Noël in Sant Vicens

Ceramics, paintings and tapestries fill an exuberant Aladdin’s cave of artistic treasures in the old vaulted wine cave of Mas St Vicens in the Saint Gaudrique quarter of Perpignan.

South-west of Perpignan, heading out on the road to Argeles, follow signs to Cabestany and Sant Vicens, off the Macdonalds roundabout at the end of Blvd Kennedy.

Every year since 1949, the miniature universe, originally created by Catalan sculptor, Conrad Paris, is lovingly installed by the Bauby familly.  At Christmas, from 27th November, the spectacular Crèche, created in the Sant Vicens workshops, takes up the main stage of the old wine vault, well worth a visit.

WINTER WONDERLAND IN SAN VINCENS PERPIGNAN

Initially, Sant Vicens was an 18th century farmhouse, surrounded by vines, in an area which was later to become Saint Gaudérique. During the occupation, in 1942, several ceramists left the potteries of Sevres to search for a place in the unoccupied zone to carry on their works.

On thé initiative of two brother’s, Firmin and Denys Bauby, the pottery of Sant Vicens was created and the first oven was inaugurated in the presence of Aristide Maillol.

Many local artists, joined in, and the farmhouse cellar, which consists of two rows of large oak casks, was transformed into a gallery for ceramics. In 1950, Jean Lurçat (1892 – 1966), French artist noted as a renovator of contemporary tapestry, came to Sant Vicens.

Attracted by the quality of the pottery, he was followed over the years by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Charles Trénet, Yehudi Menhuin…

This year, the scenes are based on a theme “Dans la quiétude des foyers”.

You can also purchase new “Made In Aqui Mateix” (made right here) ceramics. What could be better than hanging the bay of Collioure, the Castillet, or the petit train jaune on the tree for a Christmas bursting with blood and gold pride. Not to mention the new “unique pieces” collections from the studio’s artists, combining traditional and contemporary perspectives.

More info www.santvicens.fr

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