Basketry gives Le Mayet-De-Montagne a clear focus: the Osarium – Musée de la Vannerie is dedicated to the craft, and the Foire aux Paniers also puts it in the spotlight. Other distinctive aspects of the destination include the Maison de l’Artisanat, the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a lake in the area of La Cartonnée, and a cycling tour starting in the town.
Basketry at the Osarium
The Osarium – Musée de la Vannerie contains more than 800 objects related to basketry. Numerous panels and videos explain how wicker goods are used and made, as well as the tools and how they are crafted. The museum thus combines its collection with insights into various aspects of the craft. The Osarium is located at 30 place de l’Église. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.
Crafts and seasonal events
The Maison de l’Artisanat is a craft shop selling gourmet food products and cosmetics. It showcases products from more than 80 local artisans or producers; the number of participating vendors may change. From May to June, monthly exhibitions by local artists are held on the second floor. The exhibition schedule may vary.
The Foire aux Paniers is a market that highlights basketry and local and regional crafts. It has been held every year on the third Sunday in August for more than 50 years. The event includes food and drink on site and several street performances in the afternoon. If you are planning your stay around the market, check the exact date before making travel plans.
Two distinct highlights offer different options for choosing when to visit: the monthly artists’ exhibitions from May to June and the basketry market on the third Sunday in August. The exhibitions focus on local artists; the market brings together basketry, regional crafts, food and drink, and afternoon performances.
A historic landmark
The present-day Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste was built between 1890 and 1896 on the site of an older building. These dates refer to the current church; an older building had previously stood on the site. Alongside basketry, this clearly dated period of construction offers another distinct historical point of interest.
Lake and cycling tour
The Plan d’eau de St Clément is in the La Cartonnée area of Le Mayet-De-Montagne. It includes a lake of about 27 hectares, with diverse animal and plant life. The area figure is approximate; check local access information before setting out. The lake adds a landscape dimension to the destination’s craft and cultural attractions.
A cycling tour also starts in the town: the Randonnée cyclo touristique dans la Montagne Bourbonnaise begins in Le Mayet-De-Montagne. This makes cycling another option to consider when planning a trip. Together, these activities offer different reasons to stay: basketry at the museum, crafts and events at specific times of year, and the lake and cycling tour as other ways to experience the area.
Discover more destinations: Givarlais, Montaigu-Le-Blin, Le Veurdre, Lignerolles, Doyet, Villebret, Prémilhat, Le Vernet.
For the broader travel overview: Allier.
