Discover basketry arts and crafts at the Wicker Art Centre

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of wickerwork with Marie-Hélène Métézeau, master craftswoman, whose expert fingers transform simple strands into veritable works of art. In her workshop in Villaines-les-Rochers, the historic birthplace of this excellent craft, let yourself be carried away by the magic of wickerwork and the secrets of an ancestral know-how. Discover a place where tradition and contemporary creation come together to create exceptional pieces.

Meet a master craftswoman

Step through the door of the Centre d’Art autour de l’Osier, at 50 rue de la Galandière in Villaines-les-Rochers. In the garden, a few white wicker geese greet you, the first creations of Hélène Métézeau’s fine wickerwork. This exceptional craftswoman, heir to eight generations of know-how, guides you through her workshop, whereraw wicker is transformed into contemporary works of art.

Discover her unique world: the oseraie where the precious cuttings grow, the gallery of wickerwork paintings, and the matériauthèque revealing the secrets of plant fibres.

@tourainevaldeloire Discovering wicker with the family 😍 Did you know about basketry? #touraine #valdeloire #vannerie #osier #art ♬ Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall – Дхулайаскулчай Ендха @Муска

Guided tours at 11am and 3pm each day reveal the many facets of this ancient art form.

Practical info

Internships and training get started with basketry

Book your place on the discovery courses on offer during the school holidays at the Centre d’Art. Creative workshops of 2 to 3 hours are waiting for you, adapted to all levels, from 3 years old. Prices range from €12 to €55, depending on the option you choose.

For a more in-depth experience, opt for the full-day technical sessions, one Saturday a month from November to April. In a friendly atmosphere, you can make your first creation under the watchful eye of M Hélène Métézeau.

Book your course

Enthusiasts can take part in professional training over several days. The programme includes traditional techniques, contemporary innovations and personalised support. Contact the workshop directly to plan your course.

Around the Wicker Art Centre

White wicker the noble material of the basket maker

Admire the immaculate whiteness of the carefully hand-peeled wicker. This noble material reveals its splendour after a patient process of preparation: the stems are first boiled, then delicately peeled to obtain that characteristic light hue.

Observe its extraordinary suppleness, enabling craftsmen to create graceful curves and intricate weavings. From the most refined baskets to contemporary sculptures, white wicker offers an infinite range of creative possibilities.

Its silky texture and exceptional strength make it the material of choice for fine basketry. Let your fingers glide over its smooth surface, a testament to the age-old skills perpetuated in the workshops of Villaines-les-Rochers.

The secrets of traditional weaving

Learn traditional techniques from this master craftswoman. Under her expert fingers, the strands intertwine with precision to form complex stitches: the openwork stitch, the corded fence, the nattier stitch. In her workshop, observe the dexterity required to weave sophisticated borders.

Unravel the mysteries of basket-making techniques handed down from generation to generation. From the meticulous gestures of side stitch to the intricate interlacing of fancy stitch, each method reveals the richness of this exceptional craft. Immerse yourself in learning the basic stitches which, when mastered with patience, allow you to create unique works where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously.

In a nutshell about the Wicker Art Centre

M Hélène Métézeau, Master of Exception

Eight generations of expertise handed down from generation to generation in the Villaines workshop.

White wicker, a noble raw material

Hand-peeled to create refined works of art.

Courses for all levels

Creative workshops and professional training with personalised support.

Unique expertise in Villaines-les-Rochers

Wander through the narrow streets of this troglodyte village, where more than forty basket-makers perpetuate their art. The workshops, nestled in the limestone rock, have provided ideal conditions for wickerwork since the 7th century. The silty soil of the Indre valley and the mild climate have made this the cradle of French basket-making.

Visit the artisans at the Cooperative de Vannerie, founded in 1849 and the first collective structure of its kind in France. In their workshops, contemplate the birth of contemporary creations alongside traditional pieces. From baskets to modern sculptures and designer furniture, their boundless creativity sublimates this ancestral material.