Maison de Cogne Gérard-Dayné

The Gérard-Dayné House in Cogne is one of the best examples of traditional local architecture; it is an ancient rural dwelling which was already mentioned in documents relating to the 17th Century and which was donated by the last owners to the local Council so that it could be restored to its original state and offer visitors a glimpse of days gone by.
The House is in Sonveulla, one of the historic parts of the town where the first settlers arrived centuries ago.
The construction, which is extremely complex, emphasizes the main features of “timber and stone” architecture and the traditional rooms of the houses of Cogne: during the guided tour the visitor can admire the cor, covered indoor space which served as an entrance, the beu, the living area which the inhabitants shared with their animals (a custom which continued in Cogne until the 20th Century), the mézòn de fouà, in the stone part of the house (pèira), where the family churned milk and processed other foods.
In the cellars you can see the areas where provisions of cheese, vegetables and wine were kept during the long winter months.
The big hay-loft, with its impressive timber-beamed structure, has been turned into a space for temporary exhibitions such as “Connection between Traditional Clothes and Folklore”, which is being held there at the moment. This event explains how traditional clothes were gradually accepted as folklore costumes, and a room has been set aside for costumes from Cogne.
The guided tour explains the architecture of the house and also gives a vivid account of “days gone by”, helping us to understand how our ancestors made the most of the interior of the house and how they lived and survived in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
The Gérard-Dayné House in Cogne offers visitors a unique opportunity to return to the past and “follow in their forefathers’ footsteps” – a poignant and unforgettable experience...

Cultivation in the vegetable garden of the Maison Gérard-Dayné

Outside the Maison de Cogne Gérard-Dayné, in the vegetable garden next to the house, local produce is cultivated that for centuries has constituted mountain people’s means of support. The teaching laboratories and the activities organized in the vegetable garden allow people to deepen their knowledge of vegetable garden products, seed sowing and cultivation, harvesting methods and conservation techniques, paying particular attention to the importance of sun, earth, water and the good work of the market gardener in unusual land like mountain terrain.

Craftsmen of Cogne: Cesare Jeantet

The Fondation Grand Paradis has decided to dedicate space to the craftsmen of Cogne, with the intention of making the most of local arts and crafts, a great traditional interest of many Cogne people, and present their works in a special setting. The first exposition, from June 2008 to June 2009, is dedicated to Cesare Jeantet, a recently deceased artisan of Lillaz, many of whose bas-reliefs and sculptures, in both wood and stone, are on show.

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Vegetable garden activities photogallery
Craftsmen of Cogne: Cesare Jeantet photogallery
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