Atelier Marcel Carbonel, Marseille

Atelier Marcel Carbonel, Marseille

Atelier Marcel Carbonel is a cherished workshop located near the Saint-Victor Abbey in Marseille. Since 1935, this workshop has been the realm of Marcel Carbonel, a master-santon who passionately crafts carved wooden creche figurines, known as santons, used in traditional nativity scenes. Today, his legacy lives on as his grandson, Philippe Renoux, continues the artistic tradition with the same fervor and dedication.

The workshop's warm ambiance is filled with the scent of freshly carved wood and the sight of intricate figurines in various stages of creation. This is where the magic happens - where you can witness the meticulous process of santon making, passed down through generations. Every step, from the initial design to the final paint strokes, is carefully executed to create these beloved representations of saints and characters from Provençal life.

With over 600 varieties of santons available in six sizes, there's a vast selection to choose from, ensuring that you can find the perfect addition to your own nativity scene. The santons come in different price ranges, making them accessible to all who seek to add a touch of Provencal charm to their holiday traditions.

To help you explore the extensive collection and choose your favorite pieces, Marcel Carbonel's workshop provides a free catalog upon request. This allows you to leisurely browse through the diverse range of figurines and learn about the rich history behind each unique creation.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Marseille. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Atelier Marcel Carbonel on Map

Sight Name: Atelier Marcel Carbonel
Sight Location: Marseille, France (See walking tours in Marseille)
Sight Type: Shopping

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