In 1994, in the heart of the Luberon ochre massif, on the site of the former Mathieu factory, a group of enthusiasts created the Conservatoire des Ocres. Much like a music conservatory, the aim of this center is to promote the color professions and share the various techniques involved.
A visit to the factory, which ceased operations in 1963, provides an insight into the region's working-class past. The adjacent museum retraces the history of the ochre industry, and a library offers a wealth of documentation on dyeing processes.
Faithful to its initial commitment to passing on know-how, Ôkhra offers courses supervised by experts. On the program: coatings, paints, dyes, colors and much more.