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| these blues & yellows are the traditional colors of Provence |
Our guests are always asking us about the "typical" products of the area and what to bring back as souvenirs of their time in Provence. So one our very favorite "gets" while we're in The South of France is Provençal tablecloths! When we're at home, we enjoy entertaining, and we love to use these colorful tablecloths! They've been one of our favorite souvenirs ever since we brought our first Group to Provence back in 2008... We can't get enough of them!
Provencal tablecloths made from Les indiennes are a celebration of casual beauty. These vibrant fabrics, with their kaleidoscopic floral and geometric patterns, evoke the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence. Crafted from cotton, they drape effortlessly, adding a touch of rustic charm to any table setting. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner or a large gathering, a Provencal tablecloth creates an inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of leisurely lunches under the shade of a fig tree. Their bold colors and intricate designs instantly transform a simple meal into a feast for the eyes.
If you're not already aware of these popular tablecloths, you'll see them all over France on your upcoming trip this summer! Their casual elegance and colorful Provençal hues are easy to fall in love with! And the best part is you'll find them at the markets everywhere at great prices! Save room in your suitcase to bring one home!
French tablecloths have a fascinating history. And you'll appreciate your tablecloth so much more if you understand the backstory... So, let’s go through the history; For many people, just the sight of these beautiful brightly colored tablecloths with their distinctive patterns of olive branches, vines, sunflowers, lavender, lemons and cicadas will certainly trigger longings for The South of France. The intense sun-drenched colors of these vibrant, bright fabrics are an iconic symbol of Provence. However, they were not originally created in France...
These exotic textiles first arrived in France from India in the early 17th century mainly through the port of Marseille. Les Indiennes as they were known, were an instant success in Europe for clothing and furnishing. These luxurious fabrics were light, bright and importantly, color fast. As a result, the French loved them. Responding to demand, the French soon started producing their own versions.
The booming import trade didn’t go unnoticed. In 1664, King Louis XIV wanted to take control. So, he had his Minister of Finance, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, create the Compagnie des Indes (East India Company). Armenian dyers and fabric makers were brought into Marseille to share their skills with local producers. Originally the dyes were obtained from natural materials. Each color in a design was applied with separate woodblock impressions.
Les indiennes became all the rage at the French court. The new style was satirised by Molière in a production of his comedy ( Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme). In this 1670 production, the playwright himself played the vulgar nouveau riche merchant M. Jourdain. He was splendidly attired in a dressing gown made of the fabric – with the pattern printed upside-down.
However, not everyone was happy. The French silk and wool manufacturers suffered with the new, less-expensive competition. As a result, several factories in Lyon were forced to close. In 1686, they successfully lobbied the government to stop the importation and production of les indiennes.
So, no more colorful fabric? Not exactly. Les indiennes manufacturers simply dodged the law by moving to Avignon. This lovely city belonged to the Vatican and was under Papal rather than French jurisdiction. The ban only increased the enthusiasm of the public for these brightly colored materials.
Officially the ban lasted 73 years and was lifted in 1759. Les indiennes took off again and were incredibly popular for the next century. Easy to wear, wash and maintain, they were traditionally used in Provence for household goods including tablecloths, bedspreads and clothing.Women wore skirts, scarves and aprons, sometimes of different designs all at once, while men wore colorful waistcoats and kerchiefs.
Artisanal production was hit hard in the aftermath of Europe’s industrialisation. Because of this, many small companies closed down. But today les indiennes are more popular than ever in Provence. Many of the companies producing these iconic French tablecloths have a long and proud history.
These tablecloths make great souvenirs of your adventures to The South of France as they're easy to pack and take home in a suitcase... and they're a great memory of your trip as you use them over & over through the years! We used one for a small dinner party we hosted over the weekend and of course it brought back so many great memories!
