4 Artisan Creators Worth Visiting in Provence
One of the joys of visiting Provence is visiting local artisans and learning about ancient crafts, still practiced and relevant today.
Lavender Wands
In Les Baux de Provence, Elsa Lenthal has reignited the age-old art of “fuseaux de lavandes” (lavender wands). Perhaps because replicating an old-fashioned fuseau de lavande is time-consuming and painstaking, lavender sachets came into vogue. Filled with dried lavender blossoms or seeds, these inexpensive, colourful sachets are found in every market and are a favourite souvenir of the region. However, creating an authentic and artisanal fuseau de lavande is a work of art. It is done by hand and can only be made with fresh lavender.
Elsa Lenthal Lavandes (website)
email: contact@elsalenthal.com
Magical Light in the Luberon
In Gargas, the Mathieu family has restored, repaired and created exquisite chandeliers since 1948. In the Mathieu Lustrerie museum, 200 of these hand-crafted luminous works of art are exhibited and can be admired for their attention to detail and craftsmanship.
©Mathieu Lustrerie
Mathieu Lustrerie Atelier & Museum (website)
Hameau des Sauvans
84400 Gargas
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 74 92 40
Read about a recent exhibition, “Celebrating Chandeliers and Porsche 911 at Mathieu Lustrerie.”
Hats for Every Head
In the tiny Instagram-worthy town of Saignon, Alain and Valerie Berthoud have crafted distinctive raffia and tulle hats for over 20 years in their “Margotulle” atelier. The hats are the perfect summer accessory – so much so that I couldn’t resist purchasing one myself. “That’s so Provence” is a compliment my handmade Margotulle hat often elicits. (Mine is the 4th from the top in the first full column to the left!)
Margotulle (website)
Atelier Saint-Louis
Rue Saint-Louis
84400 Saignon
Email: margotulle@orange.fr
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 71 94 72
Open daily from April to October 10h – 13h and 14h30 to 19h30. Closed on Saturday mornings.
Faïence Ceramics
Provencal markets are often filled with colourful, inexpensive pottery for everyday use (or for souvenirs). If you are seeking something more authentic, head to beautiful Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where you’ll find several artisans practicing the antique craft of faïence.
The Bondil family has been in business since 1980. Recognized as an “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (a Living Heritage Company), the atelier has stayed true to the Moustiers production methods dating back to the 17th century. L’Atelier Bondil offers traditional faïence patterns and more contemporary styles made entirely by hand.
©L’Atelier Bondil
Atelier Soleil, also in Moustiers, is another “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant. Master craftsman Franck Scherer offers a new collection every year and transforms the three basic “ingredients” of earth, fire and water into plates, platters, vases, pitchers, cups and mugs.
L’Atelier Bondil (boutique website)
7048 Rue de la Bourgade,
04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Atelier Soleil (website)
Chemin de Quinson
04360 Moustiers Sainte-Marie, France
Telephone: +33 (0)4 92 74 61 62
Email: contact@soleil-deux.com
Affiliate Information
Related Posts
No Comment