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Potier X. Renauld

Artisanat et Shopping

Wickerwork, earthenware, enamels... appreciate the many facets of crafts in the Centre Region

Come and discover the village of Villaines-les-Rochers near Azay-le-Rideau and its 80 families of wickerworkers. Some of them have even set up shop in former cliff dwellings, as they offer ideal moisture levels for preserving the supple qualities of the wicker strands. Let yourself be tempted by their baskets, decorative objects, furnishings and even jewellery. Pottery enthusiasts should stop off in the village of La Borne in the Cher region. Stroll through the streets to see potters, sculptors and ceramists at work. You are certain to fall for one of their stoneware items or colourful ceramics.
 
La faiencerie
Vannerie

You can also follow the Porcelain and Table Arts Route in the Berry region, where a number of craftspeople reserve some beautiful surprises for you. In Gien, on the banks of the Loire, after visiting the Earthenware Museum, take the time to look around some of the shops and choose the right style for you. Just a few miles further on, in Briare, you can visit the Mosaic and Enamels Museum. The shop sells a wide variety of items, including jewellery, mirrors and vases. If you appreciate glasswork, Amboise is the place to be for the gallery and workshop of Patrick Lepage, a glass artist for 20 years. In Chartres, close to the cathedral, the master glassmakers of the International Stained Glass Centre will introduce you to traditional stained glass, as well as creations by contemporary artists. In the outbuildings of the Château of Nançay, the Capazza Gallery exhibits the works of 60 internationally-renowned artists in its display area of no less than 2000 m2. Lastly, come and listen to the language of the bells at the Bollée Foundry near Orléans… After the visit, you will have an opportunity to buy bells of all shapes and sizes to take away with you. 

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