In Vallabrègues, in the Terre d'Argence region, some stones seem to have survived the centuries, awaiting their rebirth. Nestled against its remarkable hexagonal Renaissance-style tower, the village's presbytery is now opening a new chapter in its history. Carefully restored, it is now a place dedicated to creation, the transmission of skills, and fine craftsmanship.
The history of the Vallabrègues Presbytery
The history of the Presbytery remains partly mysterious. However, its architecture, the way its stones are laid, and its mullioned windows suggest that its origins date back to the 16th century, or even earlier.
The building, arranged in an L-shape around a former priest's garden, is distinguished by its elegant polygonal tower which overlooks the historic heart of the village. This tower houses a spiral staircase and is believed to have once served as a watchtower.
Over the centuries, the Presbytery has served many purposes. During the Wars of Religion, it is believed to have housed soldiers. It then successively became the town hall, the rectory, the village school, and finally, teachers' accommodation.
The site has also witnessed significant events in local history. During the great Rhône flood of 1856, many residents sought refuge there. In 1919, a fire damaged part of the building. Gradually neglected, it was finally abandoned in the 1990s before beginning its revival thanks to an ambitious restoration program completed in 2026.
Deeply rooted in the collective memory of Vallabrègues , the Presbytery holds a special place in the hearts of its inhabitants. Many still remember the underground passage connecting the church to the Presbytery, a playground and adventure site for several generations of village children.
The Presbytery Workshops
Today, the Presbytery is home to a community of artisans and creators who bring the place to life on a daily basis. Between artistic crafts, traditional techniques, and contemporary creation, each brings their own sensibility and expertise to this collective project.
You will be able to meet there:
- Beryl Brueilbasket maker
- Christine Darc, santon maker
- Vanessa Bouziguesartist designer
- Yann Antonucci, painter and creator of wooden furniture
- Juliette Grelier, art bookbinder
- Pascaline Lopez, multidisciplinary artist
- Manon Ducrèspotter
Discover their creations in the Ateliers du Presbytère shop, where you will find works of art, wickerwork decorative objects, ceramic tableware, santons, notebooks and writing journals and souvenirs of Vallabrègues…
| Opening hours from January 01 to December 31, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | Open from 15:19 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Thursday | Open from 15:19 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Friday | Open from 15:19 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Saturday | Open from 09 am to 13 pm and from 15 pm to 19 pm |
3 rue du Presbytère 30300 Vallabrègues
Discover the world of the artisans in the Presbytery workshops
Wandering through the narrow streets of Vallabrègues, let yourself be guided to the Presbytery. Behind its walls steeped in history, discover workshops open to creativity, chat with the artisans and immerse yourself in worlds where ancestral techniques and contemporary inspirations meet.
Each workshop tells a story, each creation bears the imprint of a unique know-how.
Come in, observe, exchange ideas and let yourself be inspired.
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