included

Not included

Video

Schedule

Meeting Point