Salon Métiers d'Art Métiers Passion
Crafts and Artistry Fair at the Halle au Blé in Alençon
About Métiers d'Art Alençon
Métiers d'Art Métiers Passion: The Showcase of Artistic Crafts in Normandy
Since 2007, the Salon Métiers d'Art Métiers Passion has been the annual meeting place for artistic crafts in the Orne department. Organized by the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) of Normandy at the Halle au Blé in Alençon, this fair highlights the excellence of artisanal know-how and the creativity of professionals in artistic crafts.
About Forty Exceptional Artisans
Each edition brings together approximately 40 artistic craftspeople from Normandy and beyond, representing a wide diversity of trades:
Textile and Thread Crafts
The fair hosts embroiderers, notably perpetuating the tradition of Alençon Point lace (listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), as well as upholsterers, couturiers, and textile designers, reflecting the richness of Orne's textile heritage.
Metal and Stone Crafts
Cutlers, jewelers, artistic blacksmiths, and other metal artisans present unique pieces combining tradition and contemporary creation. Each artisan recreates the atmosphere of their workshop at their stand, offering visitors a unique glimpse into their daily work.
Wood and Earth Crafts
Woodturners, cabinetmakers, ceramists, potters, and sculptors demonstrate their mastery of noble and natural materials, creating remarkable art and everyday objects of exceptional quality.
A Lively and Accessible Fair
Admission is completely free, in line with the fair's mission to make artistic crafts accessible to the widest possible audience. Artisans do more than just exhibit; they demonstrate their skills live, interact with visitors, and share their passion. Approximately 3,500 visitors benefit from this unique event each year.
A Commitment to Transmission
The fair traditionally reserves a day for school groups and young people exploring career options, allowing hundreds of middle and high school students to discover the opportunities offered by artistic crafts. This educational dimension reinforces the promotion and transmission mission carried out by the CMA Normandy.
Métiers d'Art Alençon — edition 2026
Prices Métiers d'Art Alençon 2026
Practical information — Métiers d'Art Alençon
Access and Transport
By Car: The Halle au Blé is located in the historic center of Alençon. Several parking lots are available in the city center within a few minutes' walk, including the parking lot at Place Foch and the Champ Perrier parking lot. Alençon is accessible via the A28 (from Rouen or Le Mans), the N12 (from Paris or Rennes), and the N138 (from Caen).
By Train: Alençon station is served by the Paris-Granville line (approximately 2 hours from Paris-Montparnasse). The Halle au Blé is about a 10-minute walk from the station, crossing the historic center.
Venue
Halle au Blé, Place de la Halle au Blé, 61000 Alençon. This remarkable historic building, in the heart of the city center, offers a prestigious setting suitable for showcasing artistic crafts. The exhibition space is fully covered.
Prices
Admission is completely free for all visitors, on Saturday and Sunday. Direct purchases from exhibiting artisans are possible and encouraged. The creations presented range from unique collector's items to more accessible everyday objects.
Opening Hours and Program
The fair is generally held on the last weekend of September, from Friday to Sunday. Friday is reserved for school groups and professional orientation structures (by registration). Saturday and Sunday are open to the general public, usually from 10 am to 6 pm. Artisans conduct continuous demonstrations at their stands. Precise hours and animation program available on the CMA Normandie website.
Discover Alençon
The fair is an opportunity to discover the historic center of Alençon, a city famous for its Alençon Point lace, inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The Museum of Fine Arts and Lace, located nearby, perfectly complements the fair visit.
Contact
CMA Normandie – Orne Delegation
Website: cma-normandie.fr
Practical Tips
- Allow time to chat with artisans and observe their demonstrations
- Possibility to buy directly from exhibitors, bring cash
- Ideal for finding original handmade gifts
- Combine the visit with a discovery of Alençon's historic center
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Where does it take place — Métiers d'Art Alençon
Halle au Blé
Place de la Halle au Blé, 61000 Alençon