Inspiration

4 UNMISSABLE CRAFT TOURISM ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS

Designed to inspire your programme development, these four must-do craft tourism activities highlight the key experiences. Easy to integrate into your itineraries, they add value to your stays and respond to your clients’ expectations in the craft tourism sector.

©Atelier Chamothé / Visitlimousin

Table of contents

1. TICKLE YOUR TASTEBUDS WITH
AUTHENTIC PRODUCE

Visit the Espelette pepper farm and factory in the lovely village of the same name in the Basque Country hinterland. Learn the history of the pepper and how it’s made then experience its subtle spicy personality for yourself. Guided tours for groups only.
Unlock the history of Neuvic caviar in Dordogne. The tour details all the stages involved in making caviar, from fish larva to extracting the roe. The tour ends with a tasting at a farm.

2. EXPERIENCE OUR EXPERTISE, OUR LIVING LEGACIES

Go behind the scenes of the “Sustainable Exception” at Rémy Martin in Cognac. Wander around the open-air laboratories that are the sprawling cognac vineyards. On the agenda: Grand Champagne outing with a guide (viewfinder table, overview of the landscape); vineyard tour in Saint-Preuil followed by a tasting by the vines; vineyard walk in Juillac-le-Coq, tour of the vat room and distillery followed by a homemade cocktail. Green transport: méhari/e-bike.
A tastebud-tingling trip back in time at Distillerie Denoix in Brive. Distillerie Denoix was founded in 1839 and keeps the legacy of its 19th century master spirit makers alive today. The brand has been making colourant and flavouring-free liqueurs and apéritifs using walnuts, plants and fruit for 5 generations. It has even revived Brive’s bygone violet mustard to the delight of the greatest chefs. The fragrant spirit of the site sets your senses on fire before a cheeky tasting. The distillery hasn’t changed since 1939, so it’s like stepping into a time machine.

3. BE BLOWN AWAY BY HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY CRAFTSMANSHIP

Gaze at the Aubusson tapestries inspired by Miyazaki. The Cité showcasing Aubusson tapestry opened in 2016 with historical and contemporary pieces. It also has a training centre for weavers to keep alive the age-old expertise recognised by UNESCO. The Cité de la Tapisserie works in partnership with world-famous creatives, such as the master of Japanese animation Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Princesse Mononoke etc.) and the great Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings).
Feast your eyes on porcelain creations at Bernardaud, Limoges. Dive into the history of Limoges porcelain and the secrets behind making it, from the raw material to the end product. A real demonstration of Limoges’ world-renowned expertise in French ceramics and porcelain: from modelling and enamelling to decorating and so much more. Learn about a business that has brought tradition, innovation and creation together since 1863. An annual exhibition at the Fondation Bernardaud ends the tour on a high, usually with a showcase for contemporary ceramic design.

4. WATCH PASSIONATE
CRAFTSMEN AT WORK

You have to hand it to them at Ganterie Agnelle in Saint-Junien. You’ll know gloves like the back of your hand after a trip to Agnelle, a luxury glovemaker founded in Saint Junien near Limoges in the 11th century. A fascinating insight into glove making, from the leather being delivered to finishing the gloves. The studio works for the biggest designers (Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga and Vuitton) and is open tovisitors. Booking required. Please see factory shop opening times. Saint-Junien celebrates the region’s leather heritage at the Cité du Cuir.
Uncover the secrets behind knifemaking in Nontron. The Coutellerie Nontronnaise opened in 1780 deep in the Périgord Limousin Regional Nature Park. Watch the craftsmen at work and see what goes into making the oldest French folding knife at the factory and shop.