The village
It is a small, peaceful village of less than 800 inhabitants, Rablay-sur-Layon . The name "Rablay" probably means "the land of the maples". The village has erected, of course, a statue to Saint-Vincent, patron saint of winegrowers! While strolling around, take a look at the "Maison de la dîme" (tithe house) which, with its half-timbering, is very representative of the fifteenth century habitat.
Every year, the village loses some of its peaceful character, as it hosts an important festival where many local groups come to perform.
Finally, the village has the particularity of having an "associative grocery store", which has been running very well for years. It presents the products of the producers of the region, including, in particular, the wine growers, since we are in the Layon area. (See the video report at the bottom of the article.)
The village in the village...
Yes, the village of Rablay sur Layon proposes another village, "the Village of artists".
In fact, it is an association created in 1987, and which has given itself an objective: to promote contemporary art and crafts by creating a place accessible to all.
It is composed, first of all, of "the gallery". It gives craftsmen and artists the opportunity to use a large space to present their creations. Several exhibitions are programmed each year.
Then, there is the "boutique" which, 1000 leagues away from the small souvenir stores that are too easily found, allows art craftsmen to exhibit their works, after they have passed in front of a selection committee.
In August, every year, the association also organizes a potters' market called "Terres Créatives". It is a unique event in the region. Here too, a selection committee guarantees the quality and originality of the products exhibited. This event also allows to discover all the possibilities of the different techniques, stoneware, raku, earthenware, porcelain, terracotta, glazed earthenware...
With an activity always rich, the association creates or participates in specific appointments, such as the European days of art crafts, or for example the autumn fair during which creators from the Great West are invited.
And then, an unusual approach, there is the Arcotèque. It is a question of offering, to an individual or a company, the possibility of renting a work of art. The choice is vast, since more than 200 works of art of various techniques are presented for rent. This makes it possible to create an evolving environment, to try, to change one's mind, or simply to discover over time.
Of course, at the end of the rental period, if your "crush" still beats as strongly as it did, you can purchase the work in question.
Le Village d'artistes
Place du Mail, Rablay-sur-Layon,
49750 Bellevigne-en-Layon
Tél. : 02 41 78 61 32
Mairie de Rablay-sur-Layon
15 Grande Rue
Rablay-sur-Layon
49750 Bellevigne-en-Layon
Tél. : 02 41 78 32 74
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