The craftspeople
Glass-blower’s workshop: bubbling with emotion
In 2007, glassblower Cyril-John Rousseau set up shop in L’Isle-Adam. This artist invites us to see his meticulous and magnificent work! He wanted to combine the crafts traditions from the end of the 19th century, with the use of terracotta, from which talented sculptors have worked such as Joseph Le Guluche. Cyril-John Rousseau uses Italian and Swedish techniques such as Encalmo and watermarking. He focuses in particular on tableware, interior design and the creation of unique pieces: sculptures or installations. The glassblower also creates items to order. Cyril-John Rousseau’s creations are characterised by transparency highlighted by the subtle use of bright or pastel colours, the simplicity of shapes and decorations that contrast with the use of colours and the opaque nature of objects achieved through sand-blasting. His expert use of the techniques chosen according to the objects, make him a truly authentic artist. Some of his artworks will literally take your breath away. He, however, will save his for the next creations, each one more moving than the last
La Damoise: to quench your thirst for craft ales
Since the Egyptians created alcohol (and beer in particular), Mankind has been looking to create these famous beverages. No doubt due to the sense of euphoria felt by drinking them but also due to the social aspect. Fermentation is the natural process that transforms the sugar contained in cereals and fruit into alcohol. Judging by the delight of the animals eating overripe fruit from a tree, why wouldn’t we too consume what is so readily available?
This was how the micro brewery “La Damoise” in L’Isle-Adam came about. Their goal is to produce delicious craft ales for the local market and to show interested visitors how fermentation actually works.
“La Damoise” produces five different types of beer: lager, dark beer, amber beer, pale, and ale. They also offer limited editions such as the “Bière de Printemps” (Spring Beer). These beers are available for sale in several places around L’Isle-Adam, including the Tourist Office Shop.
This brewery has a stall on L’Isle-Adam market and sells their products in other towns across the department. They also take part in gourmet and cultural events: trade fairs, festivals, concerts, etc.
Ferme de Chauvry: A producer of goat cheese and cereals in the Val d´Oise
Between the Dominion Forest of Montmorency and Isle-Adam, arriving in pretty villages like Chauvry in the Val d’Oise, less than 25 km from Paris, will delight you. This is where the RIBIOLLET family has been raising their goats since 1975. Their cheeses (goat cheese, of course), which have won several awards at the national agricultural competition, will delight your taste buds. This year 2011, fresh cheese won the silver medal. You will not regret the detour. The farm covers 234 ha. The herd has 180 goats. All of the goat’s milk production is processed into cheese.