Sèvres
Located in the southwest suburbs of Paris, the pretty town of Sèvres began to develop substantially as a weekend retreat for the capital's population. The town is known as the headquarters of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. To ensure that standards are upheld continually and impartially, the estate on which the Bureau is situated is officially an international territory.
The most famous attraction in Sèvres is the fascinating porcelain factory. The manufacture of this famous porcelain dates back to 1740, when the original premises were established with the support of Louis XV. In 1756, a larger factory was built to cope with the growing demand and, since that year, the factory has produced items for State official departments. The items made here range from sugar pots to huge vases, all characterised by their intricate detail and colourful designs. The porcelain also quickly found an international audience, as many pieces and collections were made for the Royal families of Europe.