La Gacilly, Photography festival town in Morbihan, France
La Gacilly is a small commune in Brittany spread across a green valley, characterized by granite houses with typical slate roofs and winding narrow streets. The layout connects residential areas with artisan workshops, public squares, and a botanical garden that plays a role in the local cosmetics industry.
The place began as a rural village but underwent transformation when Yves Rocher founded natural cosmetics production facilities there in the mid-20th century. This industrial shift shaped the community's character and led to the establishment of artisan businesses and a garden dedicated to plant research.
The annual photography festival presents large-scale images displayed on building facades and throughout the streets from June to September, shaping how the town is experienced. This event has established the place as a destination for photography enthusiasts and brings visitors from surrounding regions.
The place is walkable and easy to navigate, with artisan workshops distributed throughout and open for casual visits without advance arrangements. Local markets operate on Saturdays, offering regional products and handmade goods, while the botanical garden remains accessible during most seasons.
The botanical garden houses over 1,500 plant species used in cosmetics research and offers free public access, an uncommon arrangement for a research facility. This allows visitors to see the plant science behind the local cosmetics industry firsthand.
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