Passavant-la-Rochère Glassworks
A glassworks in southern Vosges Mountains which has been active for 5 centuries
In the west of the southern Vosges mountains, not far from the Canal des Vosges which the V50 cycle route runs alongside linking Luxembourg and Lyon, La Rochère glassworks at Passavant was founded in 1475 by Simon de Thysac, a gentleman glass-maker, encouraged by the Dukes of Lorraine. It has been perpetuating the tradition and skills of Master-Glassmakers for more than 5 centuries.
Installed in a sector rich in materials necessary for glass production like sand, wood and bracken, the business developed greatly during the 18th century and even more so after it was acquired in 1859 by François-Xavier Fouillot.
Passavant-la-Rochère Glassworks – the oldest working glassworks in France
A family business still run by descendants of the founders today, La Rochère is the oldest working glassworks in France. It is the only glassworks in Franche-Comté producing glass on an industrial scale and employs around 250 people, compared to 50 in 1835 and 185 at the end of the 19th century.
Outside of the industrial production, glass-blowers continue to produce works of art inspired by Art Nouveau from the Ecole de Nancy in front of the 100,000 visitors who flock to the factory every year.
Passavant-la-Rochère glassworks now makes 3 main types of products. Firstly, construction materials like glass tiles, slabs and bricks. Secondly glass tableware, some of which is machine-made pressed or crystal glass for the catering industry while the rest is crystal glass for tableware. Passavant-la-Rochère glassworks also make decorative items.
A factory shop is open from April to the end of December (closed in November) selling the different ranges of products made in this internationally-renowned family business.
La Verrerie has been a recognised Living Heritage Business since 2009.
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