In Montpeyroux, Daniel Screve cultivates the art of sublimating the woods of the scrubland

Dans la boutique de Daniel, le bois est roi Midi Libre – Daniel Screve

Daniel en pleine confection de pendule. Midi Libre – Marco Cunill

At the end of Covid-19, the Saint-Guilhem Vallée de l’Hérault tourist office decided to strengthen ties with certain local artisans to showcase local know-how. Daniel Screve, known as "Du Barry" and his wooden creations are the perfect example.

Located on the heights of Montpeyroux, Daniel du Barry's shop surprises with its singularity and authenticity. Working with dead wood to make unique craft objects, that's the principle.
His business is part of a sustainable approach, and he has signed a partnership with the Saint-Guilhem Vallée de l'Hérault tourist office, which highlights the region's artisans and traders.
Fabienne Barrere Ellul, director of the tourist office, says: “We are committed to working with artisans and traders in the Vallée de l'Hérault to showcase local expertise. All of this is part of a comprehensive sustainable tourism policy. ” To be part of the “premium” partners of the tourist office, traders must sign a charter bringing together several values, around local and sustainable tourism.

Wood over 400 years old

Daniel collects dead wood in the scrubland (olive, boxwood, juniper), including 400-year-old boxwood. This wood, which can be dated precisely thanks to the age of the dead trees, has been attacked by moths, a devastating insect. Daniel uses this precious wood to create unique handicrafts, thus preserving the memory of these historic trees.
“I collect dead wood, not green wood, that's my trademark.”, Daniel explains, because preserving the territory is particularly important to him. He is also a member of the Montpeyroux Municipal Forest Fire Committee and is also involved in providing the responsible hiker's guide and pocket ashtrays in his shop.

High-quality wood Midi Libre – Daniel Screve

Unique creations

Limited edition pens, pendants, jewelry, crosses for pilgrims and even customizable cutting boards, everything that can be made of wood is available in Daniel's shop in Montpeyroux and in those of the tourist office. “Right now what's really going well are pendulums, everyone wants one.” These boxwood pendulums are chosen for their symbolic or energetic properties or as a simple decorative object.

Clocks are a must-have in the shop. Midi Libre – Daniel Screve

The profits made by Daniel, retired from Orange, from sales are used only to buy expensive equipment and machines to make these objects. Indeed, Les Bois de la Garrigue is a non-profit association.
The creations of Les Bois de la Garrigue can be seen in many shops of the Saint-Guilhem Vallée de l’Hérault tourist office, whether at the Maison du Grand Site at Pont du Diable, at the Gignac shop, at Argileum in Saint-Jean de Fos and in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, as well as at Daniel's shop, always ready to welcome those who are interested in his work. Introductory workshops are also offered, where participants can leave with their own creations.

The Barry workshop boutique is located in Montpeyroux, for more information, Tel.: 06 08 04 62 49.