Arts and crafts France

One of the temples of the artisanal candle in the Var. The scents are very varied and it is hard to choose your fragrance when you start smelling the candles one by one. Cinnamon orange, imperial orange, old rose, marine, or acacia; all decorated with different patterns, they are next to delicate home fragrances intended to diffuse, with impregnated pebbles, sweet fragrances in all your interior. A delight for the senses and good value for money. The perfect souvenir to relax with when you return from holiday!

On the Royale square of the village, if you see traces of legs of bird on the ground or if a Labrador- retriever with a bandana around the neck passes in front of you, follow them! They will take you to a few streets away in a small funny shop. You will discover paintings or pebbles animal paintings of Beatrice: chickens, fish, birds and obviously famous geese. An ideal place to bring back a little fun souvenir or colourful jewellery made by the artist. 

For many years, this was the oldest pottery in Saint-Amand-en Puisaye (Nièvre). With its origins in 1736, it has stood the test of time thanks to the rigor of its workmanship and the quality of its products. Recently, the factory left the Nièvre region and moved a few kilometers further north, to Champignelles. Of course, its superb creations can still be found there. In fact, the pottery has been awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label, which recognizes the quality of its production and the transmission of ancestral know-how.

This cooperative and participative company (SCOP) is specialized in stone cutting, urban development and heritage restoration. Here, the Gascon family - stone cutters for generations - offers many services with know-how. On order, Pierres et Traditions can also participate in the realization of paving, house elements, pool coping or dry stone walls.

Cadres en Aparté is a framing store located in Fonsorbes, near Toulouse. Run by Philippe Chesnoy, the shop offers custom-made frames for works of art. Cadres en Aparté stands out for its hand-crafted, made-to-measure approach. Philippe Chesnoy puts his technical expertise and knowledge of art history to best use in advising his customers. He attaches great importance to the preservation and conservation of works of art, using reversible means of support. The store also sells frames, and carries out work such as glass framing, picture framing, mirrors, pedestals and large formats. Cadres en Aparté is recognized as an artisan d'art, which testifies to the quality and professionalism of its services.

Norbert Botella, a ceramist, has opened a workshop-gallery just outside Luzech where he presents his work, but also that of his artist friends. The gallery is large, bright and allows you to discover the art of ceramics in many forms, thanks to the very diverse talents of the artists exhibited. It is adjacent to the workshop where Norbert Botella shares his passion with trainees who wish to learn this practice. Why not you?

Maryline and François, two enthusiasts of art, heritage and glass for 30 years, have joined forces to offer their expertise to the most ambitious projects. Their specialties include the creation of Art Deco and contemporary stained glass, the renovation of stained glass and antique glass, and the protection of glass works. Their workshop is equipped with a very large furnace, one of the few in Occitanie. If you have a project in mind, you can visit them by appointment.

Gilles Aprile is thirteen and a half years old when he discovers the history of the guild, through the famous film "Ardéchois heart faithful". It's decided, he'll be a companion. He leaves, at this age, for a tour of France in the learning of cabinetmaking that will last ten years. Today, it can do everything, with this concern for work well done: creation, furniture restoration, old copy, but also painted furniture (very light and refined floral decorations) or even designing decorations for stores. The workshop is open to the public, the sale is made on site or on order. Artisanal demonstrations are available, as well as courses and training courses and a sculpture and modelling school. Groups and schools are welcome.

Marie-Odile Marchand has been an animal painter for over 30 years. Wild animals are often highlighted but seem to be melting in a decor specially created for them. Indeed, the artist's works reflect tantôt atmospheres, sometimes snow or dusk, which leave a certain mystery in the animals represented. These paintings are very gentle and are similar to a dream between dreams and reality. This flourished painter has been awarded several awards at art fairs.

Henri Moreno, with over 30 years' experience, is the only artisan potter-modeler-ceramist in the town of Castelnaudary. Using smooth red earthenware, he creates cassoles (cassoulet dishes), as well as original works using the glazed clay technique: Occitan crosses, culinary dishes, tableware, vases, ornamental ceramics and chamotte-based kiln dishes adorn his workshop-boutique. Push open the door and discover another world where the original beauty of the earth is brought back to life.

Three generations of locksmith-métallier for this company located at the Loroux Bottereau east of Nantes. In short, the Ironwork François realizes for individuals or professionals anything that touches directly or far with metal: stairwell, balcony, fence, portal, veranda, top of wells, metal louver, stairs, industrial portal, locks, ironwork. A very wide variety of achievements and pieces that meet both traditional, traditional and contemporary tastes, in the image of this red portal, pierced with round-sized ribbons, or of these metal-made furniture made custom.

An activity mainly oriented towards a public of professionals (industrial, agenceurs and craftsmen) but which remains open to individuals. Silicia Industrie transforms flat glass. The cut-off workshops shape clear glasses, mirrors, laminated and laminated glasses and offer a wide range of size (shapes, sanding, UV collage etc.). Chic Comble, Silicia Industrie manufactures custom-made glass furniture (office, exhibition column, étagères, and collage).

Respecting both traditional and contemporary skills and techniques, Atelier Bouvier has been working for decades in three fields: statuary and ornamental sculpture, sculpture restoration and staff, gypserie and molding. The workshop, based in Les Angles in the Gard region, has worked on sculptures for the Béziers theater, the Eglise des Réformés in Marseille, and on the restoration of major monuments such as the Nîmes arena, the Palais Idéal du facteur Cheval and the ancient arch in Orange.

In the heart of the village, l'Atelier des Soufflants specializes in the restoration, rental and sale of wind instruments. Simon, our artist-craftsman and wind instrument expert, combines patience and expertise in the rebirth of your saxophones, trombones, clarinets and other instruments. In his workshop, he brings brass and woodwind instruments back to life, overhauling, cleaning, repairing and more. His customers - beginners, professionals and conservatories, academies, brass bands, bandas and other music teachers - know this "made in bastida" address well!

Anne-Marie began working with traditional leaded stained glass by restoring old religious and civil panels over sixteen years ago. As requests and encounters came and went, she opened up to the creation of stained glass, but also of decorative objects, which she sells in numerous stores throughout Aveyron (Compolibat, Belcastel, Najac, Valady). She also offers one-day discovery courses from 13 years old, but also regular courses according to demand. Give her a call if you want to meet her!

Florence loves to play with colors, shapes, materials, volumes and light. She lives from her passion in her workshop filled with colored glass plates, stained glass windows of students in progress and precious or failed pieces. She divides her time between transmitting her know-how to her students during her courses and workshops, and her creative work for individuals (windows, doors, furniture, lamps...), churches and chapels. You can find her on fairs and exhibitions of craftsmen organized in the region.

Nicolas Charles is a complete artist, dedicated to his art. With his experience in the creation and restoration of stained glass windows at the Jean-Dominique Fleury workshop in Toulouse, he then carried out numerous restoration works in churches in Occitania. He combines different artistic techniques - photography, painting, scenography, silk-screening and thermoforming - and adapts each stained glass window he creates to the place in which it is located, according to its history and its environment. His artistic work process is exciting.

On the shop side, the Little Asian is not in the balance! You will discover a wide range of Asian products for all recipes - rice, galette rice, alcohol and beer, canned vegetables, soup, mushrooms, sauces, spices, teas, sweets, syrup and fruit juice of all kinds. But also kimonos for the whole family, Chinese dress, brocade tunic, dragon jacket, dragon embroidered microfibre ensemble, sweater, embroidered bodice, shirt, silk, conical hat, bag, tong… crockery and sake, rice cookers, if! Fancy jewelry of all kinds and decoration, the Buddhas, the palm blossoms, fans, tables… and so many other things that this is impressive!

Venture down one of the little streets not far from Place de la Victoire towards Place de Jaude to find the little boutique Drôle de Zèbres. Inside, the crème de la crème of local craftsmen and artists offer their creations (Cosette Cartonera, Le Trou de la Serrure, Natali Cerisier...). Silkscreen prints, ceramics, textiles, origami, jewelry... there's everything you need for an original gift. With Drôles de Zèbres, you can put an end to products manufactured on the other side of the world, and redecorate with local creations. A concept that's sure to please: the store, which was only meant to be short-lived, is destined to be around for some time to come!

The children of the Fourbet family have taken up the torch of this artisanal pottery, respecting the local tradition. Legend has it that the Anduze vase was born in 1610: a potter saw a Medici vase at the Beaucaire fair and had the idea of making an elegant vase combining Italian exuberance and Cevennes austerity, with garlands and macaroons decorating a vase in the shape of an upside-down bell placed on a shower base. Real jewels of the southern gardens, they are today exported all over the world.

Originally from the South-West of France, Julie Bonnafous discovers the work of glass in Ireland. After studies and training, she creates her workshop in 2011 in Martres-Tolosane and then in Auch. She works in collaboration with individuals, associations or public institutions for the creation of stained glass, but also restoration. In her references, she presents many restorations of churches in Occitania, but if you want an original creation, she can realize any project on order: door, window, sign..

You want to change the color of your living room, learn different techniques of lime paint, be taken in hand in your decorative approach? Visit Color-Rare, a colour merchant and specialist in natural decorative paints and coatings, lime, pigments, earth and ochre. In the shop, you are welcomed by a dynamic team, and guided according to your needs. If you are looking for pigments that cannot be found, Color-Rare has also set up a colour bar where you can create the ones you imagine!

Madeleine and Gérard Migliori present their works of art in a restored farmhouse, in the heart of the forest. Beautiful pottery, through which these two artists express their talent, are waiting here. Here you will discover the passion of a couple and can admire (and why not buy) their works, after discovering a unique work technique.

If we work with pewter and copper in Villedieu, we don't stop there! Proof of this is this nice pottery workshop, which offers you to practice (whatever your level, novice or advanced) to the realization of useful or decorative objects. For yourself or in a group, you can learn the techniques here, and you can also book a workshop for a private event, a birthday for example. Finally, note that the shop allows you to discover, and acquire, many of these little wonders.

The ADJAO MAISON store in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid is an ethical and poetic ode to nature. Viviane and Michel, craftsmen and designers, breathe a unique soul into their handmade lighting and furniture. Recycling trees felled by storms, they reveal the natural beauty of wood in timeless creations. Their work weaves a joyful art of living, between the luxury of simplicity and originality. Each piece is a declaration of love to nature, a source of inspiration for these passionate craftsmen. ADJAO MAISON is the perfect blend of traditional know-how, design and recycling.

Céline and Fabien Badal, potters and ceramics creators, exhibit in their workshop-gallery located a few meters from the Château, their enamelled stoneware, utilitarian and decorative stoneware in a contemporary style. Opened since 2003, their line has evolved to tend little by little towards very balanced shapes, with colourful tones, but displaying a certain sobriety. All the pieces, from conception to realization are made from A to Z by the passionate couple. Outside opening hours, visits are possible by appointment.

Rozenn Bigot works in Saint-Amand stoneware, to which she likes to add sands, ochres and various glazes of her own composition. The designer appreciates the play of contrasts in her creations: dark and light, translucent and opaque, rough and smooth, subtly evoking natural phenomena. Both utilitarian and decorative pieces can be found in her beautiful boutique in Saint-Amand-en Puisaye, while she offers introductory and advanced courses in her workshop in Beaulieu-sur-Loire, Loiret.

The tandem composed of Nathalie and Christophe Hurtault gave a new breath to the family pottery installed in these places since 1976. Alongside traditional ceramics, we now find pieces with resolutely contemporary, pure, graphic and timeless lines. With the ShOkki, Koom, or iCône collections, they revisit the classics, displaying sobriety and natural tones in complete harmony. Their ceramics are in the image of their typical and natural bocage lands, marking their belonging to the Puisaye nivernaise.

The Verrtige Gallery of Lantenay is definitely worth the detour, it is the workshop of Florian Rosier where you can admire, buy and even order one of the works of this artisan designer. Passionate about glass, Florian became a companion-glass after a CEREMARK diploma and several experiments in vitraillists before creating its own gallery in 2003. Florian Rosier uses molded glass and molded crystal techniques and fuses-thermoforming for flat surfaces that it models in 3 D. All his works are unique: decorative objects, basins, vases, dishes, luminaires but also sculptures. They are all translucent and often decorated with pigmented shapes. These works are striking, often philosophical themes and messages bearing messages. You can also bring a piece of old glass to restore, your master glass will put all his love and talent to heal the cracks of your glass dough. Don't hesitate, come and admire these contemporary creations!

Created more than 22 years ago, this workshop and its stores L'Artisanat and La Chaîne offer unique earthenware pieces entirely handmade with ^17th and ^18th century techniques. Refined and antique Louis XIV decorations as well as creations, reproductions and antiques. Jewels" born in the purest tradition in the hands of Line Serrailler's parents before she took over the family business. These stores will delight lovers of beautiful objects and arts and crafts. Do not hesitate to call if the shop is closed.

Artisan potter and ceramist Nicolas Guégan has passion in his veins. He designs and creates all his pieces by hand, from simple mugs to the most refined decorative elements, including tiles and lampshades. He also offers renovation services, and produces a number of creations relating to tableware or, more generally, to decoration and ornamentation. Discover his creations in the showroom next to his workshop, and at the market in l'Isle-Jourdain.

This is a cabinetmaker who is passionate about his craft! Traditional manufacturing and assemblages: dress, stiles, ankles, arondes tails, keys… Its alpine furniture respects the rules of art and uses local essences of spruce, pine pine, birch, wood wood, etc. Jean Bortoli specialized in hand-shaped furniture. Outlays, gives, bonnetière… unique, custom-made, custom-made pieces, in the studio of the peaceful hamlet of Chamoule. A typical style and manufacture of the Alps! It also manufactures contemporary furniture by combining wood essences and materials of steel, stone, glass… Know-how and quality realization!

Atelier NOMA in Dijon is a veritable treasure chest for craft enthusiasts. Owners Morgane and Natacha have superbly imagined and created this space where everything is made on site. Their one-of-a-kind ceramics, leather goods and other decorative products are all made from high-quality, French and responsible materials. What's more, they offer workshops and courses for adults and children throughout the year, enabling you to get your hands dirty in pottery or leatherwork.

Master Craftsman and ceramist, Stéphanie Joffre shakes up the codes by working the clay to the point of transforming it into lace. Sometimes poetic, humorous or offbeat, her emerging designs make us rediscover this ancestral art from another angle. She experiments with improbable fusions between ceramics, plaster, wood and metal. Alone, in pairs or in groups, Stéphanie works with clay in all authenticity, respecting the material and the rhythm it imposes.

For over a century, Fayet has been making top-of-the-range canes. Listed in the inventory of rare crafts, its art is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The manual expertise of this century-old company, which has been awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label, has remained unchanged for four generations. Fayet canes, symbolic figures of the rebirth of elegance, restore the cane to its former glory, with a choice of exceptional knobs and barrels. Canes and umbrellas are made with refinement.

Dedicating his art to magnify the stone of Volvic, Thierry Courtadon gives, through his works, a new breath to the family know-how. The artist takes part in local and national exhibitions: after having exhibited at the Hôtel du Département, he made a name for himself by enlivening the Jardin du Palais Royal in Paris with his works. He answers to prestigious orders in Auvergne or at the other end of the world. Between monumental sculptures, the making of cubes or lava puzzle pieces, everyone can get a personalized and signed work of art.

Located in the town of Lauris in France, Harumi Art Textile is a must for arts and crafts enthusiasts. Specializing in the art of pleating and vegetable dyeing, this workshop offers a unique selection of textile creations. Visitors can discover the craftsmen's exceptional know-how and admire the magnificent hand-made pleats. The gallery also features original works of textile art that bear witness to the creativity and talent of the artists. For those wishing to take home a souvenir of their visit, a boutique is available on site.

La Rive is a leather goods manufacturer based in Conques-en-Rouergue. The workshop-boutique is located in Saint Cyprien sur Dourdou, but during the summer months, they also open a boutique in Conques. Emmanuel and Stéphanie, a passionate couple, design, manufacture and sell a unique range of leather goods. Their creations are contemporary and bold, with vibrant hues. They use noble, natural skins to bring their creations to life. Each piece is unique and handmade. The couple's daughter, Méline, also brings her personal touch to the brand. The Conques boutique is open from early spring through to the autumn vacations, attracting pilgrims, holidaymakers and artists alike. La Rive also offers made-to-measure creations, responding to the varied and surprising requests of their customers.

Linda is originally from Sweden where she graduated in weaving in Stockholm. In 2009, she set up her workshop in a renovated Vosges farmhouse. She makes works from cotton, linen, wool or other natural materials that you can order online: curtains, placemats, plaids, cushions, etc. But Linda's passion does not stop there, so she offers to transmit her knowledge and know-how by setting up introductory courses in weaving. Possibility of accommodation on site.

La Tour-d'Aigues is a small town located in the heart of France. Among the town's tourist attractions is the "Caroline Paul Céramique" ceramics workshop. This workshop offers a variety of artistic creations, from decorative objects to ceramic jewelry. Visitors can visit the studio to learn about the creative process and purchase unique pieces.

Marjorie Goetz, a Métiers d'Art graduate in bookbinding and gilding (mention d'excellence) from the École Estienne/Paris, then a CAP in bookbinding and gilding from the Lycée Tolbiac, deepened her knowledge of bookbinding and restoration with an internship at the Archives nationales de Paris. For Marjorie, bookbinding is a real passion. Based in Itxassou, she takes advantage of this inspiring setting to carry out all kinds of binding projects: creative, traditional, conservation, medieval, casing, gilding or custom restoration. The workshop is brimming with little treasures.

From the Louvre Museum to Saint Mark's Square, from historic monuments to the decoration of luxury hotels and exceptional villas, Les Terres Cuites de Raujolles has exercised its talent throughout the world and through time. This French company, founded in 1830, has been in business for five generations and has worked on 157 palaces and historic monuments. In the store in Millau, not far from the viaduct, you will find their sublime earthenware, terracotta, bricks and basins.

Nicolas and Taumah are true guardians of the tradition of old-fashioned screen printing, with a rare and precise know-how. A key player in the world of printmaking and screen printing well beyond the region, they specialize in commissions and prints, publishing and the transmission of their art in close collaboration with numerous artists.

With their passion for listening, they'll find the ideal solution for your silkscreen prints or prestigious posters for events, clients or special occasions.

Created in 1980, the company is specialized in the manufacture of Moustiers earthenware. It offers traditional objects, mainly for the table, decorated with classic Moustiers decorations, as well as unique pieces, limited series and gold-plated pieces. In 2011, the Ateliers Bondil received the Living Heritage Company distinction in recognition of the maintenance of this unique ancestral know-how. It is the passion of excellence. Visit the workshop.

The Pascale Cabaré earthenware factory perpetuates, not far from the pure clay quarries of Martres-Tolosane, the tradition of the Great Master Earthenware Artisans of the past, according to the art of the Great Fire. True alchemy between the four elements, the tradition of shaping pieces and hand-painted decorations dates from the ^18th century. Pascale Cabaré continues this ancestral work by bringing back to life the spirit of the place. The collections display a pure and luminous stanniferous enamel, with metallic oxides whose palette is reduced, according to the grand feu technique.

Les Meubles Lattes is first and foremost a family business and a know-how transmitted since 1945. Now, it is the fourth generation that perpetuates the tradition of Revel, a major city of art furniture. Come and visit the exhibition hall of the Lattes workshop: the pieces of furniture reflect the talent of the cabinetmakers. The production includes both classical and contemporary creations, in solid wood, some of them are inlaid. The company, specialized in antique furniture, also undertakes renovation and restoration work.