Worth a Visit Fondation Blachère for Contemporary African Art in the Luberon

We met some friends for lunch in Goult, one of the many reasons to visit this Luberon village. After lunch, they suggested an unexpected and illuminating art tour near Apt that involved lights and contemporary African art. Our first stop was Mathieu Lustrerie, a company recognized worldwide for its chandelier restorations. After the magical chandeliers, it was time to visit Fondation Blachère, where two contemporary African art shows occur annually.

©Jeremie Pitot

Blachère Lighting History

Jean-Paul Blachère founded the company with his family name, Blachère Illumination, in 1973. Although the enterprise might not be a name you recognize, their lighting systems and holiday lights are produced at the factory in Apt and shipped worldwide. Today, there are 26 Blachère subsidiaries around the globe, with installations in commercial spaces, shopping centres, historical locations, and residential Christmas trees.

©Jeremie Pitot / collection Fondation Blachère

Fondation Blachère Art

In 2003, Jean-Paul Blachère launched Fondation Blachère, committed to promoting contemporary art from the African continent and its diaspora. During the subsequent 20 years, the art centre adjacent to the Blachère Illumination workshops hosted nearly 50 art exhibitions. In addition, more than 400 artists participated in art residencies in Apt and Ngaparou in Senegal. La Fondation Blachère also includes the family’s nearly 2000 diverse artworks collection.

sculpture verticalité d’Amahiguere Dolo

Bonnieux: A New Home

Like Goult, there are many reasons to visit Bonnieux, but since 2023, there has been one more – Fondation Blachère’s new location. Christine Allain-Launay Blachère (Jean-Paul’s daughter) led the project to open a distinct venue for the Foundation and the family’s collection.

©Jeremie Pitot / collection Fondation Blachère

After a restoration project, the one-time Bonnieux train station is now a suitable display space inside and outside, with art studios, apartments, a café, and a boutique dedicated to contemporary African art. The Foundation aims to support and raise awareness for this rich artistic scene.

©Jeremie Pitot / collection Fondation Blachère

Visitor Information

Fondation Blachère (website)
121 chemin de Coucourdon
La Gare de Bonnieux
84480 Bonnieux
Telephone: +33 (0)4 32 52 06 15

It is open Monday through Saturday all year, closed on Sundays, and open from 12:30 to 2 p.m. daily. It’s a good idea to book your visit online during busy periods.

The boutique features fair-trade artisanal creations from Africa and some of the Blachère Illumination products for residential décor.

April 4 – September 21, 2024 – “Bandiagara: au commencement de la collection Blachère.”

Bangiagara April – Sept 2024