2 days in the Vosges: discovering our glassmaking heritage
Five centuries ago, pioneers of the art of glassmaking built their makeshift kilns in the valleys of the Vosges du Nord. Today, 3 exceptional sites showcase their epic achievements: an opportunity to discover the magic of a natural cultural heritage preserved by the passion of mankind.
DAY 1 - 9.30am
First visit to the Meisenthal glassworks in Moselle
The visit begins with a few historical reminders at the Musée du Verre, located in the former glassworks of the Site Verrier de Meisenthal. Permanent and temporary collections retrace the fascinating history of glass, from its origins to the present day. You'll discover the different manufacturing techniques and the complex stages involved in creating objects that range from everyday objects to works of art.
Then it's on to the show, with glass-blowing demonstrations at the Centre International d'Art Verrier. It's so amazing to watch the master glassblowers in action, delicately and creatively shaping the glass into a work of art before our very eyes. Their gestures are so fascinating that you almost forget the heat radiating from the furnaces. Before us are creations by contemporary glass artists from all over the world, original and innovative works that push back the boundaries of glass and explore new areas of artistic expression: a real spectacle before our very eyes.
Did you know? In 1858, local glassblowers compensated for a poor harvest of the fruit traditionally hung on Christmas trees by creating glass ornaments. The tradition has continued, and every year the Centre honours an artist or designer to create a new limited edition Christmas bauble. Collector's items to give as gifts (or treat yourself to) without delay, or risk arriving too late!
12h00
Gourmet walk on the Glassmakers' Trail
This looping route through the forests of the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park starts from the Musée Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder. The 8km walk offers spectacular views of the Alsatian countryside. All along the trail, information panels trace the history of the glass industry in the region, adding to our knowledge of the subject.
From the flamboyant colours of autumn to the shades of green on the pine and fir trees in spring, each season has its own charm, not forgetting the lily of the valley that makes an appearance every year. For a gourmet break, take a seat at the Abri de la Colonne, with its magnificent views over the valley just 2 km from the starting point, or in one of the region's inns.
18h30
An unforgettable evening at the Villa René Lalique
The day ends in an idyllic setting at the Villa René Lalique. Soak up the enchanting setting as you stroll through the garden to contemplate the Art Nouveau architecture, an ode to nature and art reflecting the master glassmaker's passion for organic forms and precious metals.
Then sit down to one of the beautifully laid tables in the two-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant at this Relais & Châteaux hotel. The elegant, refined atmosphere and finely thought-out details promise a culinary journey like no other. On the menu: the technique and creativity of Chef Paul Stradner and the opportunity to honour the artist's genius by choosing the "Hommage à René Lalique" tasting menu, a unique creation by the Chef. After dinner, it's off to one of the luxurious suites in the Villa René Lalique, with its cosy comfort and panoramic views, for the ultimate in romance!
DAY 2 - 10.30 am
Musée Lalique, you just can't get enough of glass!
Learn more about glass and jewellery genius René Lalique on an immersive tour of his extraordinary world. The life and work of the man who made glass an integral part of everyday life, creating objects as beautiful as they were functional, is traced in the introductory room. From his beginnings as a jeweller, through his success at the 1900 Universal Exhibition, to his conversion to art glassmaking, the essentials are told.
The René Lalique collection symbolises the apogee of Art Nouveau through more than 600 original pieces. The variety of techniques used, such as pâte de verre, lost wax and repoussé, is awe-inspiring. After the beauty and delicacy of the necklaces, brooches, bracelets and pendants that have made Lalique famous the world over, we discover a collection of vases and decorative objects that testify to the evolution of Lalique's style towards a more modern and refined aesthetic.
14h00
La Grande Place, the benchmark Saint-Louis Crystal Museum
The Saint-Louis crystal works are among the oldest and most prestigious in the world. The immersive tour takes in the ages and techniques, starting with the founding of the crystal works in 1767. The exceptional pieces that have made Saint-Louis famous flash before our eyes as we explore a succession of majestic chandeliers, delicate vases and refined glasses. Inside the factory, we pass through the workshops occupied by the master glassmakers who cut and polish the crystal. In the temporary exhibition area, you can admire the creations of contemporary artists who are reinventing crystal, innovative and original works that push back the boundaries of this age-old art!
Tip: a first visit to one of the 3 sites entitles you to discounted admission to the other 2.