Crafts and geology... geoproducts!
The Park and Geopark are committed to showcasing the region's geological history through local crafts and skills, with this geoproducts initiative.
The Geopark area has a long geological history spanning more than 600 million years through its rocks, outcrops, fossils, relief and landscapes. To share this heritage with as many people as possible, the Park and Geopark has joined forces with various local players to create geoproducts that combine economic development, heritage enhancement and the promotion of local know-how.
Fossils to get your teeth into!
The fossilised traces of animals found in some of the region's rocks bear witness to its long and eventful geological history. Three of these emblematic fossils have been chosen for the creation of a chocolate bar: the trilobite, the ammonite and the conodont.
Through this initiative, the Park wanted to involve the region's chocolate makers and artisan bakers. 27 have expressed their interest in taking part. The tablets are also available at the Maison du Parc et du Géoparc in Carrouges (61) and at the Musée du Poiré in Barenton (50).
To design this project, from the mould to the production of the test tablets, the Park relied on qualified and experienced people: Alain Bourotte, Contre Forme (Saint-Pierre-des-Nids) and Olivier Viel, Le Petit Chocolatier (Alençon).
« Racontez moi la terre » ceramic mugs - New for 2023!
The geological wealth of the Mortainais Domfrontais region has contributed to the emergence of an age-old pottery tradition. The presence of clay with exceptional properties attracted many potters to the region in the 15th century, who developed skills and collections of objects of international renown. Today, this resource is no longer exploited, and the site where the clay was mined is now a protected natural site, but the potters' trade continues.
This collection of original, hand-crafted mugs celebrates this cultural and intangible heritage. Alexandre Daull and Laure Reculé are the creators of this collection, both of whom were welcomed at the Musée de la céramique – centre de création de Ger ( Manche - France).
Produced in a limited edition, each cup is hand-made in the workshops of the Musée de Ger.
You can find them at the Maison du Parc et du Géoparc in Carrouges (Orne - France) and at the Musée du Poiré in Barenton (Manche - France).
Walking sticks "On the trail to discover 600 million years of history"
The Normandie-Maine Park & Geopark reveals its secrets along waterways and footpaths, which is why we've created a walking stick that's an ideal (and home-made) companion for your hikes!
Made from beech wood from the forests of the Park & Geopark and PEFC-certified by the Office National des Forêts, the stick is then passed through the hands of 3 craftsmen, all experts in their field:
- L’entreprise Bigeon, run by Erwan Le GALL, which makes and drills the batons for the strap.
- Pauline Nivoix de « Cuir de Lic’Orne » who brings her experience in leather goods to bear on the manufacture of the vegetable-tanned and recycled leather strap for previous items.
- Vincent Langrez de « l’Atelier Cantepie », who applies the "Géoparc Normandie-Maine" silk-screen print to each stick and torches the tip to protect it from knocks during use.
Produced as a limited edition, the sticks come in three sizes to suit everyone. The sticks are on sale at various locations around the region, including the Maison du Parc et du Géoparc in Carrouges and the Musée du Poiré in Barenton.