Réseau Excellence EPV award recepient of "Prix Liliane Bettencourt pour l’Intelligence de la Main®"

The Réseau Excellence EPV is honoured to receive the 2026 Prix Liliane Bettencourt pour l'Intelligence de la Main®, in the « Parcours » category.

Awarded by the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller, this prestigious prize recognises our federation's commitment and outstanding contribution to the promotion of French arts and crafts.

Above all, it celebrates a collective ambition: to champion and promote the exceptional craftsmanship of Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV), France's Living Heritage Companies.

A distinction at the service of a whole network

Since 1999, the Prix Liliane Bettencourt pour l'Intelligence de la Main® has celebrated the talents who keep traditional crafts alive while helping them evolve. With more than 139 laureates across over 50 disciplines, it has established itself as a leading benchmark for recognising craftsmanship and its place in contemporary creation. The « Parcours » award recognises a legal entity for its commitment to and contribution to the French arts and crafts sector.

For the Réseau Excellence EPV, this recognition holds particular significance. It shines a light on the collective work carried out every day to bring together, support and promote companies awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label.

It also celebrates the people behind these companies, who help preserve, pass on and sustain their exceptional savoir-faire for future generations.

We share this pride with our 12 regional associations, our volunteer leaders and all the companies that make up our network.

Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV): Ambassadors of French Craftsmanship

Across France, companies awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label keep rare and exceptional savoir-faire alive.

In their workshops and manufacturing facilities, they preserve precious skills, pass down techniques that are sometimes centuries old, train new generations and actively contribute to the economic vitality of their regions.

They innovate, recruit, export and bring tradition into dialogue with contemporary creativity. Every day, they demonstrate that excellence in craftsmanship is a living asset, one that creates opportunities for the future and enhances France's influence around the world.

The Réseau Excellence EPV is committed to strengthening ties between these companies, encouraging the sharing of experience and raising their profile, both in France and internationally.

This award is, above all, theirs. It pays tribute to the commitment of all those who make artisanal and industrial excellence a living heritage, passed down and reinvented from one generation to the next.

Recognition that opens up new perspectives

This distinction is a tremendous source of pride, but also a responsibility.

It inspires us to continue and strengthen our efforts in support of Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV)-labelled companies, their crafts and their savoir-faire, helping to share the excellence of French craftsmanship with the widest possible audience.

It also represents a wonderful opportunity to grow our federation, strengthen our presence across France's regions and amplify the voices of these remarkable companies by showcasing the talent that makes them unique.

Our thanks

The Réseau Excellence EPV extends its heartfelt thanks to the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller, as well as to all the members of the jury, chaired by Laurence des Cars, for this distinction and for their commitment to the arts and crafts.

We would also like to thank the expert committee for the « Parcours » award, chaired by Pierre-François Le Louët, as well as everyone who helps bring this prize to life and raise its profile.Finally, we extend our warmest congratulations to the other laureates of the 2026 edition:

Sébastien Esteban Desplat, honoured in the « Talents d'exception » category for his project Dans les bois;
Louis Monier and Edgar Jayet, honoured in the « Dialogues » category for their chair Meslée.

Together, let us continue to preserve, pass on and celebrate the exceptional savoir-faire that makes French heritage so rich.

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