Wassylor - Festival of Metallurgy

Origins of Haute-Marne Metallurgy

The metallurgical history of Wassy dates back to 1157, when the Cistercian monks of the Clairvaux Abbey established the first industrial forge in the Blaise Valley. Thanks to the abundance of iron ore, forests for charcoal, and rivers to power the bellows, metallurgy developed considerably, reaching its golden age in the 19th century. The factories of Wassy, Brousseval, and Sommevoire then produced parts for the automotive, chemical, and railway industries, as well as street furniture and art castings renowned throughout Europe.

Wassylor: The Living Memory of Iron

Created in 1985, the Wassylor festival was born from the desire of the ASPM and local enthusiasts to revive this exceptional industrial heritage. The name "Wassylor" evokes both the town of Wassy and the "gold" of molten iron, a symbol of the region's metallurgical wealth. Each edition offers visitors a complete immersion into the world of foundry and blacksmithing, with artisans and volunteers perpetuating ancestral gestures before a captivated audience.

Spectacular Demonstrations

The highlight of Wassylor is undoubtedly the cupola furnace iron casting, an impressive spectacle where molten metal, heated to over 1400°C, is poured into sand molds prepared by hand. Blacksmiths hammer iron on their anvils, shaping tools, decorative objects, and artistic pieces before the eyes of visitors. Exhibitions of old machine tools, blast furnace models, and art casting collections complete the experience.

A Friendly and Family Event

Beyond the technical demonstrations, Wassylor offers a festive and warm atmosphere. A market of local producers and artisans allows visitors to discover Haute-Marne's gastronomic specialties, including the famous "croûte au fromage" (cheese toast) and "pâté de Wassy" (Wassy pâté). Musical entertainment, educational workshops for children, and guided tours of the town's metallurgical heritage punctuate the day, making this event an unmissable family gathering of the summer in Haute-Marne.

The Blaise Valley, Cradle of Art Castings

Wassylor is part of a region rich in remarkable metallurgical sites. A few kilometers away, the Metallurgic Park of Dommartin-le-Franc, managed by the ASPM, features a restored blast furnace dating from 1834 and a museum of metallurgical arts housing over 2,000 objects. The "Route du Fer" (Iron Route) in Haute-Marne connects these various sites, offering a unique discovery trail in France dedicated to the history of iron and steel and art castings.