House of Cultures, Art and Tradition

Located at the entrance to the former Bouchonnerie, the Maison des Cultures, Art et Tradition 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, the Provençal language (courses)… … A vibrant venue where heritage, creativity and the passing on of traditions come together. The Maison des Cultures, Art et Tradition 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 and culinary. The association offers workshops in lace-making, embroidery, cardboard craft, Marseille embroidery, 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 Marseillais piqué or, in the past, ‘emboutie 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 in the fact that it looks equally refined on both the right and wrong sides. In Pierrefeu-du-Var, boutis is characterised 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 grounds of the former cork factory, known as the Salle André-Malraux. These events bring together enthusiasts, creators and those simply curious to explore the craft through exhibitions, demonstrations and discussions, offering a chance to discover the full richness of this traditional skill. Through its activities, Leï Roucas dou Bàrri does more than simply preserve a traditional craft: the association keeps the very memory of Provence alive and helps to pass on its traditions to future generations. Stepping through the doors of the Maison des 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. Embroidery twice a month. Training courses for instructors 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 santon fair during the last week of November. The association closes during school holidays.