The Guérande Medieval Festival: Weekend-Long Festivities!
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Every year, the Guérande Medieval Festival attracts thousands of visitors eager to travel back in time and immerse...
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The Brière National Park: A land of history, preserved nature, and hidden treasures, right beneath our feet and just a few kilometers from Camping Fleur de Brière. Meet the local professionals who will gladly introduce you to what is commonly known here as the 'black gold of the Pays de la Loire.'
More commonly referred to as Morta, this exceptional wood comes from the oaks that once covered the regional park. Trapped in these marshes for thousands of years, the wood has fossilized and mineralized at its core due to a lack of oxygen. It takes on an intense and matte black color due to the iron present in the peaty soil.
The high moisture concentration inside has caused the wood's color to vary over the years. Thus, even after drying, the wood remains dense and of unparalleled strength. It can be observed in its raw or stabilized state.
Currently, only a few cutlery companies show interest in this rare and hard-to-reach wood. The extraction and shaping of this noble material partly explain its price, not to mention the custom craftsmanship in line with nature preservation. The wood extraction is done as naturally as possible with a winch system and a lot of elbow grease. Trunks sometimes exceeding 5 meters in length allow for the creation of unique pieces steeped in history.
During your vacation in Loire-Atlantique, come discover this specific craftsmanship and visit workshops for the production of knives and jewelry made from Morta. Pocket knives, kitchen knives, pens, jewelry... the diverse and varied creations will enchant enthusiasts of blades and, above all, beautiful objects, halfway between the practical and the work of art.
Address:
L’atelier JHP
96 B Rue de la Brière, 44117 Saint André des Eaux, France
Visits: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. In July and August, Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Morta Bijoux,
87 Rue de la Brière, 44117 Saint André des Eaux
Photo credit and permission: Atelier JHP