The French Cloche - From Château to Countryside

A story of French refinement, craftsmanship & the art of slow living

A Little French History

In 18th-century France, dining was an art form, a graceful choreography of service, presentation and anticipation.  Among the quiet heroes of this ritual was the cloche (French for “bell”), a domed cover originally crafted from gleaming silver or fine glass.

In grand Parisian dining rooms, footmen would lift these domes in perfect unison to reveal each course, the rising aroma signalling the next indulgence.  It was a moment of ceremony, a reminder that dining, in France, is never rushed, but savoured.

From Château to Countryside

As French life shifted from royal tables to the rhythm of the countryside, the cloche evolved.  Artisans began weaving simpler versions from natural cane and rattan - still beautiful, but now deeply practical.

In stone farmhouses across Provence and Normandy, these rustic cloches became household staples, protecting bread, cheese and freshly picked fruit from curious insects while allowing air to circulate.  Each piece carried the fingerprint of its maker and the gentle warmth of the French home.

The Provence Cloche - A Modern Heirloom

Today, our Provence Cloche revives this beloved tradition for contemporary living.  Handwoven from sustainably sourced Kubu rattan, it embodies that perfect French balance of elegance and purpose.

Whether used outdoors to keep your summer platters insect-free or indoors as a decorative cover for baked goods or linens, it brings the serenity of Provence to your everyday rituals.  Its tactile texture, natural colour, and artisanal form invite a slower pace, a little reminder that beauty often lies in the simple, the useful and the well-made.

A Piece of France at Home

At Malmaison, we believe every home deserves moments of French joy, the joie de vivre found in gathering around a table, in thoughtful craftsmanship, and in objects made to last.

Pair the Provence Cloche with our Provincial Table Linens, La Rochère Bee glassware, and Laguiole Cutlery to create a tablescape that feels effortlessly French, whether under the olive trees or at your kitchen bench.

Because the cloche is more than a cover, "it’s a gesture of care, a symbol of warmth, and a story centuries in the making."

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Malmaison
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