• ochre colors and earths
  • French organisation for the promotion of ochres and coloured earths

  • shades of ocher

"local colours" events

Building the future on tradition

The mission of Terres et Couleurs is to promote a return to local colours, encouraging in particular the use of traditional paints containing natural pigments such as ochre. "couleurs locales" events are part of this process. They provide an opportunity to rediscover the technical and aesthetic interest of ochre and to reconnect with tradition.

Group events in a fun and friendly atmosphere

Terres et Couleurs events help people rediscover local colours for homes and other buildings. The events involve local people assisted by professional volunteers (20-130). After an exhaustive inventory of traces of traditional paint on wood, the choice is narrowed down to three to five paints. After a public presentation, a day of painting is organised. Two coats of paint are applied by groups in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Past and future events

Since 2006: 30 events, 11,250 kg of paint, more than 700 projects and over 1,100 participants.

  • Drée, Verrey-sous-Drée, Châteauneuf, Salmaise, Semur-en-Auxois, Reulle-Vergy, Echannay, Nolay, Gemeaux, Mont-Saint-Jean, Missery, Basilica of Saint-Andoche - Saulieu, Châtellenot, Wash of Ménetreux - Millery, Détain-et-Bruant, Grosbois-en-Montagne, Grande Forge - Buffon, Cussy-la-Colonne, Villeberny, Dijon, Château de Bussy-Rabutin (Côte-d’Or)
  • Abbey of Reigny (Yonne)
  • Wash house - Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye (Nièvre)
  • Blesle (Haute-Loire)
  • Cathedral - Chartres (Eure-et-Loir)
  • Château-Landon (Seine-et-Marne)
  • Richelieu (Indre-et-Loire)
  • Cité de Carcassonne (Aude)
  • Sampigny-lès-Maranges (Saône-et-Loire)
  • Cathedral - Bayeux (Calvados)
  • Blaye (Gironde)
  • Abbey of Lérins (Alpes-Maritimes)

In the future

  • Angers (Maine-et-Loire)
  • Tournus (Saône-et-Loire)

For more information:

A small illustrated guide about painting with ochre on wood, by Félicien Carli, Ed. Terres et Couleurs, 2008.