Situated at the entrance to the former Bouchonnerie, the Maison des Arts et Traditions Provençales is a venue dedicated to exploring and passing on Provençal heritage.


This part of the former Bouchonnerie hosts exhibitions, workshops and creative projects centred on the skills and traditions of Provence: sewing, cooking, crafts, folk arts… A vibrant venue where heritage, creativity and the passing on of traditions come together.


The Maison des Arts et Traditions Provençales is run by the Leï Roucas dou Bàrri association, which has been working for many years to preserve and promote Provençal identity in all its forms: artistic, cultural, historical, culinary, folkloric and musical.


The association offers workshops in lace-making, embroidery, paper craft, Marseilles piqué, crochet, upcycling, framing, as well as cookery and framing classes.


BOUTIS: AN EXCEPTIONAL CRAFT



The association is particularly committed to keeping the art of boutis alive, also known as Marseilles piqué or, in the past, ‘embossed embroidery’. This traditional textile craft, now listed on France’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, has been passed on by the association for nearly 30 years.


A true art of sewing, boutis is a rare technique that requires patience, precision and meticulous attention to detail. Each piece takes many hours of work. Its distinctive feature lies in the raised pattern created on the fabric, as well as the fact that it looks just as polished on the right side as on the wrong side.


In Pierrefeu-du-Var, boutis is distinguished in particular by the traditional use of white fabric, which really brings out the delicacy of the patterns and the texture of the work.


THE BOUTIS FESTIVAL



Every year in spring, the association organises the Boutis Festival within the walls of the former cork workshop known as the Salle André-Malraux. A unique event in France dedicated to this exceptional textile art. These gatherings bring together enthusiasts, creators and those simply curious to explore the art form through exhibitions, demonstrations and discussions, allowing visitors to discover the full richness of this craft.


Through its activities, Leï Roucas dou Bàrri does more than simply preserve a traditional craft: the association keeps the true spirit of Provence alive and helps to pass on its traditions to future generations.


Stepping through the doors of the Maison des Arts et Traditions Provençales is to discover a world where craftsmanship tells a story, where creations breathe new life into traditions, and where the spirit of Provence is passed on with passion and warmth.


OTHER EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE LEI ROUCAS DOU BARRI ASSOCIATION


Throughout the year, Lei Roucas dou Barri brings Provençal skills and traditions to life through a series of events centred on passing on heritage and fostering a sense of community.



Monday: embroidery, crochet and creative workshops.
Tuesday: Marseilles-style quilting; in the evening, Provençal language lessons.

Wednesday: lace-making workshop.

Thursday: sewing workshop, twice a month.

Friday: boutis workshop.

Saturday: cookery workshop, once a month.



Training courses for group leaders are also offered on fixed dates throughout the year.

Two events also mark the changing seasons: the wardrobe clear-out on the last Sunday in January, and the santons fair during the last week of November.

The association closes during the school holidays.