The Art Glassworks of Amboise
This is the story of an ancestral craft, perpetuated in Amboise by a passionate artisan. A little-known art form, originating in the Near East, and more than two thousand years old. In his troglodytic workshop overlooking the Loire River, Pierre Gallou shapes molten glass and creates unique pieces. Let’s enter a multicolored yet incredibly fragile world and meet a multi-talented artist.
The history of the Amboise Art Glassworks
At the heart of this essential workshop in Amboise’s artisan landscape is Patrick Lepage. A former restaurant owner, he developed a passion for glassmaking in 1984, teaching himself the craft. He built his first furnaces and began creating his first pieces. Twenty years later, he moved to the Touraine region, setting up a workshop then located in the heart of Amboise. With his apprentice, Pierre Gallou, he organized demonstrations of his skills and opened a small exhibition gallery. In 2014, he left the royal city and opened a troglodytic workshop in Chargé, not far from Amboise. Sadly, he passed away a few months later. Pierre continues the business with the support of Annie Lepage.
The glassblower's workshop
Located in a beautiful troglodytic space carved into the limestone cliff, the Amboise Art Glassworks opens onto a colorful boutique showcasing the workshop’s finest creations. From the smallest jewels to the most impressive compositions, each piece is unique. Beyond the resplendent colors, one is struck by the purity of the forms. Vases and bottles appear to have been molded to perfection, even though no machines are used in the manufacturing process. It is exclusively by hand, through sheer talent and dexterity, that the master glassmaker manages to give his creations such perfect and original forms!
The art of glassblowing
During a demonstration tour of the workshop, one cannot help but be mesmerized by the artisan’s perfect mastery. Highly educational and enriching, the tour allows one to understand all the natural processes that transform a few handfuls of sand into a work of art. With the help of a blowpipe, Pierre gathers a quantity of molten glass heated to over 1100 degrees Celsius from a furnace. The addition of metallic oxides colors the glass. Pierre then blows into his blowpipe to inflate the glass and uses a mallet to shape it. He adds more molten glass as he goes and continues shaping his piece until it reaches its final form. The artwork is then placed in a 500-degree kiln to cool gradually.
A visit to the Amboise Art Glassworks offers a timeless experience, allowing you to meet artisans dedicated to preserving this ancestral art. The demonstration, held up close for visitors, is breathtaking, and the finished pieces are of incredible quality. We recommend choosing a visit time that includes the demonstration (Tuesday to Saturday at 2 pm, 3:15 pm, and 4:30 pm).
Practical information
- The Art Glassworks is located in the hamlet of Les Caves in the commune of Chargé (5km from Amboise).
Tours and demonstrations are offered Tuesday through Saturday at 2:00 PM, 3:15 PM, and 4:30 PM.
Introductory workshops can be booked: a wonderful gift idea!
You can also drop off your pieces needing repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Amboise Art Glassworks?
The Amboise Art Glassworks is located in the hamlet of Les Caves, in the commune of Chargé, about 5 km from Amboise. Parking is easy and free, right in front of the glassworks.
What can you see at the Amboise Art Glassworks?
The Amboise Art Glassworks offers guided tours and demonstrations led by the master glassmaker. He presents his expertise and creates a unique piece live. A lovely shop allows you to take home a souvenir made on-site.
How long does a tour of the Amboise Art Glassworks last?
The tour and demonstration at the Amboise Art Glassworks lasts approximately one hour.
What is the price of a tour of the Amboise Art Glassworks?
For 2026, the price of the demonstration tour at the Amboise Art Glassworks is €9 for adults and €6 for children aged 6 to 12.
The Amboise Art Glassworks tour is also included in the Amboise City Pass.
What are the opening hours of the Amboise Art Glassworks?
The Amboise Art Glassworks is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Demonstration tours are offered Tuesday to Saturday at 2:00 PM, 3:15 PM, and 4:30 PM.
