La Rochère: Arts de la Table

The glassmaking company of La Rochère, in France’s Franche-Comté, traces its history back to 1475, when “gentleman glass-maker” Simon de Thysac founded a glassworks that supplied the needs of locals in this rural area located between Champagne and Alsace. Despite repeated destruction, once by a fire that destroyed the entire village and later by the Thirty Years’ War, the rebuilt glassworks grew and flourished, and was acquired in 1858 by François-Xavier Fouillot and two associates. Fouillot’s descendants still run the company today, and their products include a wide range of elegant glassware, stemware, vases and bowls. Now four of their classic designs are available through the California-based company I Dream of France, which is offering 10% off La Rochère glassware through November, exclusively for France Today readers.

Designs included in the special offer are the La Rochère Fleur de Lys, Bee (a Napoleonic symbol), Dragonfly and Anduze (whose shape is inspired by the graceful terracotta urns made in the French town of that name). Products include glasses, bowls, pitchers, decanters and carafes, and regular prices range from $8.49 to $26.99. To take advantage of this special 10% discount which applies to all products on their site, visit the I Dream of France website and use the code FRANCETODAY at checkout. The offer is good until November 30, 2010.

For more information on La Rochère, visit their website.