en
Français
Trips exploring traditional crafts in Occitanie
Getaways exploring traditional crafts in Occitanie, less than 2 hours from Toulouse
In Occitanie, there’s no shortage of places of interest for nature, seaside or mountain holidays. But have you heard of these craft villages, less than 2 hours from Toulouse, where art fills the narrow streets and heritage sites? They’re well worth a visit! Set off to explore with our ideas for special ‘artisan crafts’ activities.
Lauzerte (Tarn-et-Garonne): a showcase for the arts and crafts of Quercy
Between Cahors and Agen, in the heart of the ‘White Quercy’, creativity and craftsmanship are on display throughout the market town of Lauzerte : on the façades, in the squares, in the workshops, behind the windows, or even in the cellars!
During your visit, your keen eye will soon spot the mark left by Jacques Buscholtz, an internationally renowned ceramic artist, who notably created the striking raised corner of the Place des Cornières during its refurbishment in 1988. You’ll also appreciate the wrought-iron signs, most of which are the work of blacksmith Sylvain Soligon, whose son Didier still works at the forge beneath the Esplanade de la Barbacane.
Top craft activities in Lauzerte:
Share your views on the works on display at the‘Espace Points de vue’, a community-run gallery showcasing contemporary artists from all over France, each with their own unique styles and techniques.
DiscoverDidier Soligon’s blacksmith’s workshop, beneath Espace Points de Vue, in a vaulted room leading to the village’s former guardrooms.
Have a coffee at the Puits du Jour, whose exhibition space regularly hosts local artists and craftspeople.
Explore the village in search of the many works by craftspeople with ties to Lauzerte : “Les 3 Capucins” and the wrought-iron signs by Sylvain Soligon, “Le Foulage” by Didier Soligon, “Inaccessible” by Jacques Bucholtz, “Grain de poussière dans l’espace” by Sylvain Croisy...
Pop into the village’s craft workshops : illuminated manuscripts, textile design, leatherwork, ceramics… there’s something for everyone!
Art and craft events in Lauzerte:
“Spotlight on the Arts and Crafts”, in early April during the European Artistic Crafts Days
The pottery market in July
Lagrasse (Aude): the past and present of the arts and crafts in Cathar country
In the land of the Cathar castles, in the heart of the Corbières, there is a village that nurtures the arts. In Lagrasse, music, literature, crafts, painting… all find expression through societies, festivals, workshops, cafés… and the artists and craftspeople based in the village : stringed instrument making, fashion design, glasswork, stained glass, sculpture and ceramics – all crafts waiting to be discovered when you step inside their workshops.
The other gem of Lagrasse is undoubtedly its abbey, with its 13 centuries of history. Many craftsmen have left their mark on the construction of the monument, including one who remains anonymous yet has been well known since the 20th century: the Master of Cabestany. A 12th-century sculptor, he worked extensively in Catalonia, the Aude and Tuscany.
Top arts and crafts activities in Lagrasse:
- Discover the painted ceilings at the Maison du Patrimoine, an art form that was very widespread during the Renaissance, where knights, grotesque scenes and fantastical animals appear in succession to tell stories with hidden meanings...
- Unravelling the mysteries of the Maître de Cabestany by visiting the room dedicated to the abbey, which displays originals and casts by Alphonse Snoeck, a craftsman from Lagrasse who specialised in reproducing ancient sculptures
- Spend the night at Beverly Smart, a fashion designer in Lagrasse, in her white studio.
Art and craft events in Lagrasse:
- TheIN SITU Heritage and Contemporary Art pop-up exhibition from July to November, within the abbey grounds (public area)
Your stay in Lagrasse:
-
Le Studio Blanc
Meublés et Gîtes
Sauveterre-de-Rouergue: art and craftsmanship in an Aveyron bastide
In the heart of the Aveyron and the Ségala region, the bastide of Sauveterre-de-Rouergue has always faced structural constraints on the development of its economic activities: with no surrounding land, only trade and craftsmanship have been able to flourish there. Blacksmithing, and cutlery-making in particular, had a strong presence in Sauveterre as early as the 14th century. Around ten years ago, the town’s former convents and the presbytery were restored to create a centre for arts and crafts , home to theAncre, a space combining a shop, library and museum, eight workshops, and a holiday cottage. The artists based in Sauveterre are now an integral part of the town’s landscape and community life, and are definitely worth a visit! Glassmakers, lute makers, painters, photographers and potters… let creativity take centre stage!
The best arts and crafts activities in Sauveterre-de-Rouergue:
Stroll through theAncre, amongst the workshops, discovering all the talent on offer...
… and discover thecurrent contemporary art exhibition and the works of the museum’s guest artist.
Take part in aintroductory course or workshop led by one of the artists from the arts and crafts centre.
From L’Ancre, set off on the “Bastide Art Trail”, a trail through the village to discover eight works of art.
Treat yourself to the famous Sauveterre knife as a souvenir, created by the Vialis cutlery workshop.
Visit the workshops of the leather craftsman Max Capdebarthes, which hold the ‘Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant’ label, and – why not? – leave with a brand-new handbag!
Art and craft events in Sauveterre-de-Rouergue:
Thewinter craft market , held every year on the second weekend of December in the arcaded square.
Our recommendations for your stay in Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
-
Le Sénéchal
Hôtel - restaurant
