Our partners
Over the years, we have built strong relationships with local and national businesses/structures that trust us. Schools, craftsmen, actors of ochre's tourism, here is a non-exhaustive list of some of our loyal partners.
Where to learn about ochre ? What to visit during a stay in the Luberon ?
The Mines of Bruoux (Gargas)
Located in the same town as our quarry (last in extraction in Europe), the Mines de Bruoux are now an exceptional tourist place. Once mined in underground galleries (from the late 19th century to the 1950s), then transformed into mushroom beds, they are now open to the public. Do not hesitate to book your visit to admire this unique decor, vestige of the glory years of the ochre industry. Let yourself be transported on a wonderful journey into the heart of 40km of galleries, accompanied on 650m by guides, each more passionate than the other. And pssst… Plan a jacket (yes, even in the middle of summer), if «grandiose» is the key word of Mines, «freshness» is also : it makes 10 degrees all year round !
The Okhra ecomuseum (Roussillon)
In this former ochre factory rehabilitated in ecomuseum, you can follow a guided tour or discover the site by following a route tracing the history of ochre, its past and present uses... You can also book internships to improve your technical skills in the field of building, attend a discovery workshop or enjoy an artist’s exhibition. The Okhra ecomuseum is also a retailer of our ochres and pigments Ocres de France.
The Industrial Adventure Museum (Apt)
This museum offers an exhibition retracing the history of the economic activity of the Apt area (Luberon), through the three local specialities that have made its fame : earthenware, candied fruits and ochres. As at the Okhra Ecomuseum, you will find many period pieces, initially in our factory, which we donated.
Le Colorado Provençal (Rustrel) and le Sentier des Ocres (Roussillon)
If you prefer to walk in the open air and discover sumptuous landscapes, witness to the meeting between nature and men, we advise you to visit some formers quarries of ochre. They are numerous but the best known are undoubtedly those of the Colorado Provençal in Rustrel and the Sentier des Ocres in Roussillon. Although they have not been in operation since the 1950s, they remain fascinating places whose popularity has continued to grow since the lockdown and media buzz around these unique sites.
For longer walks, choose Colorado Provençal. However, be careful to check the number of visitors in advance, the site is sometimes inaccessible because it is overloaded during the summer.
https://www.coloradoprovencal.fr / http://www.roussillon-en-provence.fr/ocres.html
Apt Luberon Tourist Office (Apt)
But finally, who better to advise you on routes, opening days, arrival times, fares and activity ideas than our local tourist office ? Do not hesitate to contact them to plan your stay in the heart of ochre !
Where can I find qualified craftsmen for renovation/construction work and/or training with them (coatings, lime paints, tadelakt, etc) ?
L’EEAM (Ecole Européenne de l’Art et des Matières - European School of Art and Matter) (Albi)
Located in Albi, EEAM (European School of Art and Subjects) is a school of crafts, matter and ecology. The courses, taught by approved coordinators and trainers specialized in their field, are based on traditional ancestral techniques and the latest regulations in force. The EEAM offers level 3 and level 4 certification courses in the fields of sustainable construction, decorative finishing, floors and ceilings, and restoration. The preferred materials are earth, lime, plaster, stone, bio-based materials and waste recovery products. The school also offers 2 level 5 titles over 2 years (continuous or apprenticeship contract): texture and material designer and decor and ornamentation designer..
L’atelier Pittoresque of Jamal Daddis (Apt)
Jamal Daddis is a Moroccan master craftsman of the Art of Tadelakt. Born in Marrakech, he carries out exceptional projects thanks to the artisanal techniques of traditional lime paints and coatings like Tadelakt and also teaches these skills during training sessions..
Imipierre (Faye-sur-Ardin)
Imipierre is a company of imitating stone, wood and brick decoration and their achievements are bluffing. It also manufactures sets for events and cinema but above all it is a training organization (label QUALIOPI) for individuals and professionals, inter or intra, distance learning if needed. Impierre has a network of approved applicators under the brand license «IMIPIERRE O» (complete initial training and contract).
.jpg)
Art & Rénovation of Stéphane Roucheton (Gargas)
Art & Renovation is a company certified EPV, specialized in the restoration of old buildings, heritage and historical monuments. Stéphane Roucheton’s knowledge of Provençal materials and techniques makes him a renowned craftsman with 30 years of experience.
Vincent Lombardo (Goult)
Painter of heritage decorations, restorer of ancient buildings in Goult, Vincent Lombaro gives a second life to the buildings of our beautiful region (and elsewhere). It also offers stone-cutting formations (dry stones, calades, etc.).
Where can I get the information from home ?
And finally, if you don’t have the chance to go directly to places to get the information, why not travel from your couch ? Our Bookshop section contains several exciting books on various subjects, centered around color.
Special mention to Nathalie Boisseau, author of the blog Esprit Cabane and the book "La peinture suédoise" (= "the swedish paint"), a best-seller that sells like hot cakes !
A question ? Don’t hesitate to contact us at infos@ocres-de-france.com !