malletier trunk-maker diploma course programmes in France at PARÉ

"HERITAGE x [R]EVOLUTION"

Course programmes

The range of PARÉ programmes is composed of two main study paths:

- the design and manufacture of new trunks,

- the conservation and restoration of antique trunks.

Two other specialist tracks are offered by the Nicolas GILBERT school in Belgium.

An APEL certification path (French VAE) for professionals who are active in conservation and restoration is also offered in lieu of the regular study programmes.

Information requests

For further information about the courses, admission procedure, tuition fees, and about the available places and scholarships > contact Be aware of the >> prerequisites <<

Locations

The course workshops in France are held in Paris at the school's Atelier Jean Paré, located in the historical district of the namesake malletier (at the Rue de Bievre, 5th. arr.). Students who reside in the Belgian-French border area can also attend courses in Belgium at The Mons Hub.

Teaching mode

The practice-oriented courses are offered in an intensive 'immersion' mode, of 2 to 4 consecutive days, every 3 to 6 weeks (depending on the individual case). The units can take place during weekdays and/or (extended) weekend, in the latter case combinable with an existing employment.

Personalized programmes can start at any moment of the year (except July - August), not necessarily at the start of the academic year.

Tuition fees and scholarships

In 2025-2026 the school continues to offer special grants (courtesy of the BELMAL malletier House), amounting to € 10,000 financial aid per student. That amount is granted under special conditions, and covers about 55% of the total tuition fees normally amounting to € 18.740 for the entire program (fee level as of September 2025, all raw materials and consumables included). A limited number of new students qualify for the financial aid, plus the waiving of any tuition fee level increase in future study years when enrolled into the program.

DESIGN & MANUFACTURE OF NEW TRUNKS AND PRESTIGE CASES - HANDMADE

Launched in 2018⁽¹⁾, European Year of Cultural Heritage, this path constituted a world première in the field of malletier higher education, consisting of the design and manufacture of new trunks, i.e. high luxury and prestige trunks and cases, handcrafted, while blending the traditional artisans' techniques with styles and trends that are contemporary, evolving, if not revolutionary (PARÉ's "HERITAGE x [R]EVOLUTION" concept). This path, of min 1.500 hours, leads towards earning the Diplôme de Malletier (DM), Design and Manufacture, proper to the school. The entire path validates 90 ECTS (French level 6, RQF level 7), and is similar to a professional master's diploma curriculum. The masterwork, a unique, exceptional, statement trunk designed, handmade, is presented by the graduate for evaluation to a panel of experts.

Duration of the DM Design (1.500 hours): 30 months on average (24 to 40 months, depending on the person); always in part-time mode, classroom based (workshops and ITINERA), and individualised. The DM Design path is not offered in full-time classroom mode, nor through distance learning. Flexibility is offered in terms of timetables of courses and ateliers, as well as for the PARÉ companionship workshops in France (called ITINERA, a concept proper to the school).

PRESERVATION (CONSERVATION) AND RESTORATION OF ANTIQUE TRUNKS

The very comprehensive programme, leading to a PARÉ diploma, covers the specific field of Conservation and Restoration of antique travelling trunks, and related leather goods and travel equipment.

This path is presented in three phases that lead towards earning a Certificate in Fundamental Techniques (CFT, min 100 hours coursework/ateliers), thereafter to a Certificate of Continued Studies (min. 250 hours), and finally to the school's proper Diplôme de Malletier (DM, min. 1.500 hours), in Conservation and Restoration of trunks (validating 90 ECTS, French level 6, RQF level 7, similar to a professional master's diploma). The capstone is in this instance a masterpiece in conservation-restoration of an antique trunk; a process drawn up and completed by the learner, and evaluated by a panel of experts.

Duration of the DM Conservation (full 1.500 hours): 30 months on average (24 to 40 months, depending on the person), always in part-time mode, classroom based (campus and ITINERA extension courses), and individualised.

Other paths (P3 à P5)

Three other paths, the P3 (special programme in the conservation of antique leather objects), P4 (special cooperative and outsourced workshops), and P5 (international professional certification) are organised by the GILBERT school of Belgium, under the coordination of PARÉ. The general information is found on the GILBERT site >

(1) by the Nicolas Gilbert school of Belgium

(1) ITINERA = companionship ateliers proper to the PARÉ school; one-off workshops, off-campus, held in France

ÉCOLE PARÉ is an entity within INSIL, a private institution of higher education in France

© copyright 2025, OGISPES for Ecole PARÉ, Ecole des Malletiers Nicolas Gilbert of Belgium, Mons, Brussels, and Ecole Jean PARÉ France, Paris, Charleville-Mézières, Reims, All rights reserved. Reproduction forbidden. Update : 2025-12-24