Potters' Festival

The feudal motte of Moulins-la-Marche: a place steeped in history

The feudal motte of Moulins-la-Marche, a medieval vestige overlooking the village, offers a remarkable setting for the Potters' Festival. This historic site, with its views of the Pays d'Ouche countryside, gives the event a unique atmosphere where the art of clay meets the history of the region.

Every last weekend of July, the motte transforms into a true ceramics village, hosting dozens of colorful stands where artisans present their creations.

Over fifty ceramists and a guest country

The originality of the Potters' Festival lies in its international dimension. Each edition highlights a guest country whose artisans come to share their know-how and ceramic traditions. Spain, Portugal, Japan, Morocco, and Italy have all been celebrated over the years, each time bringing a special flavor to the event.

Over 80 selected exhibitors — including about fifty ceramists — present their creations in a wide variety of techniques and styles:

• Stoneware: high-temperature fired pieces, robust and elegant
• Earthenware: pottery decorated in bright colors
• Raku: Japanese thermal shock firing technique, creating unique effects
• Porcelain: fine and translucent pieces
• Glazed earthenware: revisited Norman tradition

Demonstrations, workshops, and entertainment

The Potters' Festival doesn't just exhibit: it brings ceramics to life. Throwing demonstrations allow visitors to observe the precise movements of potters at their wheels. Modeling workshops are offered to children, who can shape their own clay creations.

Live raku firing demonstrations, with the spectacular thermal shock on the glazes, are a highlight of the event. Visitors watch, mesmerized, as the pieces transform, their colors changing under the effect of the fire.

The festive program complements the offerings: musical entertainment with the guest country, dinner under a marquee on Saturday evening followed by fireworks, and a dance with a DJ. On-site catering offers grills, fries, salads, crepes, and drinks throughout the weekend.

An event rooted in the territory

Supported by a team of passionate volunteers, the Fête des Potiers of Moulins-la-Marche contributes to the cultural and tourist influence of the Orne's Pays d'Ouche. It attracts several thousand visitors each year and is an anticipated event for collectors, lovers of beautiful pieces, and families looking for an outing combining art, craftsmanship, and conviviality.