This small town of about 3500 inhabitants is the capital of copper work, and a very important place of craftsmanship, with a bell factory that provided Notre-Dame, dream lace and magnificent Breton furniture.
Villedieu-les-Poêles and the Templars....
Having lost their platforms in the Levant, and Malta, a land was given to them around 1130. Villedieu-les-Poêles thus became the first French commandery. This one, crossed by the Siena river, and located on one of the paths leading to Mont-Saint-Michel, presented an interesting situation. In addition, they were authorised to organise a weekly market and an annual fair, which is a source of taxes on the products sold. Finally, it must be said that the commandery enjoyed a number of privileges that allowed its inhabitants, among other things, to avoid paying taxes of any kind and to be exempt from military service. Of course, it helps a little! And the talents have arrived....
Villedieu-les-Poêles, as its name suggests!
Among his first talents, copper work. The copper workshop is one of the oldest in the city, and one of the most important in Europe! In the middle of the activity, you will be able to see the craftsmen working and admire, in the middle of the work, the implementation of their know-how.
You will find the productions in the copper shops of the city, and, because of the multitude of objects presented, it would be very surprising if you brought back only a frying pan!
The bells of Notre-Dame come from Villedieu-les-Poêles
Don't miss the bell foundry, one of the five foundries in France, which supplied the bells for Notre-Dame in 2013. The production process is a real spectacle in itself. A fun, unusual and rare visit!
The bell founders, installed since the Middle Ages, now work in a unique 19th century workshop in which about a hundred monumental bells are created each year.
A city of craftsmen....
Villedieu-les-Poêles is the work of copper and the foundry of bells... but not only!
Indeed, as is often the case, art attracts art, and craftspeople like to meet each other.
Also, "over time, other craftsmen and creators have settled in the muted city. At the bend in the lanes, you can meet lace makers, a hatter, ceramist, restorers, a jewellery designer, or even potters who open their workshop to the public all year round" (city site). In short, your days will not be long enough!
Lace is a local specialty, and you will find many of its active representatives. And, above all, in this area, do not miss the visit of the Maison de la Dentellière.
Norman furniture....
Here again, it's a must! Discover the Norman Furniture Museum and discover the infinite riches of a popular craft industry that transmits arts and traditions. You will find a unique collection of 150 pieces of furniture presented, either one by one or in authentic, reconstituted rooms. Be careful, try to group together, in case there are no individual visits.
Office de Tourisme
Vitrine des métiers d’art
8, Place des Costils,
50800 Villedieu-les-Poêles - Rouffigny
Tél. : 02 33 61 05 69
Atelier du Cuivre
54, Rue du Général Huard,
50800 Villedieu-les-Poêles
Tél : 02 33 51 31 85
Maison de la Dentellière
25, rue du Général Huard - Cour du Foyer
50800 Villedieu-les-Poêles
Tél. : 02 33 69 33 44
museesvlp@orange.fr
Musée du Meuble Normand
9, rue du Reculé
50800 Villedieu-les-Poêles
Tél. : 02 33 69 33 44
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