Become a papermaker for the duration of a workshop in Ambert

Push open the mill’s door and step into the world of master papermakers. Here, every movement counts. Guided by a passionate artisan, you’ll discover the secrets of a craft passed down for centuries—one that has contributed significantly to the history of art paper and to the plates of Diderot and(…)

Push open the mill’s door and step into the world of master papermakers. Here, every movement counts. Guided by a passionate artisan, you’ll discover the secrets of a craft passed down for centuries—one that has contributed significantly to the history of art paper and to the plates of Diderot and d’Alembert’s Encyclopedia.
The murmur of the water accompanies your movements. Your hands dip into a vat of cool water. You gently sift the pulp to distribute the fibers, learn to find the right motion, and let the water drain away. It takes precision, patience, and a little practice to master this demanding technique.
Then comes that special moment when the gesture takes on its full meaning : little by little, the fibers come together, the material takes shape, and your sheet of paper appears before your eyes. You then place it on the felt and press firmly to remove the water. Under your hands, a simple pulp transforms into a one-of-a-kind sheet, shaped through artisanal craftsmanship.
You’ll leave with much more than just a sheet of paper. You’ll take with you the satisfaction of having discovered the demands of an artisanal craft, the pride of having created something with your own hands, and the memory of an authentic experience at the heart of a living heritage.

Highlights of this experience
• Discover ancestral papermaking techniques and the history of a mill where paper is still made by hand.
• Meet a master papermaker who will share his craft, his techniques, and the secrets of papermaking passed down through generations.
• Try your hand at the craft by creating your own sheet of paper.