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Crafts and Skills: Inspirational Places

Wherever you travel in the mountains and valleys you’ll find craft workers whose skills have been passed down through generations and who are still producing work of extraordinary quality to equip and enhance your home.

Pottery, sculptures in wood, decoration of chalets, wood carving, stone-cutting, weaving... you will be surprised at what you find (and where you find it). Many individuals and small companies open their doors to the public, demonstrating their skills and in many cases offering items for sale. Contact the local Tourist Offices for addresses and visiting times.

Hurtières Glass Factory, Aiguebelle
To the delight of spectators, Master Glassmaker Paul Simon demonstrates how he crates glasses, dishes and carafes. A full range of glassware is on sale in the factory boutique. Entry free.
Information: Tourist Office 0033 (0)4 79 36 29 24

Stained Glass Windows, Chautagne
All styles of stained glass windows are made here employing traditional techniques. The artisan explains his work and there is an exhibition La magie du verre showing objects made by various master glassmakers.
Information: Tourist Office 0033 (0)4 50 54 54 72

Angel des Montagnes, Les Gets
Be tempted by original creations evoking the art de vivre and passion for the mountains.
Information: Tourist Office 0033 (0)4 79 75 80 80
Visit the website: www.angeldesmontagnes.com

Jewellers - Megève Cross, Megève
Handmade by Dominique Joly Pottuz, La Croix de Megève is undergoing a Renaissance. This old Megève family possesses many examples of original crosses, using them to inspire their modern creations.
Information: Tourist Office 0033 (0)4 50 21 27 28

La Poterie d’Aulps, Morzine
Working at the potter’s wheel in his studio or in the window of his shop in Morzine, Gérard Menu produces Savoyard pottery in creamy yellows, blues and chocolate. He decorates his work with motifs inspired by the mountains including inviting hearts and edelweiss.
Information: Tourist Office 0033 (0)4 50 74 72 72

Arpin Woollen Mill, Séez
In Séez you’ll discover the celebrated Arpin mill, heir to le drap du Bonneval, a traditional woven woollen cloth. Today big names in interior design use these exceptional materials. Fabric, blankets, cushions, curtains, clothes and accessories are all available for purchase in the boutique.
Information: Tourist Office 0033 (0)4 79 41 00 15
Visit the website: www.filaturearpin.com

Boutique & Workshop - Painted Objects in Wood, Vallée d’Aulps
Phoebe Adamec opened her boutique and workshop in the heart of the village, next to the school. She shows and sells objects in wood (utensils, furniture, doors...) or in metal (milk churns, watering cans...) which she has decorated with floral and Alpine motifs. She can also supply antique objects and furniture painted to order.
Information: Tourist Office 0033 (0)4 50 72 15 15

Cabinetmaker & Woodturner, Vallée des Villards
In days gone by butter moulds were used to indicate the provenance of dairy food on the market stalls. These ‘signatures’ of the independent producers and the dairy co-operatives were made from a close-grained, resinous wood. Flowers, mountains, chalets and geometric patterns were sculpted into the mould with minute precision. Much more than a simple decoration, the butter mould thrives as a rural artform handed down from generation to generation.
Information: Tourist Office 0033 (0)4 79 56 24 53