The Monument to the Crossroads of Artificers

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Aulagne family started manufacturing fireworks, gradually developed their business and succeeded in creating a thriving industry. More and more well known, it was in the 20th century that other companies became interested in pyrotechnics, so there were up to 5 factories in Monteux! Les Etablissements Ruggieri was the largest fireworks company around 1920 and contributed enormously to the success of this industry in France. Mathieu Berthier can also be cited as a great name of artificer of the time.

Having become a real source of pride, right down to the logo of the city, the mayor therefore had this nine-meter-high monument built to pay tribute to this industry that flourished here and to the generations of employees who worked there, sometimes at the risk of their lives. Produced by the Blachère company in Apt, the sculpture represents the two elements that form the basis of Monteux's identity: fire and water. Fire for pyrotechnics (illuminations that change colors, recalling pyrotechnic effects) and water for Saint Gens, the “rainmaker”.

Its location is not chosen at random since it is located on an ancient pyrotechnic site at the corner of the Château d'Eau Park which, moreover, owes its name to the water tower used to extinguish fires during the manufacture of fireworks.

Today no artificers are working in Monteux but the city is still attached to its reputation and history, so every year the big fireworks display takes place (which takes place on the 4th Saturday in August), a magnificent show not to be missed!