Discover Aubusson: Tapestry and Heritage

Aubusson is closely associated with tapestry: the craft has a history spanning six centuries and is also a contemporary form of expression. Collections, weaving workshops and historic sites give the town a distinct cultural identity. If you’re looking for a hotel in Aubusson, this focus can serve as a starting point for planning your trip.

Tapestry art from its origins to the present day

The Cité internationale de la tapisserie preserves almost 25,000 objects. This collection size may change. The collection documents the history of tapestry in Aubusson from its origins to the present day and covers every stage of production. On display are tapestries from the 15th to the 21st centuries, as well as carpets, cartoons and models. Different forms of textile craftsmanship can thus be seen side by side, while the collection’s timespan offers a view from earlier works to contemporary pieces.

The tapestry of Aubusson has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2009. In addition to the Cité, the municipal collection includes 26 contemporary tapestries, which are accessible free of charge. Their presentation may change. The Cité also offers public woven experiences centered on the making of monumental works. Both the finished pieces and the weaving process are therefore part of the cultural subject you can discover in Aubusson.

Discover weaving and workshops

The municipal weaving workshop is located in the Maison du Tapissier. It can be visited year-round during the tourist office’s opening hours and gives visitors the opportunity to learn about weaving techniques. Monumental looms and historic tools shaped over centuries are also part of the workshop. A female tapestry weaver welcomes visitors for a meeting; check in advance whether she is available.

Guided tours of Aubusson’s heritage are also offered throughout the year, but by appointment and led by cultural guides. Arrange a date and confirm availability before your trip. The Manufacture Royale Saint-Jean brings together tapestry and restoration workshops, two wool shops, painting workshops and exhibition galleries. Visitor access is seasonal, so check the current opening hours. Weaving demonstrations are also offered there, and their availability may vary by season. One of the Manufacture’s workshops is certified for the protected geographical indication IGP “tapisserie d’Aubusson”.

The Atelier-Musée des Cartons de Tapisserie displays designs painted in gouache, which are then translated into wool. These cartoons are templates that reveal another aspect of the tapestry craft. Together with the weaving workshops and collections, they offer insight into design, materials and production, without suggesting that any one aspect represents the entire tradition.

Historical traces in Aubusson

The town’s architectural history can also be traced through specific sites. The Chapitre is a remnant of the castle of the Viscounts of Aubusson, built in the 11th century on a rocky spur above the town. The castle ruins on Marchedieu Hill, also known as Chapître Hill, have been listed as historic monuments since 8 February 1964. Aubusson is also designated a “site patrimonial remarquable” (remarkable heritage site). This heritage designation applies to towns whose preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or enhancement is in the public interest from a historical, architectural, archaeological, artistic or landscape perspective.

The Quartier de la Terrade was once a district of weavers and dyers. Traces of the family workshops and manufactories of the time have been preserved there. The Pont de la Terrade also tells of the working and living patterns of the past: it was once the only crossing over the Creuse, connecting the area where workers traditionally lived with the workshops where carpets were made. The Tour de l’Horloge is the last surviving remnant of the ramparts that once enclosed Aubusson.

Views and walking routes

Several viewpoints offer wide-ranging views of the town, the meanders of the Creuse and the terraced gardens. The free multimedia video guide explores local heritage through four themed walks: “Essentiel”, “Tapisserie”, “Patrimoine ancien” and “Patrimoine 20ème siècle”. Another option is the “Aubusson et sa vallée” route: it passes through Aubusson’s historic districts and the Creuse Valley, ending with a panorama from the Tour de l’Horloge. Check the route details before setting out. Viewpoints, the town’s heritage and tapestry each offer a different focus for planning your visit.

If you’re interested in tapestry and architectural history, Aubusson offers several specific points of interest, from collections and weaving techniques to historic districts and viewpoints. This cultural identity can help guide your decision to stay in the town.

Discover more destinations: Azerables, Vareilles, Dun-le-Palestel, Thauron, Tercillat, Felletin, Lussat, Champagnat.

For the regional travel overview: Creuse.