A massive steel and metal grape sculpture, standing 11.5 feet tall, will make its debut along the final kilometers of the prestigious Paris-Tours cycling race in the vineyard paths of Rochecorbon, a small commune in Indre-et-Loire, France. The ambitious art project was conceived and funded entirely by local residents who wanted to put their village on the map during one of cycling's most televised events.
The impressive sculpture, crafted from steel and metal with individual grapes made from wire mesh, represents over 300 hours of volunteer work by a skilled craftsman who is a member of the Compagnons du Devoir, France's prestigious guild system for traditional trades specializing in metalwork. "This statue represents more than 300 hours of work for our volunteer sculptor," explained Christophe Loriau, president of Rochecorbon's community animation committee. The sculpture currently sits in its creator's garden, awaiting its public debut.
On Sunday, October 12, 2025, the giant grape cluster will be installed for the first time in the vineyard paths along the Paris-Tours cycling race route. The sculpture is planned to be displayed for future editions of the race, but organizers have bigger ambitions. "We hope to find a highly visible location in the heart of the village between each edition of the race," Loriau said with a smile, indicating the community's long-term vision for their artistic investment.
For Loriau, the grape sculpture serves as both "a totem" and "a symbol of the territory." The strategic placement along a sharp turn in the race's final stretch was carefully chosen for maximum visibility during the nationally and internationally televised broadcast. "The goal is for people to talk about Rochecorbon," the local resident candidly admitted. "Here, we're in the middle of the vineyards, a postcard of our commune's landscapes. We're also at a sharp turn, almost a right angle: the riders will slow down, and so will the cameras."
The project's financing model reflected the community's grassroots spirit and local pride. The sculpture cost approximately 700 euros, but this represented only the cost of raw materials since the artist donated all labor. "We wanted participatory and local financing," Loriau explained, describing how the funds were raised through contributions from local businesses and residents. Notably, the project was completed without direct financial assistance from the municipal government, aside from the standard operating subsidies provided to Rochecorbon's community animation association.
The giant grape sculpture represents more than just artistic expression; it embodies the community's determination to showcase their wine-growing heritage and rural identity on an international stage. As the Paris-Tours race broadcasts to audiences worldwide, this steel and metal monument will serve as a lasting symbol of local craftsmanship and community collaboration in the heart of France's Loire Valley wine country.
