Jean-Daniel Pollet, Cadenet, Vaucluse (84)

Jean-Daniel Pollet (1936–2004) is generally unrecognised today, although he is an important member of the nouvelle vague cinema, making important experimental movies. He can be said to have made two different types of film, of which the first often included the shy, hesitant 'Léon' (played by Claude Melki). Later, he branched into poetic cinema, making use of the works of such literary figures as Philippe Sollers and Jean Thibaudeau. In 1989 a serious traffic accident severely restricted his movement, and he came to see Francis Ponge as his main poetic influence. He was forced to limit his activities to Cadenet, in the shadow of the Luberon.

Musée de la Vannerie, Cadenet (84)

It's not easy to take a photo when the sun's shining in your face, but this is the east-facing elevation of Le Musée de la Vannerie, the museum devoted to the wickerwork industry that once florished in this village of Cadenet in Vaucluse. It's on the site of a wickerwork factory called 'La Glaneuse', and contains a wealth of examples of finished products, such as cribs, baskets and other many other carriers, ornamental work as well as functional, and some objects for which we simply have no names in English. The museum also has a great deal of documentary detail on the industry.

A view from the first and top floor, giving an idea of the contents. Our visit was greatly enhanced by the explanations and the seemingly endless patience of our guide, who especially dedicated a deal of time to helping my partner Penny (who has very little French) to understand things: in fact, Penny was receiving what amounted to lessons in French! Je croyais qu'on l'avait emmerdée un peu trop avec toutes nos – enfin, mes – questions et mes conneries, mais elle a dit que non, que c'était l'inverse. Il me semble qu'elle ne nous a jamais mentionné son nom, mais quand même merci beaucoup pour tout le travail que vous avez fait ! Formidable !

Well worth a visit.