La Flow Vélo makes you slow down in time as you pedal along… and get back to craft, in all its forms. The areas you cross are packed with craft know-how, whose history you can discover on your time travels!
1/ Discovering the craft skills of Nontron
Originally created in the 15th century, the traditional Nontron knife is considered by experts to be the oldest in France. Easily recognized by its wooden handle made from box wood, the couteau de Nontron’s blade is made from stainless steel today. These knives are also now specifically recognized as regional knives, promoting the regional know-how involved in their manufacturing. Still made by hand using old techniques, the craftspeople who put them together are proud to continue the tradition, while adapting to modernity! If the distinctive name engraved on the knife allows for quick identification of its origin, the company has employed contemporary designers to come up with cutting-edge designs. The factory workshop where the reputed knives are made is located close to the town centre. You can go and see the craftspeople maintaining old techniques to make them.
- The tour of the workshop is free and unguided: year-round, Monday to Friday, 9am -12 midday and 1.30pm – 5.30pm.
Nontron has further surprises up its sleeve. With its Pôle Expérimental Métiers d’Art (PEMA), crafts are given pride of place via an exhibition space open year round and showing ceramics, tapestries, stained glass, contemporary mosaics, wood-turned items, leather-work and more…
2/ Saint Savinien, a little town full of artists and artisans
Designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire for its cultural riches, Saint Savinien surprises visitors with the range of its art galleries and exhibition spaces. Numerous artists and craftspeople happily present their skills. Here, learn about stone sculpting, knife-making, painting, wood-turning and more.
A stop at the art centre Cargo Bleu comes recommended. The members of this cooperative of artists and artisans have taken over a single venue, turning it into a place for exhibitions and sales as well as encounters and exchanges.
3/ Events at Saint-Jean-de-Côle Market
Every Thursday in summer (from 30 June to 1 September), the village of Saint-Jean-de-Côle puts to the fore remarkable work by local and regional artists and artisans. Under the halles, or covered market, meet those who so help forge local identity with their very hands.
4/ The cognac vineyards and centuries-old know-how
Making the spirit, cognac, is an art! The way cognac is produced is the result of centuries-old know-how handed down the generations. The local soil’s characteristics, the way the grapes are vinified, the distillation of the wine, and the ageing of the spirit – this combination of tasks renders each brandy unique. Through the ageing process, the cognac from a specific winery or house will take on characteristics from the cellars in which it ages, and notably from the oak barrels in which it’s placed. Learn more about the various stages involved in making cognac, and further secrets about how this famed brandy is produced, on a winery tour given by craftspeople involved, and passionate about their jobs. A large number of cognac-makers open their doors to visitors throughout the year, transmitting all the heritage that surrounds this famed tipple. If you’re after a more family-oriented tour, make for the Maison Camus. For a unique visit, maybe head for the Maison Rémy Martin, offering a selection of activities, including a journey through the estate aboard a little electric train!
