Pottery workshop in Thônes — introduction to the wheel, hand-building, courses for children and adults, materials and firing included.
Location verified by loisirs74.fr
Atelier de poterie du Prunier is a ceramic workshop set in Thônes, in the Aravis valley. It welcomes individuals, groups and schools to learn or improve in wheel throwing, hand-building and glaze decoration. The workshop uses both earthenware and stoneware, with electric wheels, high-temperature kilns and spacious work surfaces.
Formats. Introduction session (~2h, ~€50-70/person) ideal to discover the wheel or hand-building and leave with a finished piece; full-day course (~6h, ~€100-130) to make several pieces; kids' courses (~3h, from age 6-7) focused on clay hand-building; birthday packages for children. Regular cycles (weekly or quarterly) are offered to experienced students. Firing included — pieces ready 3-4 weeks after the session.
Practical info. Booking required as groups are deliberately kept small (4-6 max) for personalised guidance. Aprons and tools provided. Wear work clothes — clay stains. The workshop also has a small shop where you can buy the potters' own pieces, and runs themed workshops (raku, sculpture) during summer.
From Annecy (~22 km), D909 via Alex and Dingy-Saint-Clair, ~30 min. From Geneva (~70 km), A41 Annecy exit then D909, ~1h. Free town-centre parking.
Open in MapsRegional buses Annecy-Thônes-La Clusaz (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region). Limited evening and Sunday service.
Open in MapsCycling routes along the Fier valley (Annecy-Thônes). Bike racks in the town centre.
Open in MapsTransport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)
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No, the workshop primarily welcomes beginners. The potter guides you step by step through your first movements on the wheel or in hand-building. The termly cycles allow the most motivated participants to progress week by week.
Allow ~€50-70 for a 2-hour introductory session, ~€70-90 for a half-day, ~€100-130 for a full day. Children's courses ~€30-50. The price includes clay, use of materials and firing of the pieces. 2026 prices to be confirmed.
Allow 3 to 4 weeks between the workshop and collecting your pieces: drying (1-2 weeks), first bisque firing (~950 °C), glazing and final firing (~1240 °C for stoneware). The workshop lets you know when the pieces are ready.
Children's courses are offered from age 6-7, mainly in hand-building (handling clay, free creation, small objects). The wheel is generally introduced from age 10-12, depending on the child's coordination. Birthdays possible.
Bring work clothes that can take stains (clay colours and soaks in) — old jeans, sweatshirt or T-shirt. Avoid loose long sleeves at the wheel. Closed shoes. Aprons provided by the workshop.
Accessibility depends on the specific workshop layout (floors, access width, wheel height). We recommend calling ahead to discuss your needs and adapt the welcome.
Yes, the workshop offers gift cards to give an introduction or a half- or full-day course. The card is valid for around 1 year. Ideal for a birthday, Mother's or Father's Day, Christmas or a wedding anniversary.
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
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