Pastel de La Serre The only site in Europe that immerses you in the world of blue in the heart of the Tarn

Pastel de la Serre, the only site in Europe that immerses you in the world of blue in the heart of the Tarn

The visit to Pastel de la Serre is unique and so exciting that you don't see the time go by once you've set foot there. Located in Cambounet-sur-le-Sor, 20 minutes from Castres, the Berthoumieux de Limairac family, and in particular Bruno and Régine, welcome you to Pastel de la Serre to present a local and ancestral know-how: the work of Pastel blue vegetable dyeing. Get ready to experience an unforgettable moment in the Tarn!

Pastel de la Serre, an artisanal and ancestral heritage from the Pays de Cocagne

The blue gold of Occitania, this is the term that perfectly defines this precious color obtained from pastel, an indigenous plant. For more than 2 centuries, 5 generations have passed on their love of blue, a passion for a historical heritage that has become more beautiful over the years through meticulous and always respectful work. At Pastel de la Serre, the entire production chain is controlled from cultivation to dyeing with natural methods and without chemicals to obtain an exceptional blue pigment in an eco-responsible way. This vegetable dye, renowned for its quality, comes from the sap of the leaves in the 1st year, while in the 2nd year, the flower allows new seeds to be planted. To dye 10kg of fabric, you need 1k of pigment, or 1 ton of leaves... Imagine the patience and the delicate work!

Pastel de la Serre, a unique and colorful visit near Castres

Become the master pastel maker for the day alongside Bruno and Régine, two Pastel enthusiasts who will open the doors to their world in the heart of Pastel. To start, head to the Château des Plantes to meet the famous Isatis Tinctoria plant and admire these magnificent fields of color, before observing the incredible transformation of the plant into pigment at the indigo factory. The extracted blue vegetable color is used to dye textiles, a step presented by Bruno who gives a live demonstration at the workshop. Dip your hands in the Pastel vats to dye a T-shirt, a scarf or the fabric of your choice yourself. You can leave with this wonderful souvenir and take a tour of the shop to find your colorful clothes and accessories... in blue of course! In a group, in a small group, with family or friends, what a pleasure to discover the richness of the Tarn, and the heritage of the Pays de Cocagne.

Transmission, artisanal know-how and ancestral tradition, Pastel de la Serre takes you on a timeless journey, and reveals the secrets of Pastel.