Visit to the Moulin de la Fleuristerie

The visit of the Moulin de la Fleuristerie will make you discover the manufacturing process of hand-made floral accessories for the haute-couture industry. A journey of discovery in the purest tradition of mills. You will be surprised by the history of the place and the ingenuity of the mill. Annette and Emmanuel Geoffroy will explain to you the methods of manufacturing flowers and the different uses of hydraulic energy.

In Orges, a small village of 400 inhabitants nestled in the Haute-Marne National Forest Park, is a unique craft site in France whose history began more than 700 years ago, the Moulin de la Fleuristerie. Once used to produce flour, the Mill has reinvented itself.

Created in 1994 by Annette and Emmanuel, the ARTamin' company perpetuates a unique know-how in France which was born at the Mill in 1903: the creation of ornaments and artificial flowers of high fashion.

In this water mill, which still turns with its paddle wheel to operate the machines dating from the 19th century, Annette carries out most of the many steps necessary to make a flower entirely by hand. According to the wishes of her customers from all over the world, she prepares, cuts and dyes the threads as well as the fabrics according to traditional techniques. Pistils, fruits, petals and leaves take shape to give life to floral creations, whether in the unique pieces sold on the site, or in the creations of haute couture.

Certified as a "Living Heritage Company" since 2008, the Moulin de la Fleuristerie is a place where exchanges are encouraged, where reflections cross paths and invite hopes and dreams from all horizons.

Whether you are interested in the creative process or the technical details, this friendly tour satisfies all audiences.

Practical information:

• Duration: about 1 hour
• Group visit: on request, from April to November
• Individual visit: every day in July and August (10:30am, 3pm, 4:30pm)