La Rochère, the expertise of master glassmakers | Haute-Saône Tourisme I Découvrez un territoire authentique

Unique expertise

La Rochère is France’s oldest surviving art glassworks. Located in Passavant-la-Rochère, it has been perpetuating ancestral glassmaking techniques for over five centuries. La Rochère’s master glassmakers excel in the art of picking, meshing, blowing and shaping molten glass, transforming this raw material into objects of great finesse. This know-how, which requires a decade of training, has been passed down from generation to generation, combining tradition and innovation.

In 2014, La Rochère was awarded the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” state label, official recognition of the excellence of its craftsmanship.

Live the experience Master glassmakers

The La Rochère glassworks has been open to the public since 1969.

In the workshop, the beating heart of the company, you can watch the master glassmakers at work. You’ll follow every step of the creation process, from the gathering of molten glass to the production of finished pieces. This live demonstration is a unique opportunity to understand the complexity and beauty of this exceptional craft.

Every year, more than 70,000 visitors pass through the doors of the workshop to observe this meticulous work. The La Rochère team are passionate about sharing the secrets of their craft, offering a captivating spectacle in which raw materials are transformed into works of art.

Between expertise and passion

Glassmaking is a demanding discipline, requiring a decade of apprenticeship to fully master the techniques and materials involved. This long training course enables the craftsmen to perpetuate traditional methods, resulting in creations of exceptional quality. The expertise of La Rochère glassmakers can be seen in a variety of fields: tableware, lighting, decorative objects and customised pieces.

Each creation bears the imprint of men and women who, over time, have perfected their art and shared their knowledge. This transmission of knowledge and techniques ensures the continuity of a centuries-old craft, enabling La Rochère to maintain its reputation for excellence in the world of art glassware.

Treat yourself to a souvenir 100% from Haute-Saône

The tour continues in the boutique, housed in a historic 17th-century building, the magasin du hallier, which was once used as a wood shed, lending a certain charm to the place today. Here you’ll discover the full range of La Rochère creations: tableware, candles, vases, table lamps, jewellery… You’ll find many collections, including the famous Abeille.

La Rochère has designed the Elysée collection, distinguished by an embossed medallion bearing the ‘République Française’ logo. This prestigious line, available in the official boutique of the President of the Republic, bears witness to the excellence and renown of La Rochère’s expertise.

La Rochère glassworks shop, with its table lamps - La Rochère - Vosges du Sud — ©La Rochère glassworks|Both Better

La Rochère glassworks shop, magnificent wooden framework with glass tiles - La Rochère - Vosges du Sud — ©La Rochère glassworks|Both Better

La Rochère glassware shop, with its iconic Odeon lamps and table lamps - La Rochère - Vosges du Sud — ©La Rochère glassworks|Both Better

The Japanese garden at La Rochère is a haven of peace with its pond and trees - La Rochère - Vosges du Sud — ©La Rochère glassworks|Office de Tourisme Luxeuil-les-bains - Vosges du Sud

Many people stroll through the Japanese garden at the La Rochère glassworks. It's a haven of peace, with its pond and trees - La Rochère - Vosges du Sud — ©Passavant Lete Des Artisans12 Sjeanpierre|Destination 70

The shop also houses a museum that traces the history of glassmaking, illustrating the evolution of techniques over the centuries.

To round off your visit, take a break in the Japanese garden for a moment of tranquillity, creating a striking contrast with the bustle of the workshops. This garden was designed for the 500th anniversary of the glassworks.

The year 2025 marks an important milestone for the glassworks, which is celebrating its 550th anniversary.

The architecture of glass

In addition to its tableware and interior design creations, La Rochère has forged a solid reputation in the field of architecture. The most striking example is undoubtedly the glass cladding of the Châtelet-les-Halles metro station in Paris. This monumental project, completed in 2018, required the production of more than a million glass tiles, demonstrating La Rochère’s ability to combine its craftsmanship with large-scale contemporary projects. This project is a perfect example of how the company manages to combine its heritage with the demands of modern architecture.