Alençon lace is considered unique in the world. The richness of its decorations, on a field of flanges (honeycomb background like tulle), is unequaled. It usually takes craftsmen between seven and ten hours to manufacture a square centimeter. The Point d'Alençon represents the quintessence of the two kinds of handmade lace: bobbin lace and lace with a needle. The lacemakers of the Atelier National du Point d'Alençon (Point d'Alençon National Workshop) are currently working on making curtains for the Silver Salon of the Élysée Palace.