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Holidays exploring local crafts in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

A trip to discover traditional crafts in the bastides of Nouvelle-Aquitaine

A vast region in south-western France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is renowned for being home to the finest (and most numerous!) examples of bastides – these ‘new towns’ founded in the Middle Ages, symbols of the economic and political rivalry between the kingdoms of France and England. Often laid out in a grid pattern, the bastides still host shopkeepers and craftspeople beneath their characteristic arcades. In La Bastide-Clairence in the Basque Country or in Monpazier in the Périgord, treat yourself to a holiday exploring traditional crafts in two renowned bastides.

La Bastide-Clairence (Pyrénées-Atlantiques): a revival of traditional crafts in the Basque Country

Sculpture de couple devant arcades à La Bastide-Clairence

A town of hosiery craftsmen in the 18th century, La Bastide-Clairence saw this industry decline in the 19th century when industrialisation forced craftspeople to abandon their trade and, with it, the village. In the 1980s, the village launched a programme to ‘revive’ the craft sector. Several buildings were acquired and private owners in the village were encouraged to house workshops on the ground floor.

As a result, there are now around fifteen workshops based in the village, all playing an active part in village life, notably through theArkua association. Violin-making, passementerie, ceramics, cabinet-making, glasswork, tapestry… Ondo pasa! (enjoy, in Basque)

Top craft activities in La Bastide-Clairence:

  • Take part in one of the guided workshop tours, led by the artisan themselves – book at the tourist information office.

  • Visit the exhibition hall at thetourist office, showcasing a selection of pieces by the village’s artisans: a great way to start exploring all the workshops.

  • Learn about Basque culture at the Garralda Gallery, through the works of the artist Mattin Laurent Partarrieu.

Art and craft events in La Bastide-Clairence:

Our recommendations for your stay in La Bastide-Clairence

 

Monpazier (Dordogne), a bastide renowned for its arts and crafts in the Périgord Pourpre

 

Horlogerie à Monpazier

 

Among the 300 bastides of the Greater South-West, Monpazier is one of the smallest but also one of the most celebrated for the richness of its heritage! More than 15 workshops are scattered throughout this ‘model’ 12th-century bastide, which covers an area of no more than 0.53 km²! You can easily explore them on foot. Wood marquetry, ceramics, leather goods, clockmaking, bookbinding, picture framing… The artisans of Monpazier are delighted to welcome you and introduce you to a variety of materials and trades!

Top arts and crafts activities in Monpazier:

  • Try your hand at wood marquetry with Christophe Planchon, during a workshop at his studio in winter.

  • Challenge your (grand)children to some medieval games at the  Bastideum, whilst reminding them that no, you didn’t actually live back then!

Craft events in Monpazier:

  • The Métiers & Arts fair, bringing together over 40 craftspeople in the heart of the bastide, over three days in May

Your stay in Monpazier:

Holiday ideas: ‘Creativity and Craftsmanship’ – Our other suggestions in ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’