There are three Cartier boutiques that have a mythical status within the Cartier universe: the Mansion in New York, New Bond Street in London, and 13 rue de la Paix in Paris. Of the three, though, the boutique affectionately known as 13 Paix is regarded by many both inside and outside the Maison as the birthplace, the matrix and the home of not only Cartier, but also fashion, jewellery, style and Parisian culture. Opened in 1899 by Louis Cartier and his father Alfred, the 13 Paix boutique recently completed a complete renovation process that took slightly more than two years and involved three teams of architects from Moinard Bétaille, Studioparisien, Laura Gonzalez.
Almost everything was redesigned and rebuilt in the boutique, based on the key values of radiance, modernity and verticality. To that last element, an atrium has been created in the back so that natural light can permeate every level of 13 Paix. The ground, first and second floors comprise the boutique; the third floor is dedicated to Cartier’s wide range of personalisation, repair and maintenance services; and the fourth floor is home to the high jewellery workshops. The fifth and sixth floors house the archives as well as a residence, which includes a reception, living space, dining room, salon, kitchen and winter garden.
Here are some highlights of Cartier’s 13 Paix boutique:
