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We'll take you on a tour Bell Foundry Cornille-Havard

Immerse yourself in the heart of France’s artisan heritage with a visit to the Cornille-Havard Bell Foundry. Located in the heart of Villedieu-les-Poêles, this foundry represents a living legacy of centuries-old know-how. A visit that promises a captivating immersion in the history of bells, from their traditional manufacture to their symbolic role in local culture and beyond.

A bit of history

Since its foundation in 1865, the Cornille-Havard Foundry has played a leading role in the preservation and revival of the art of bell making. Over the decades, this institution has fashioned emblematic bells, from modest village chimes to majestic church bells. A witness to technical and artistic evolution, the foundry is steeped in a rich history. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the workshop where this alchemy between tradition and modernity takes place, discovering the manufacturing secrets handed down from generation to generation.

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At the heart of the Foundry

After a few minutes’ walk from the tourist office, we arrive at the foundry’s elaborate gate. The workshop’s big red chimney isn’t smoking today, but we can hear bells ringing nearby.

The tour begins in the courtyard, where the many different bells cast here are stored. Here, visitors can feel the magic of the bells by ringing them with a simple mallet, so that’s what we heard from the street!

Then the guide arrives, ready to immerse us in the history and fascinating process of bell creation. In front of the workshop’s large doors, he invites us to cover our ears, before ringing the majestic bell christened Nicolas. The impressively powerful sound reminds us of the grandeur and solemnity associated with this age-old art. Finally, the workshop doors open, revealing the well-kept secrets of this establishment founded in 1865. Inside, the atmosphere is at once mystical and laborious, where every corner seems to whisper the ancestral know-how handed down from generation to generation.

Guided by an enthusiast, we are introduced to the various stages of bell-making, from mold design to final tuning. Each step is a revelation, revealing the meticulous techniques and traditional materials used, such as clay, horse dung and goat hair. We discover the complex yet harmonious process that gives birth to these bells whose sound resonates throughout France and abroad.

As we leave this enchanting world, we take with us the vibrant memory of a visit that has aroused our curiosity, enriched our minds and resonated in our memories for years to come. And for those who wish to extend this unique experience, a boutique offers a range of bells, enabling everyone to find the one that will resonate perfectly with their soul.