Maison du Passementier
Description
Ode to the Ribbon, or How a simple strip of fabric governed whole families' lives for decades. Demonstrations, explanations and just a touch of nostalgia. No need to get tearful though, the ribbon is still hanging on in there.
No, not everything is lost. Especially when it's a business that has marked the life of an entire town (what am I saying, the whole district) for decades. So slip on your overalls, roll up your sleeves and get stuck in - discover the work and life of the ribbon and braid maker.
Because we're actually quite proud of these colourful ribbons, flat or twisted, woven and rewoven.
Because they provided the livelihoods of thousands of families (in Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds and all over the Department).
Because they made an industrial capital of Saint-Etienne (we like being the limelight).
And because they are part collective memory (you know, the stories we tell our families by the fireside).
So without wishing to upstage anyone (it's not like them to try and steal the limelight from la Petite Reine (a bike) or be mean to the mines), the humble ribbon has opened its own "house".
Well, really it's the town that's given it a little present, to say thank you.
It's both a museum that tells the story of the ribbon industry and a living workshop reproducing the operations (with Jacquard looms in action).
But it's also a Chamber of Knowledge that demonstrates how people have managed to preserve their skills and know-how whilst still innovating.
That's right. Because remembering is great, but there's no question of just looking backwards. Because the ribbon has every intention of keeping on moving forward.
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Free of charge.
From 05/05 to 31/05/2025
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday and weekends.
Closed exceptionally on bank holidays.
01/06/2025
Opening hours on Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
From 02/06 to 05/07/2025
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday and weekends.
Closed exceptionally on bank holidays.
06/07/2025
Opening hours on Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
From 07/07 to 02/08/2025
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday and weekends.
Closed exceptionally on July 14th.
03/08/2025
Opening hours on Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
From 04/08 to 06/09/2025
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday and weekends.
Closed exceptionally on bank holidays.
07/09/2025
Opening hours on Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
From 08/09 to 04/10/2025
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday and weekends.
05/10/2025
Opening hours on Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
From 06/10 to 01/11/2025
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday and weekends.
02/11/2025
Opening hours on Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
From 03/11 to 06/12/2025
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday and weekends.
Closed exceptionally on November 11th.
07/12/2025
Opening hours on Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
From 08/12/2025 to 03/01/2026
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday and weekends.
Closed exceptionally on January 1st and December 25th.
- Lift
- Toilets
- Exhibition space
- Car park
- Film room
- Parking nearby
- Educational visits
- Themed tour
- Shop
- Wi-fi
- Tour free of charge
- Guided tours
Exhibitions, various animations and creative workshops are offered throughout the year.