Spend an intimate three-hour session learning traditional broom- and brush-making at La Balaiterie in Normandy. Tour the family workshop, craft a sorghum straw fly swatter, and take home a personalized, functional keepsake.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step through a low door into the workshop where the scent of dried straw and warm wood fills the air. Sunlight slants across benches lined with bright sorghum straws and carved handles; a kettle hisses in the corner and a small group leans over a table, learning to fold, bind and tie the fibers into a working fly swatter.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion—short periods standing and basic hand dexterity required; suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Sorghum straw brooms and brushes became common in French rural workshops for their resilience and availability; La Balaiterie continues this small-scale tradition since its founding in spring 2020.
Conservation
Choosing a small family workshop supports craft preservation and reduces reliance on mass-produced goods; materials like sorghum are a renewable, low-waste resource.
Reserve your spot on the Fly Swatter Making Traditional Workshop today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book a morning slot
Workshops are hands-on and focused—morning sessions tend to be quieter and give you time afterward to visit local markets.
Wear easy-to-move-in clothes
You’ll be at a bench doing fine handwork—choose clothing that allows bending and an apron is provided.
Bring a small bag for your finished piece
Finished swatters pack flat but splines and handles can poke; a protective sleeve or small tote helps transport it home safely.
Credit card or small cash for extras
The workshop includes materials, but local shops nearby sell additional straw bundles and handcrafted handles you may want to buy.
Comfortable clothing
Loose, comfortable clothes make it easier to work at a bench and bend over your project.
Camera or phone
Capture steps of the process and your finished piece for reference or sharing.
Small tote or protective sleeve
Protect the finished swatter handle and straw when transporting home.
Notebook & pen
Jot down stitch patterns or supplier names if you want to reproduce the technique later.