Every year, the charming Provençal village of Vallabrègues, nestled on the left bank of the Rhône, transforms into a veritable paradise for lovers of crafts and traditions. The European Basketry and Fine Craft Festival offers an immersion into ancestral know-how! This festival, with its unique atmosphere, allows visitors and artisans to meet and exchange ideas. Find all the information about the Basketry Festival on this page!
For two days, the narrow streets of Vallabrègues are adorned with hanging baskets, the locals don their finest Provençal costumes, and a festive spirit takes hold of the village. The basketry festival is a true journey back in time! For one weekend, Vallabrègues transforms into a scene straight out of a period film.
The basketry festival features parades in horse-drawn carriages, Provençal music, street performances, and traditional wooden games. There's something for everyone to enjoy among the many activities. And above all, the locals are proud to share their culture and history with visitors. That's what makes this festival so unique and endearing!
A special celebration
The fever of the "bearers"
For 30 years, every second weekend of August, Vallabrègues has celebrated a lovely tradition: the "baïssiers" fever, which refers to the joyful return to the village of the men who have spent several weeks harvesting Camargue reeds.
This typical little village has a unique history. Bathed by the Rhône River, it has often suffered the river's whims and dedicated its land to the cultivation of osier. It was initially located on the right bank of the Rhône. Later, it became an island surrounded by water. Today, it sits on the left bank of the Rhône. Incidentally, it's the only village in the Gard department on this bank!
In the 250th century, there were no fewer than XNUMX basket makers in the village. One remains today, and you can visit him.
Today, Vallabrègues welcomes basket weavers from all over Europe every year. They present their creations, share traditions, and offer workshops to introduce the art of basketry to a wider audience.
For two days, the village is adorned with its finest assets: baskets are hung in the alleys, all the houses and the village square are decorated.
The people of Vallabrègues, all generations combined, get involved: they parade with horse-drawn carriages and Provençal costumes and share their tradition with passion.
You can watch live demonstrations, try out some weaving techniques, and perhaps even leave with a handmade basket—a unique and authentic souvenir. Doesn't that make you want to try basketry yourself?
Do not miss
Local activities
- The Finale : an unforgettable fireworks display.
What better way to end these two days of celebrations than with a magical fireworks display over the lake? A suspended moment, full of emotion, that lights up the sky and etches unforgettable memories into the minds of visitors. - Local flavors Between gourmet food trucks, local dishes and friendly refreshment stands, there's something to delight every palate.
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