6 Reasons to Visit EMPREINTES for French Craftsmanship

In the creative heart of the Haut-Marais, EMPREINTES has become the go-to address for contemporary fine French craftsmanship. Founded in 2016 by Ateliers d’Art de France, this three-story concept store brings together thousands of handcrafted pieces created in workshops across the country. Here are six reasons why this Parisian destination deserves a spot on your radar.

1. A Curated Showcase of Exceptional Fine French Craftsmanship
From glass and ceramics to wood, metal, and textiles, EMPREINTES showcases an outstanding variety of French fine craft disciplines. Each object is handmade, either as a one-of-a-kind piece or in limited editions, providing a meaningful alternative to a mass-produced design.

2. A Historic Address with a Contemporary Soul
Located at 5 rue de Picardie, the building has deep artisanal roots. Once home to a jewellery workshop in the 1930s, it was thoughtfully reimagined by Ateliers d’Art de France into a 600 m², light-filled space.

3. An Ever-Evolving Selection and Cultural Destination
With new works arriving every month, EMPREINTES reflects the strength of today’s fine French craft scene. Tableware, decorative objects, sculptures, accessories, furniture, and jewellery are all a part of EMPREINTES ever-renewed selection. A specialised bookshop dedicated to fine crafts completes the artistic experience. This space also hosts temporary exhibitions, thematic displays, and artist encounters, turning every visit into a fresh cultural discovery.

4. A Gallery Dedicated to Contemporary Fine Craft Excellence
Bathed in natural light thanks to its glass roof, the second-floor gallery displays exceptional works by both established artists and emerging talents. Supporting twelve artists each year, the gallery showcases bold, innovative creations that demonstrate the expressive power and artistic ambition of contemporary fine crafts in France.

5. The Pleasure of Choosing a Singular, Handcrafted Piece
At EMPREINTES, objects are chosen not only for their function, but for the emotion they evoke. From everyday essentials to rare statement pieces, each creation creates a sensory experience, where textures, materials, and the maker’s imprint bring authenticity and meaning into daily life.

6. A Human-Centred Alternative to Standardised Retail
Warm, open, and thoughtfully designed, EMPREINTES offers a calm and inspiring escape from fast-paced, standardised shopping. EMPREINTES encourages visitors to slow down, explore, and connect with the intention behind each piece dedicated to French-made creativity.

EMPREINTES Concept store
 5 rue de Picardie, 75003 Paris
Metro: République or Temple
Regular Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Christmas Opening Hours:

Open 7 days a week until December 23rd, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Wednesday, December 24th: from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Wednesday, December 31st: from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM