The story of the Monteux Fire

A city renowned for its fireworks since the 19th century

To discover the origins of this tradition, go back to the 19th century when Calixte Aulagne, carpenter and cabinetmaker from Montilien decided to embark on this field. He developed this activity in his native town with his two sons Bruno, Cyprien, and a worker Jean-Baptiste Bertier. He also involved a neighbor and friend, Mr. Astier, a notary in his state, who provided him with works and treatises on pyrotechnics that could bring him the desired improvements in his art.

Developing their business little by little, this adventure will be marked by a tragedy, a fire of unknown origin in the workshop will occur and ravage the warehouse, injuring several people and causing the death of a worker. After this tragedy, Bruno stopped the adventure there and no longer invested himself. Cyprien, now alone, gave new impetus and a new lease of life by creating a flourishing industry since he succeeded in establishing a virtual monopoly on south-east France.

Several years later, Cyprien sold the family factory to Mr. Breynat in 1911. The thriving industry was attracting new investors. In this new El Dorado, several managers and employees set up their own businesses here and elsewhere.

A great period was on the horizon in Monteux. From the 20th century, 5 pyrotechnic factories were set up in the city and contributed to its progress, each doing their part. Among the various names, we can remember a few:

- Mathieu Berthier* (*son of Jean-Baptiste Bertier, added an h to his name) and Triolet, associated at first, then separated.

- Jules Fabre who arrived in Monteux around 1900 with his two sons Justin and Gilbert. From this family collaboration, alone, Gilbert Fabre will remain and will have the privilege of drawing a gun for the Shah of Iran.

- Jean set up a small farm in Saint Didier and sold it to Jacques Ulpat who transported the factory to Monteux to sell it to Jacquin, it was the Bellerive factory.

In 1918, Alexis Villié bought the factory from Jacquin and joined forces with Mr. Alphonse Breynat, until 1921, when they met with Maison Aubin and from their association was born the Etablissements Ruggieri *.

*Ruggieri, was the name of five Italian artificer brothers who left Bologna to try their luck in Paris in 1730.

From May 1921, the Etablissements Ruggieri company was the only establishment in Monteux that was still active for several decades and became, in the middle of the 20th century, the largest employer in the city and the name Ruggieri became the patronymic symbol of pyrotechnics in Monteux.

Many Montilians worked in these factories, not without risk, some of them lost their lives there. Together, through their work, the Montilians contributed to the development of the city, to its influence and have forever linked Monteux to the history of pyrotechnics, whose memory is celebrated every year on the 4th weekend of August.

Under a shower of sparks, Monteux ignites, lights up and magic does the rest. Nothing is left to chance! The Monteux Fire is one of our flagship events, around which a gigantic organization is based, with various activities, shows, patron saint's day festival and concerts.

Did you know: David Proteau, artistic director of Ruggieri who was chosen several times to design and fire the fireworks for the National Day in Paris on the Eiffel Tower, also participated in the creation of Le Feu de Monteux!