European Heritage Days of Villedieu-les-Poêles
Discover the age-old know-how of the Copper City
About Heritage Days of Villedieu
Heritage Days in Villedieu-les-Poêles: at the heart of exceptional know-how
Villedieu-les-Poêles is a town whose identity is inseparable from its craftsmanship. Since the Middle Ages, this Norman city has built an international reputation in copper work, brassware, coppersmithing, and bell founding. The European Heritage Days are the ideal opportunity to discover this living artisanal heritage through guided tours, demonstrations, and events that reveal the secrets of these exceptional crafts.
The Cornille Havard Bell Foundry
The highlight of the Heritage Days in Villedieu, a visit to the Cornille Havard bell foundry is an unforgettable experience. Founded in 1865, this foundry is the heir to a long tradition of bell founders established in Villedieu since the Middle Ages. It produces about a hundred monumental bells each year, perpetuating ancestral methods. The foundry is world-renowned for having cast the new bells of Notre-Dame de Paris. During the visit, participants discover bells in the making and can ring the bells and carillons installed in the courtyard. The year 2025 marked the 160th anniversary of the foundry.
The Maison du Patrimoine and the lacemakers
The Maison du Patrimoine Sourdin opens its doors free of charge during the Heritage Days, offering exhibitions on the history of the town and demonstrations of bobbin lace, a traditional skill perpetuated by local artisans. This place of memory helps to understand how Villedieu was built around its crafts, from hammered copper to bell founding.
Living and Recognized Heritage
Villedieu-les-Poêles benefits from the City of Arts and Crafts label, official recognition of the quality and diversity of its craftsmanship. The Heritage Days allow us to appreciate the vitality of this know-how: the Cuivre workshop, the Mauviel 1830 factory, and the numerous artisans in the town bear witness to a tradition that is passed down and reinvented from generation to generation. Guided tours offer a glimpse into places where ancestral traditions and cutting-edge technologies harmoniously blend.
Heritage Days of Villedieu — edition 2026
The European Heritage Days 2026 in Villedieu-les-Poêles will take place on September 19 and 20, as part of the 43rd national edition themed "Architectural Heritage" and "Photographic Heritage". The heritage sites of the Copper City open their doors for guided tours and demonstrations of craftsmanship. The Cornille Havard bell foundry offers guided tours on both days.
2026 Edition — September 19 and 20
The European Heritage Days return on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Villedieu-les-Poêles. The Norman city, labeled a City of Art and Crafts, highlights its centuries-old expertise in copper, lace, and bell founding.
The Cornille Havard Bell Foundry
A highlight of these days, the Cornille Havard foundry — which made the new bells for Notre-Dame de Paris — offers guided tours on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm. Visitors can discover monumental bells in the making and ring the bells and carillons installed in the courtyard. The tour (approx. 1 hour) is subject to a fee.
Other sites in the Copper City
The Maison du Patrimoine Sourdin, the town hall, and the city's art workshops also participate in the event. Most of the activities offered during the Heritage Days are free. The complete detailed program is gradually published by the City and the Villedieu Tourist Office on their respective agendas.
Programme Heritage Days of Villedieu 2026
Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Cornille Havard Bell Foundry — Guided tours (10 rue du Pont Chignon): 10 am-12:30 pm and 2 pm-5:30 pm. Discovery of monumental bells in production; carillons to ring in the courtyard. Duration ~1h. Paid tour.
- Maison du Patrimoine Sourdin — Opening and exhibitions on the history of the Copper City (copper, lace, Norman furniture). Entry generally free.
- Town Hall and historic center — Guided tours and activities around the heritage of Villedieu-les-Poêles.
Full program being published by the City and the Tourist Office. Precise schedules for other sites will be communicated closer to the event.
Prices Heritage Days of Villedieu 2026
Practical information — Heritage Days of Villedieu
Practical Information
Access
Main locations: Cornille Havard bell foundry (10 rue du Pont Chignon), Maison du Patrimoine Sourdin, town hall and Villedieu-les-Poêles city center.
By car: Villedieu-les-Poêles is located on the RN175 axis, between Saint-Lô and Avranches (A84 exit).
By train: Villedieu-les-Poêles train station (Paris-Granville line).
Opening Hours
Saturday and Sunday, variable hours depending on the sites. Guided tours of the Cornille Havard foundry: 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and 2:00 PM-5:30 PM, duration approximately 1 hour.
Prices
Most sites are free (Maison du Patrimoine Sourdin, town hall, exhibitions). Cornille Havard foundry: paid visit (10,20 € adult, 8,50 € child 6-11 years, free for under 6 years).
Contact
Villedieu Tourist Office: www.villedieutourisme.com. Cornille Havard Foundry: 02 33 61 00 56 — [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Heritage Days of Villedieu
Sites patrimoniaux de Villedieu-les-Poêles
Rue du Pont Chignon, 50800 Villedieu-les-Poêles