15, rue de Bellevue is a quiet house for most of the year in one of the housing estates of Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes. But every Christmas for 10 years, the pavilion has become a major place of pilgrimage for families, local or passing through. And for good reason: Jordan Pelmoine spends several weeks decorating his in-laws' house with garlands and lighting of all kinds, to the delight of visitors looking for a Christmas decor full of light.
A passion that comes from childhood
“This year, I started it a little late: I started at the end of October,” notes the young father of two children. “I took a week off because there are new decorations to put in place, like the window surrounds, the angels or the rose window. » From a young age, he decorated, first with his father, the family home in Mayenne. One garland, then two, and the others follow: he develops a real passion for Christmas lights. From one year to the next, his stocks increase, and if “a few sockets have burned”, there's nothing to stop him: today he estimates that he has more than a kilometer of garlands installed on his house. in-laws, his new winter playground.
Although he mainly installs the decor alone, his father, a former firefighter, gives him a helping hand on occasion, and his son Marin is already starting to hang a few Christmas baubles on the trees for the year.
Professional work
For ten years now, the portal has been open to the public, who can come and admire Jordan's gargantuan work. Every year, there are new things, like the Teddy bear, which has been in the middle of the decor since last year, acquired thanks to the prize pool set up in the garden. A collection that has been renewed so that next year, perhaps, we can make an even bigger surprise. With the collection well expanded, it is now a matter of choosing professional equipment, more durable over time and more pleasing to the eye. Be careful though: this is not about creating a luminous catch-all, which could “hurt the eyes”. “I could add more decoration, but there would be no point. I prefer, for example, to harmonize the shades of white, or even add another color, but I want everything to remain thoughtful, there is a real meaning! “. And the professional gardener and fireworks maker doesn't plan to stop there: “With LED, now we can have fun. I will continue as long as it is not a chore for me! “.
Popular success for ten years
Moreover, success is no longer long in coming: open since the beginning of December, numerous passers-by, neighbors and tourists have trodden the red-clad entrance to the house. “This year, we had to close twice, first for the Darragh storm, then for the Enol depression,” the decorator annoys.
Which doesn't stop him from welcoming everyone who passes by, from his friends to his former college professors to Belgian tourists. “During Covid, there were a lot of people, and as I had set up a quota, there was a queue all the way to the other side of the street! », he exclaims when talking about the crowds. Magical, warm, in the Christmas spirit,… Visitors are full of praise for his work and, on social networks, regularly ask him to find out the opening hours and share photos and videos of the place. “People are looking forward to the illuminations of the Illuminated Melorian now! It brings a little life to the town, and I’m happy to share.”
Practical
The house is located at 15, rue de Bellevue, in Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes, and will be open every evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., until January 5. Facebook account: Melorien illuminated.
