Meet the stonemasons of the Puy-de-Dôme: art at the heart of the volcano
Between majestic volcanoes and stone villages, the Puy-de-Dôme hides an exceptional heritage shaped by expert hands: those of the stonemasons. Here, the dark, dense and mysterious Volvic stone is the expression of ancestral know-how and boundless creativity.
A heritage sculpted by hand
Take a stroll through the villages of the Puy-de-Dôme and you'll see the trace of the stonemason in every fountain, every facade and every doorframe. For centuries, these craftsmen have been building, restoring and embellishing the architectural landscapes of the Auvergne.
When stone becomes a work of art
Some stonemasons do more than just build: they sculpt, imagine and transform stone into poetry.
Such is the case with Thierry Courtadon, a sculptor renowned far beyond the borders of Auvergne. In his studio in Volvic, he makes black stone vibrate with boldness and elegance. His monumental, contemporary works, sometimes exhibited in the open air in the Parc du Volcan de Lemptégy or on the region's roundabouts, offer a new vision of volcanic matter.
He regularly opens the doors to his world during visits, exhibitions and artistic tours.
A living workshop in the heart of the Parc des Volcans
In Mazayes, in the heart of the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, Yann Debuiche also perpetuates the art of working with stone.
As a craftsman, he explores shapes, textures and the dialogue between ancestral gestures and contemporary expression.
His workshop is a place of creation, transmission and exchange, where you can discover a sensitive and profoundly human relationship with the material.
Traces de Pierre: collective creation in the heart of Volvic
Based in Volvic, the Traces de Pierre collective brings together sculptors, stonemasons, designers and craftspeople with a common aim: to bring stone to life and make it shine in all its dimensions. In their shared workshop, a veritable creative hive, they :
Visits, demonstrations, introductory courses
- Open to visitors, this site is an exciting gateway into the mineral world of the region.
- Traces de Pierre offers an immersive, lively and friendly experience, at the crossroads of traditional craftsmanship and artistic expression.
An experience combining art, materials and emotion
Meeting the stonemasons of the Puy-de-Dôme is a unique and authentic experience. From the building stone of the ancients to the modern sculptures of today's designers, a whole culture is revealed through the hands and eyes of these enthusiasts.
