Copper City

Villedieu les Poêles

Experiences close to home: Villedieu-les-Poêles.

Located in the heart of the Manche department, this small Normandy village owes its fame to its stoves and bells. Also known as “La Cité du Cuivre et de l’Etain” (The City of Copper and Pewter), this town of some 4,000 inhabitants has been awarded the ” Villes et Métiers d’Art” (Towns and Crafts ) label : Here, you can discover exceptional sites such as the Bell Foundry, the Copper Workshop and several other museums. Founded in the 12th century by the Knights of Malta, this medieval town is now home to a large number of craftsmen.

Villedieu-les Poêles is one of Normandy’s must-see stops for craft tourism, so come and discover its exceptional expertise!

Tourism information website of Villedieu-Les-Poêles

A remarkable medieval town!

Take a historical stroll through the heart of the town, and discover Villedieu-les-Poêles ‘ atypical architecture and heritage. As you stroll along the narrow, cobbled streets, you’ll catch a glimpse of the courtyard workshops (where coppersmiths worked and lived). The most emblematic are :

La Luzerne courtyard and its gallows
La Cour des Hauts-Bois and its sculpted head
La Cour aux Moines
La Cour Bataille and its engraved step
The Cour du Foyer, listed as a Historic Monument

Along the way, you’ll also notice theChurch of Notre Dame, with its statues and secrets, as well asold washhouses dating from the 19th century on the banks of the Sienne.

Capital of copper and living heritage :

A stop at the “Cour du Foyer”, which today houses :

Le Musée de la Poeslerie dedicated to copper: reconstruction of an old workshop that plunges you into the world of coppersmiths and pansmiths, exhibition of copper and brass pieces.

La Maison de la Dentelli&egrave ;re: presentation of Villedieu lace, discovery of specific equipment and bobbin lace demonstration at the end of the visit.

> More on Villedieu-Les-Poêles museums

In the town center, the Cornille-Havard bell foundry: in operation since 1865, this foundry is a showcase for exceptional craftsmanship, combining ancestral traditions with cutting-edge technology. Many bells have been cast here, including the bells for Notre Dame de Paris in 2013.

> More on Cornille Havard bell foundry

On the other side of town, the Atelier du Cuivre: one of the oldest workshops still in operation, a fun and educational visit where you can discover the ancestral know-how par excellence. A guided tour allows you to appreciate the different workstations used by workers to manufacture copper cooking utensils and contemporary objects.

> More about the copper workshop

Another factory opens its doors for guided tours: Mauviel 1830. Manufacture top-of-the-range cookware in copper, stainless steel or aluminum.

Arts and crafts district

Take a stroll through the streets of Villedieu, and you’ll be greeted by atypical shop windows displaying a variety of original creations by passionate craftsmen. Villedieu has been awarded the ” Ville et Métiers d’Art ” label, and in the historic heart of the town you’ll find a wide range of expertise: dinanderie, bell-making, pottery, ceramics, restoration, art framing, millinery, jewelry design, glass and textile art …. The artisans welcome you all year round to their workshop-boutiques. Every year, to mark the Fête des Métiers d’Art, a large number of craftspeople come to exhibit their work in various locations around the town and under a Magic Mirror set up in Place des Costils. Not to be missed in spring, on the first weekend in April.

Tourism information website of Villedieu Les Poêles

Other experiences

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