Masgot village | Tourisme Creuse Limousin

Pays Sud Creusois - Masgot - 28-05-2016-

A Village born out of passion

Masgot village hides a strange and interesting peculiarity. François Michaud, a 19th-century, country stonecutter indulged his passion here in the centre of his hamlet and decorated it with unique and unusual sculptures. This odd action allowed him to express his convictions and his dreams and adorn where he lived. While walking through the streets one can discover the entrance to a cottage garden watched over by an eagle, a dog-wolf-fox or even a mermaid. He transformed the entrance of a house into the porch of a mansion. Napoleon stands before a naked woman and perhaps a ‘Marianne’ faces off against a seated animal.

And thus he joins the ranks of artists such as Facteur Cheval and his Ideal Palace, Abbott Fouré and his extravagant rock people. Daring to be simply himself and confirming his difference, he raises his self-taught sculpting to that of Naive or Popular Art.

Here, stone comes to life

In order to completely understand François Michaud’s motivations, the visit of his village and house, the piecing together of where he lived can be accompanied by an audio guide that can be obtained at the Creuse-Thaurion-Gartempe tourist office.

Introduction or improvement sculpting classes are available in Masgot village in order to perpetuate the art. You’ll learn how to use a hammer and chisel so you engrave can own drawings into stone. Perhaps you’ll sculpt some fantastic character and thus experience the same feelings as François Michaud did.

Must see:

– The Eugène Jamot Space

– Villemonteix and Chantemille châteaus

– Discover while walking the Stone and Earth Garden

– Jacques Lagrange Garden