A new cultural and gastronomic venue, named Les Grandes Serres, has recently opened its doors in Pantin, along the Canal de l'Ourcq. Located at 1 Rue du Cheval Blanc, the space occupies a 200-meter-long, 18-meter-high building formerly housing the Pouchard factories. The site now offers a diverse range of attractions including exhibitions, concerts, DJ sets, a bakery, a wine cellar, a book café, a record store, and several restaurants.
The project, developed over nine years by developer Alios Développement and architecture firm Moatti Studio, aims to contemporarily reinvent industrial heritage. Olivier Raoux, president of Alios Développement, highlighted the canal as a valuable asset for the city and the project's commitment to local history, referencing other successful rehabilitations in Pantin. Alios Développement plans further developments in the area, including a student residence and a garden.
Moatti Studio, known for its museum projects and expertise in creating human-centered and hybrid architectures, designed the venue as a 'manifesto.' The goal was to approach the space subtly, akin to a museum, to encourage public engagement.
Les Grandes Serres aims to be a non-digital space, free from logos and screens, featuring a screen-printing workshop, an art gallery, and wine tastings. It is designed to host various events, from corporate seminars in its 300-seat auditorium to weddings, techno parties, and Sunday brunches. The building is equipped with underfloor heating ensuring stable temperatures between 19 and 24 degrees Celsius year-round.
The venue is open Monday to Wednesday from 8 AM to 8 PM, Thursday and Friday from 8 AM to midnight, Saturday from 10 AM to midnight, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. It is accessible via Metro Line 5 (Eglise de Pantin), Tramway Line 3 (Delphine Seyrig), and RER Line E (Gare de Pantin).
