Craftsmen in Provence

About Craftsmen in Provence

Homes in Provence are filled with the work of local craftsmen, from stone and iron work to traditional furnishings. Craftsmaking in the region began as early as 6000 BC, when its inhabitants created the first pottery to be made in France. The weekly flea market at L'Isle sur la Sorgue in Vaucluse is held on Sundays and is one of Provence's most atmospheric markets, famous for its antiques and crafts.

Santons in Provence

Santon craftsmen work with clay and brushes to create miniature figurines based on people from Provencal village life and the Nativity. Jean-Louis Lagnel was the first recognised santonnier, producing the delicately-carved figurines in Marseille during the French Revolution when churches were closed and their nativity scenes banned. Today, visitors can find produce from the region's most skilled santon at Aubagne's two-day Biennale de L'Art Santonnier and the Foire aux Santons in Aix-en-Provence.

Provençal quilting

Boutis, "stuffing" in the Provençal dialect, are cloths made using a traditional technique in which two layers of fabric are quilted together with stuffing pressed between sections of the design. This creates a raised effect, accentuating religious symbols and themes, plants and flower images that are often incorporated into the textile. Boutis quilting can be found in blankets, tablecloths, placemats and even clothing, and is sold in craft shops throughout Provence.