Tucked away in Paris’s 3rd arrondissement, the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers, founded in 1794 by Abbé Henri Grégoire, is today a remarkable center for education and research. Among its secrets is a magnificent library nestled in the monks’ former refectory… A place little known to the general public that you can visit for free once a month!
The CNAM Library: A little-known spot, hidden in a former abbey in Paris
Located in Paris’s 3rd arrondissement, this former Gothic-style monks’ refectory , built in 1230, is simply spectacular. With its broken barrel vaults and impressive stained-glass windows… there’s a truly unique atmosphere here. This room, 42 meters long and 15 meters high, almost resembles a reading room at Hogwarts—it’s that grand.
Perfectly preserved, this extraordinary library houses more than 190,000 volumes. While access is currently strictly reserved for CNAM students, faculty, and researchers, you can still visit the library for free! Tours take place one Saturday a month by registration, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. But be warned: spots fill up very quickly…
Location: 292 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris
Price: Free admission one Saturday per month