The ‘Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant’ (EPV) label is a French government recognition scheme established in 2005, which recognises companies possessing outstanding artisanal and industrial expertise.
Awarded for a period of five years by the regional prefects, it falls under the Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty and is administered by the National Institute of Arts and Crafts.
For Agencement Paul Champs, this accreditation is official recognition of its expertise in bespoke fit-outs and joinery; it was awarded in 2011 and has been renewed regularly ever since.
20 years of recognising excellence in French craftsmanship
In 2025, the EPV label celebrated its twentieth anniversary, marking two decades of supporting businesses of excellence.
Today, only around 1,400 companies in France hold this certification, making it a rare and demanding accolade.
Companies with EPV accreditation are regarded as ambassadors of French expertise, capable of tackling the most complex projects, from heritage to the luxury sector.
The origins and history of the EPV label
The EPV label was created as part of the government’s efforts to promote French companies that combine tradition, innovation and technical excellence.
Since its inception, it has been showcasing rare skills – often passed down from generation to generation – and helping to promote France’s industrial and artisanal heritage on the international stage.
The criteria for awarding the EPV label
Awarding the EPV label is based on strict criteria, which are assessed by a committee of experts.
A company must demonstrate that it possesses specific economic assets, derived from its manufacturing experience, and that it utilises complex and/or rare expertise, based on highly technical and/or traditional techniques.
Rare, traditional or specialised expertise
At Agencement Paul Champs, this principle is embodied in our mastery of traditional artistic joinery techniques, adapted to meet contemporary requirements.
Solid woodworking, marquetry, traditional joinery techniques, hand-finishing and the ability to produce bespoke pieces for challenging environments (ships, luxury hotels, high-end boutiques) form the core of this EPV-recognised expertise.
What the EPV label guarantees for your interior design projects
Choosing an EPV-certified company means ensuring you have a partner capable of combining exceptional quality, sustainability and respect for traditions, whilst incorporating the very latest technical innovations.
A mark of quality for the heritage and luxury segments
The EPV label is particularly relevant for high-profile projects: the restoration of historic monuments, the fit-out of 5-star hotels, luxury boutiques, yachts or exceptional institutional spaces.
It ensures that the company has the skills, tools and organisational structure required to deliver projects that meet the highest standards, whilst adhering to deadlines and budgets.
Why Agencement Paul Champs is proud to bear this label
Agencement Paul Champs was first awarded the EPV label in 2011, and has had it renewed every five years since then, demonstrating the enduring nature of its commitment.
This label recognises not only the company’s technical expertise, but also its ability to train the younger generation, to innovate in its processes and to maintain high-quality local production.
A practical example of a heritage restoration project
Agencement Paul Champs carried out the interior design work for the spa, bar, boutique and luxury villas at the Eden Rock Hotel in Saint-Barthélémy.
The teams have used high-quality materials (exotic woods, marble, premium lacquers), hand-finished details and installation techniques suited to the demanding conditions of an island environment.
This project demonstrates the company’s ability to work on exceptional sites, where every detail must be perfect.
Specific skills justifying the label:
- Artistic joinery: traditional joinery techniques, solid woodwork, precious veneers
- Traditional techniques: oil finishing, buffing, woodcarving
- Training for craftspeople: Compagnons du Devoir, apprentices, intergenerational knowledge transfer
- Innovation: digital design tools, optimisation of manufacturing processes
The ‘Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant’ (EPV) label is much more than just an accolade: it is a guarantee of excellence, of passing on traditions and of a commitment to the future.
For Agencement Paul Champs, it represents official recognition of a unique expertise, capable of meeting the demands of even the most challenging projects, from heritage to the luxury sector.