La PAM
In January 2023, Brest's iconic downtown print shop, PAM, reopened its doors, 5 years
after its closure. On the agenda was a new chapter to be written: that of a place to live, share,
reflect and create, open to all. While the soul of the presses and cast-iron letters is still alive and well at
56 rue d'Aiguillon, the project's initiators are taking up the challenge of "printing the future", through exchange and
co-construction.
The history of PAM,
Papeterie Armoricaine Morlaisienne closed for good in 2018, after more than 100 years in business. This building, which for many Brestois embodies the memory of the Cité du Ponant, has been given a new lease of life thanks to the initiative of a collective led by Antoine Horellou, grandson of the printer. Together, on the site's 3200 square meters, they have imagined a third place that brings people together, where they can create, share, reflect, relax and work.
What is a "tiers-lieu"?
Third places are hybrid places that combine entrepreneurship, conviviality, diversity, experimentation and creation. They are living and meeting spaces that involve their users in their project.
Consume responsibly and thoughtfully
At La PAM, initiatives invite us to rethink our consumption patterns. For example, you'll find a community bookshop that helps people return to work and offers second-hand books at very low prices. You'll also find a store selling eco-responsible products and a corner dedicated to local designers, a space devoted to plants and vegetables, and artists' workshops.
Everyone feeds off each other in a simple, frugal and authentic way, so as to live together in harmony and give rise to new initiatives.
Thinking and creating together
PAM aims to be an "experimental resource center". Here, we explore and exchange solutions, new ways of living together, taking care of ourselves, others and the planet. The "tiers-lieu" houses a school of dance and body practices to help you feel good in your body, such as yoga,
Pilates and Qi-Gong. Le sous-marin de Minuit is a meeting place dedicated to the links between art and the oceans. As for the Low Tech Lab, it's a place for sharing tools and knowledge on sober and ecological approaches to housing, mobility and food.
Working at PAM
Looking for a place to work, meet, exchange ideas, discuss and develop new projects? La PAM offers coworking space in the form of individual and shared offices, meeting rooms and screening rooms for your professional meetings.
Treat yourself
Small or big hunger? The former printing works now houses an organic bakery, a grocery store and 3 restaurants serving world recipes, burgers and delicious fish&chips made with fresh, local produce. For afterworks and evenings with friends, sit down at the bar and discover the beers of the Social Club micro-brewery, located on site. And don't forget to try your hand at myciculture at Jeff's mushroom farm.
We like...
Come early in the morning and treat yourself to a hot brioche from Le Four de Babel, with a cup of coffee.
A tribute to Brest's printing industry
The creators of the PAM wanted to preserve the soul of the site by highlighting the technical and iconographic heritage of printing. The museographic space, designed and managed by the association Les Enfants de Gutenberg, perpetuates the memory of machines and cast-iron letters. It also features a rare and unique private collection of 3,000 lithographic items.
An eclectic program of events
La PAM is also the "Rendez-vous du Possib", a series of free events (screenings, debates, conferences, etc.) focusing on a new theme every 6 weeks. There are also more festive events such as creative workshops and DJ sets: a host of joyful events, free and open to all.
More unusual places in Brest!
Discover Les Ateliers des Capucins, a giant Melting Place
with a wide range of activities for everyone, set up in the former workshops of the French Navy.
PAM is located in the heart of the city center
56 rue d'Aiguillon, 29200 Brest
Entrance via the rotunda At the junction of rue Louis Pasteur and rue d'Aiguillon