Maison de la Vannerie
Basketry museum in Fayl-Billot, a reference centre for osier and the basket-making trade, with documentaries and collections from the basketry school.
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About the museum
Fayl-Billot in the Haute-Marne calls itself the capital of basketry, the craft of weaving plant fibres, here mainly osier, that is the annual shoots of the willow. At the start of the 20th century France had up to 4,000 basket makers, mainly in the Haute-Marne and Touraine. The trade had almost disappeared after the war, but around 200 basket makers remain in France today. Since 1905 the École nationale d'osiériculture et de vannerie, on the Place de la Mairie, has trained apprentices, some of whom became Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (Best Craftsmen of France).
The Maison de la Vannerie, housed in the Espace Saint-Antoine, is the technical, cultural and historical reference centre for the trade. It shows collections of basketry and rattan items from the basketry school, along with recent creations that showcase local expertise.
The visit includes four short documentaries on basketry, osier cultivation, research, partnerships between basket makers and designers, folklore and testimonies from craftspeople. Temporary exhibitions on various themes are held throughout the year, and the tourist office can direct visitors to weaving workshops or craft demonstrations.
Highlights
- Basketry and rattan items from the basketry school
- Four short documentaries on basketry and osier
- Creations by basket makers in collaboration with designers
- Weaving workshops and craft demonstrations via the tourist office
Permanent exhibition
- Collections de vannerie et documentaires – Basketry and rattan items from the basketry school, recent creations and four short documentaries about the trade.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Free for children under 12 accompanied by family. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree for people with reduced mobility. |
| Guided commentary tour | €6For individual visitors from May to October, by prior reservation and subject to availability; rate from €6. |
The €2 rate covers a free visit without a guide. Payment by bank card, cheque or cash.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Electric vehicle charging point and coach parking listed on the tourist information page.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi listed among the services on the official Haute-Marne Attractivité listing. Shop and sale of local produce.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Documentation in French, English and Dutch. Animals are not admitted. Weaving workshop with a basket maker or demonstration by a craftsperson possible (basket makers' addresses available from the tourist office). |
