Ateliers d'Artistes - Les Frigos
Les Frigos, at 19 rue des Frigos in Paris 13, houses artists' studios in a former industrial building. It is usually seen during occasional open days.
In pictures
About
Les Frigos is a cluster of artists' studios inside a former industrial building in Paris's 13th arrondissement. People come for the raw setting as much as for the creative activity.
It matters because it shows a working side of Paris, not a polished museum route. The appeal is the sense of production, experimentation, and occupied space. It is not a fixed visitor circuit.
A smart visit depends on timing. Interior access is not always open to the public. It is best approached during announced open studio days, exhibitions, or cultural events. If nothing is scheduled, the exterior and the surrounding streets still give a clear sense of the place.
The area works well as part of a wider walk. You can pair Les Frigos with the Seine, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, or a riverside route toward Austerlitz. In warmer months, the neighborhood is easier to explore on foot. In colder weather, combine it with an indoor stop nearby, such as the library district or a café around Avenue de France.
The Concierge's Tip
Plan this as a daytime stop, and only if an opening has been announced. Public access inside is not always available. The easiest approach is from Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand, then continue on foot toward the river. In warmer months, pair it with a longer walk along the Seine. In colder weather, keep it brief and add an indoor stop nearby. If you enjoy photography, late morning usually gives cleaner light on the façades.
Ask the Concierge
Our Concierge arranges your visit: skip-the-line tickets, a private guide, off-hours access.
Ask the ConciergeFrequently asked questions
- Can you visit Les Frigos freely?
- Not always. Les Frigos is primarily a working artists' building. Interior access usually depends on announced open days, exhibitions, or cultural events. If no public program is confirmed, treat it as an exterior stop. It is wise to check recent information before making the trip.
- Are there open studio days at Les Frigos?
- Yes, that is often the most relevant way to visit. The schedule can vary with the season and current programming. We would not suggest arriving without checking first. When an open studio event is announced, it is usually the best time to understand the building and see the studios properly.
- How much time should you allow for a visit?
- Allow around 20 to 45 minutes for the exterior and the immediate area. If an open day or exhibition is taking place, plan for longer. The right timing depends on your interest in industrial architecture, photography, and artists' studios in Paris.
- When is the best time to see Les Frigos?
- The best moment is usually a publicly announced open day, during daylight hours. Clear daytime light helps with the façades and the atmosphere of the site. On weekdays, the area can feel more functional. On weekends, the mood depends more on whether an event is taking place.
- Is Les Frigos suitable for families?
- Yes, for a short and curious stop, especially with older children or teenagers interested in urban art and unusual places. It is not designed like a classic family attraction. Comfort depends on public access, the weather, and how you combine it with the surrounding neighborhood.
- How do you get to Les Frigos in Paris 13?
- The address is 19 rue des Frigos in the 13th arrondissement. The simplest approach is often on foot from the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand area. The neighborhood is fairly easy to navigate and combines well with a walk toward the Seine or Austerlitz.
- Is Les Frigos a good choice among artists' studios to visit in Paris?
- Yes, if you want a working creative site rather than a museum experience. The appeal lies in the building, its use, and its atmosphere. That said, the visit depends heavily on public opening times. For a more structured outing, keep a nearby cultural alternative in mind.