Aubeterre Pottery Festival

Ceramics in the spotlight in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

Since 2017, the Aubeterre Pottery Festival has celebrated the art of ceramics in one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Organized by the Albaterra association, a group of potter-ceramists from the south of Charente, the festival takes place every year on the third weekend of September, in conjunction with the European Heritage Days.

The 'Argile Trail': A Discovery Route

One of the festival's unique features is the 'Argile Trail' (Clay Trail), a discovery route that guides visitors through the village. Ceramic exhibitions are set up in the narrow alleyways, on the viewpoints, and in private gardens exceptionally opened to the public. Throughout the trail, demonstrations and interactive or contemplative activities allow visitors to discover the gestures and techniques of the potters. The festival also offers storytelling and performance moments related to earth and ceramics.

A Market of Professional Ceramists

The festival market brings together around forty professional ceramists who present and sell their creations in front of the Saint-Jean underground church. Visitors can discover a wide variety of styles and techniques: stoneware, earthenware, porcelain, raku, terra sigillata, and many more. The market is complemented by a free concert on Saturday evening, facing the underground church.

A Tribute to the Ceramic Heritage of Charente

The Pottery Festival is part of the artisanal tradition of Charente, a region with a historical production of tiles and terracotta. The Albaterra association, founded in 2017 by eight ceramists, perpetuates this tradition by bringing together artisans from the region and promoting their know-how. The festival notably hosted Robert Lapousse, a specialist in regional tile heritage, to share his knowledge of traditional manufacturing techniques.