On my peregrinations yesterday I stopped of to visit a place that I had been told about many times. Mathieu Lustrerie, a Chandelier manufacturer on the outskirts of the village of Gargas in the Luberon region of Provence. I hadn't stopped there before because I either didn't have the time or simply I couldn't imagine that a light fitting factory could be that interesting...BIG mistake!
The Lustrerie is set in an old Ochre factory in the Hameau des Sauvans near Gargas. There are three main activities in the factory; the creation of new designs, the restoration, with such illustrious clients as the Château de Versailles and the re-edition of classic designs. The activity is overseen by Régis Mathieu the owner and designer who has brought together his expert artisans to create the exceptional Chandeliers, Lamps, Lanterns and Sconces (wall mounted light fixtures).
Régis Mathieu's passion has also led him to create a unique collection of over 250 chandeliers and other lights dating back to the 15th century which can be viewed in the museum just across from the factory. You can visit the factory and museum by rendez-vous. For more information take a look at their websitehere. I hope to return soon for a full visit which I didn't have time to do this time and I will tell you more about the fascinating world of Régis Mathieu and his Chandelier factory!