What’s on in Paris this November

3 November 2015

Admire the Finer Things in Life at Leading Events During a Stay at Hotel Balzac

Anyone with even the slightest appreciation for craftsmanship and exquisite detailing will find a whole host of inspiring events just 15 minutes away from the five-star Hotel Balzac this November. The grand surroundings of the Carrousel du Louvre will be hosting both the Salon International du Patrimoine Culturel and Salon Belles Montres, offering the chance to gain insight into France’s craft heritage and browse some of the most sought-after luxury products in the world. 

Salon International du Patrimoine Culturel

Carrousel du Louvre

5th – 8th November 2015

The Salon International du Patrimoine Culturel is an annual international heritage fair that aims to connect 24,000 enthusiasts and professionals with 350 exhibitors. Over 40 different professions and types of business will be represented including architects, restorers, institutions and associations; with products ranging from stained glass to weaponry. Its 21st edition will be themed around ‘Heritage and Modernity’, drawing attention to the importance of protection and restoration in order to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

Since 2009, the event has been run by Ateliers d’Art de France; a professional crafts federation that represents over 6,000 crafts workers and artists. A high quality of exhibitors can therefore be expected, ranging between one hundred year old walking stick makers Cannes Fayet Se, to Gerriet Charpentes Sarl, which specialise in creating bespoke staircases. Jewellery engravers, leather goods manufacturers, embroiderers, watchmakers and painting restorers will all be on hand to showcase their skills and products, ensuring that every taste, interest, need and want will be taken care of.

Alongside the many exhibitors, visitors can also look forward to a variety of additional attractions. There’ll be 30 lectures led by experts, each offering further insight into a range of topics including new technologies that could be beneficial to the heritage sector, and relationships between historic and contemporary architecture. The Jiqintang Workshop will be showcasing a range of rare materials from China, while other presentations will be based around restoring ancient façades or provide the opportunity to learn about particular sites, including the Panthéon Dome and Meudon mansions. 

Those seeking to learn more can also attend film screenings in the Delorme Room, which will include showings of La Nef; a documentary about the yearlong renovation of the 17th century Chapel of Visitation in Montpellier into a sales and exhibition space for crafts. A range of competitions are also associated with the event and their awards ceremonies will be taking place on the 5th and 7th; providing the chance to find out more about the crème de la crème of the heritage world, including cabinetmaker Julien Hebras who will be collecting his ‘Fine Craft and Built Heritage’ prize on the 5th. With such a variety of ways to discover and learn more about heritage in France and beyond, this four day fair will be ideal for anyone with even a passing interest in crafts, traditions and cultural heritage.

Salon Belles Montres

Carrousel du Louvre 

27th – 29th November 2015

This November, collectors, enthusiasts and the simply curious will gather to admire and learn more about the latest innovations and stunning creations in watchmaking. Ideally timed to provide Christmas present inspiration, the 9th edition of Salon Belles Montres will offer the chance to browse collections from 50 leading brands, attend introductory workshops and find out more from those-in-the-know during glamorous events. With Mr Porter.com as the leading sponsor, this is a show to see and be seen at; an exclusive opportunity to pursue a passion for horology in a truly indulgent manner. 

Over 13,000 visitors are expected to attend, all eager to browse the latest offerings from some of the world’s leading manufacturers. Glass cases will be full-to-the-brim with designs from the likes of Swiss based Oris, which specialise in purely mechanical watches, alongside Claude Meylan’s clear faced time pieces that allow wearers to see the intricacies and delicate compositions of the inner workings. A range of women’s watches will also be on display, and with brands such as Gucci and Boucheron already signed up, elegant designs and bejewelled cuffs should be expected. 

Those who already boast an enviable collection can browse silk-lined display boxes from Wolf, or, if they’re in the market to sell, benefit from free appraisals of antique watches courtesy of auction house Artcurial. Authors of books in the field will be offering signings, while themed exhibitions, conferences and debates will offer the chance to learn more. Objectif Horologie will be inspiring crowds to sign up for its watchmaking workshops, while lucky attendees with an invite can look forward to private gala dinners and cocktail events. 

If all of that wasn’t enough, this year’s Salon Belles Montres is being held in collaboration with Salon de l’Homme; meaning that the entry price of €15 will gain access to both shows. This November will see the second edition of the gentleman’s lifestyle trade show, which will offer the chance to peruse the very finest products and services from both independent and leading brands. Offerings from pop-up stores will vary between cutting-edge technology from Samsung and Huawei, to luxury toiletries from Clarins Men and the chance to book private plane tickets with Astonjet. Hartwood Paris will be offering a range of suits and smart overcoats, Hircus will be showing its latest cashmere jumper collection, while contemporary art will on display from A. gallery. With such a wealth of high quality products on show, both those seeking to indulge in their watch-related interest and those who simply prefer the finer things in life can look forward to an inspiring day out at Salon Belles Montres this November. 

Take the opportunity to gain Christmas gift inspiration from some of the world’s most exclusive brands and invest in France’s rich cultural heritage during a stay at our luxury hotel in Paris this November.