Villedieu-les-Poêles is an unmissable spot for craft-related tourism in Normandy and La Manche. Many of the places to visit here revolve around the copper and metal working tradition, which dates back to medieval times.
The Atelier du Cuivre (copper workshop), the Fonderie de Cloches (bell foundry) and the Mauviel 1830 factory all contribute their expertise to this town, which has received the "Ville et Métiers d'Art" (arts and crafts town) label. Find out more about these three workshops that represent the excellence of La Manche: their history, their products and the visits available.
Discover this authentic 19th century workshop during a fascinating guided tour, when you’ll hear all about the traditions, the centuries-old practices and the modern techniques used. You’ll see the bell founders at work and you might even see the new bell being made for Notre Dame de Paris!
The tradition of the bell founders dates back to medieval times in Villedieu-les-Poêles. The craftsmen were originally itinerant, before settling in the Cornille Havard workshop in 1865. Since then, they’ve been producing bells and bronze sculptures (urban decoration, bronze statues, etc.).
Around 100 monumental bells are produced every year, destined for the most beautiful religious monuments. Nine bells were made for Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral in 2013.
Today, the bell founders perpetuate the traditional know-how of their trade, while incorporating modern techniques in order to improve the aesthetic and musical qualities of the bells they produce.
Gallery
This is one of the oldest workshops still operating in Villedieu. Established in 1850, the company perpetuates the centuries-old know-how surrounding copper and metal working.
Step through the door of this company established in 1850 and discover the know-how of the coppersmiths. Today, they still respect the old copperware traditions and produce unique objects: kitchenware as well as custom-made pieces.
The guided tour is led by a workshop employee. You’ll be shown all the different work stations and will see a demonstration of the daily work of the craftsmen. The visit begins with a 15-minute film telling the story of the company and explaining the different steps of the manufacturing process. It ends in the shop, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase pieces made in the workshop.
The Atelier du Cuivre is open all year round. Visits are possible from Monday to Friday, without booking.
Allow around one hour for the visit.
This is the art of working sheets of metal such as copper, brass, silver or tin to transform them into decorative or useful objects.
In the 19th century, Villedieu had around 100 workshops. Today, only the Atelier du Cuivre is still able to make bespoke pieces that can’t be produced industrially, such as jam pans and cauldrons.
The manufacturing steps are the same, but coppersmithing aims to beautify the objects made with very fine decorative elements. The work is artistic and aesthetic, whereas metalworking is more industrial and technical. It’s also a sector that’s constantly seeking new talent.
The coppersmith, Ernest Mauviel, who established the factory in 1830, would have been surprised to discover that today, the legacy of his expertise lives on in the greatest kitchens in France and the rest of the world!
Step into the workshop, where you’ll find out all about the production of high-end French kitchenware. In total, 70 craftsmen work daily to produce 1300 objects.
The guided tour of the factory tells you all about the coppersmiths’ techniques: cutting, stamping, hammering and polishing. Go from station to station and admire their work.
Visits are possible from Monday to Friday by appointment (call 02 33 61 00 31).
For 200 years and seven generations, Mauviel has been an integral part of Villedieu-les-Poêles. Historically known for its copperware, the factory also produces kitchenware made from stainless steel, aluminium and cast iron.
Mauviel strives to transmit its skills and expertise. This is why, since 2017, the company has run a training centre within the factory, teaching the techniques of coppersmithing, including moulding, hammering, tinplating and manual shaping.
Today, the company’s products are used by top chefs, at the Elysée and in private kitchens, both in France and abroad.
Mauviel has succeeded in exporting its expertise and has showcased La Manche through its top-end kitchenware.
There’s a shop attached to the factory in Villedieu, where you’ll undoubtedly find what you’re looking for. Induction copper saucepans, multilayer stainless steel frying pans, hammered aluminium champagne buckets, or cast-iron crêpe pans: choose from more than 1000 different pieces.
Mauviel 1830 also has an online shop and delivers in France and abroad.
Mauviel 1830 kitchenware is also available on the Attitude Manche online shop, along with other local products.
Villedieu-les-Poêles has been awarded the “Ville et Métiers d’Art” label for its great tradition of coppersmithing, dating back to medieval times: cookware, copperware, metalwork, bellfounding, etc. The “City of copper and tin” was established in the 12th century by the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem.
Stroll around the town centre and head along Rue Carnot to browse the pop-up or permanent craft shops.
This district emerged under the impetus of the town council, which wanted to promote its artistic creations and become known as the town of arts and crafts in Normandy. Potters, jewellery designers, furniture upholsterers and stained-glass makers are all waiting to show off their creations.
In the tourist office, there’s a retail exhibition space dedicated to craft workers. Around 15 creators contribute to this space, which changes every quarter. The pieces exhibited are available for purchase.
During the European Artistic Crafts Days, in spring, Villedieu organises a craft festival. Lots of different creators attend this free event. You can come and meet them, find out about what they do, purchase unique pieces and perhaps find your vocation!
