“Bart”, Léon et Fabrice aux “Rencontres de la pierre”. Midi Libre – Noa Roche
Les travailleurs de la pierre se sont réunis dans les anciennes carrières de Junas pour le 37e festival en leur honneur.
If Obélix had lived today, he would surely have gone to Junas on the weekend of July 13 and 14. No helmets or red braids on the horizon, but dozens of people from all over France, governed by the same passion: stone.
The 37th edition of the "Rencontres de la pierre", organized by the ’association "Des Hommes et des Cailloux" took place in a friendly atmosphere. Stonemasons, sculptors, mosaicists and wall builders were able to share their know-how with each other and introduce their art to many curious people. Fabrice, 52 years old, went to Junas for the first time 34 years ago. Since then, the stonemason that everyone here nicknames Martigues, after the name of his town, tries to come back every year: "We find ourselves here, we who are scattered throughout France. The elders cut stone with the younger ones, it’s a way of sharing our passion."
A magical place in the old quarries
"It’s the rock that brings us together. The place is magical, perfect for welcoming the family of stonecutters“, rejoices Camille, 69 years old and president of the association. The Bordeaux resident will give up the presidency next year to "give way to young people". The craze goes beyond borders. Lucas, 28, came from Italy for the event. "I wouldn't miss this for anything! This is the fourth year that I have come to this big family", explains the young man.
The week was marked by numerous events, exhibitors and concerts. A few curious people were still there on Sunday to enjoy one last time. "We can make a little sculpture ?", asks Adrien, 9 years old. Of course. "But it’s not a little too hard for us ?" The little one boy who came with his aunt and grandmother will quickly be reassured, all levels were welcome for a few exercises around the stone.
A large-scale project
But those who work in the rock do not come just to enjoy the Gard sun. They have been working together for 10 years to create a giant sheet. A large-scale project, which should see the birth of "an urban monument, entirely in stone. A leaf-shaped arch, between organic architecture and monumental sculpture".
Part of the “leaf” project. Midi Libre – Noa Roche