The last basket-maker in the village

The capital of basketry

Vallabrègues is a village in basket-makers. For many years, the village has been hosting the European Basketry Festival during a weekend in August. Not surprising, because since the 19th century, Vallabrègues is famous for this reason, and today we find in one of the hidden alleys of the old center, the very last basket-maker in the village.

Let's go back a few steps. At the very beginning of the 20th century and at the end of the previous century, Vallabrègues was truly considered the capital of basketry. Nearly 450 basket-makers live and practice their trade in the village. Located on the banks of the Rhone, the basketmakers left to harvest the wicker, in the baysses, these fertile and swampy lands along the river. The return of bayssiers was celebrated throughout the village and gave rise to large lively parties.

Today you can visit the museum that traces the history of basketry in this village.

Wicker, a natural and ecological material

The cultivation of wicker is called oyster farming. Wicker is harvested in winter. It does not require any treatment, it can be used raw, the wicker is then dried and kept in a dry and cool place.
White wicker can also be worked. To make it, you need to immerse the boots in the water until they rise in sap. The bark is then removed and dried in the open air.

When you say wicker, you think basket...

And yet, you can do so much with wicker, yes!
Wicker returns even fashionable with super modern and graphic lampshades, suspensions and other accessories.

Daniel, the last basket-maker in the village

There remains one, and only one, that perpetuates the traditions of the village. And you can go meet him! Daniel exercises this craft with passion. Originally from Isère, Daniel Benibghi naturally settled in Vallabrègues, a Provencal village located not far from Avignon, Arles and Saint Rémy de Provence.
You can push the door to his workshop, he will explain how he works wicker. He planted his own wicker gardens not far from the village, and himself performs all the stages of transformation from wicker to basket.

'Today I have the privilege of perpetuating the tradition combining past and modernity', according to the basket maker.

This craftsman makes tailor-made creations according to the request of his customers: luminaires, trays, displays, baskets... He also offers courses to learn about wicker braiding.
These internships last 1 to 2 days and are carried out in a small committee so that everyone can develop their creativity and benefit from personalized advice.