Leather goods in the Basque Country, an art preserved for years

In the southwest of France, on the Spanish border, lies the Basque Country between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountains. A territory of character and traditions, it is renowned for its emblematic Basque beret, but also for a very particular art, leatherwork . In the 19th century, there were 230 tanners (hide sellers) and tanners (skin preparers) who evolved thanks to the oak forests. This wood works wonders on leather and allows rapid and solid tanning, making the Basque Country an unrivaled leather craftsman in France. Discover all the secrets of Basque Country leather goods.

Opening photo: Banka leather goods

Leather goods, a story of tradition in the Basque Country

Originally, that is to say at the end of the 19th century, the leather goods were mainly collars and ornaments of oxen, used during the many traditional agricultural festivals of the region. But very quickly, the Basque Country developed and this seaside resort attracted more and more tourists of varying wealth, a great opportunity for leather craftsmen. Belts, handbags, shoes, ideas emerge and products evolve, retaining the quality of the beginnings and the meticulous know-how of these passionate leather craftsmen. Even today, the Basque Country is renowned for its local manufacturing and the elegance of its leather goods.

The Basque Country, ethical and quality leather goods

In the Basque Country, there remain two renowned tanneries which have been working for generations, respecting rare know-how. Their practices have evolved over the years to offer ever more environmentally friendly skins to leatherworkers in the region. Today, there are two labels governing the production of skin for artisans:

• The EPV label, or Living Heritage Company, which guarantees high-performance French manufacturing with ancestral know-how. Re-evaluated every 5 years, it is the assurance of a quality, French product.
• The LWP label, or Leather Working Group, rewards environmentally friendly and socially responsible production. Every two years, the criteria are evaluated to ensure quality leather goods.

In the Basque Country, the Carriat and Carat & fils tanneries are invested, passionate and committed to precise and environmentally friendly work. The leatherworkers just have to work!

Leather goods in the Basque Country, noble materials for authentic work

In the Basque Country, we mainly work with beef leather, skins carefully selected in France for their quality and their method of breeding. Wrinkles, shadows and folds of skin, leather goods retain a trace of their origin for a unique, rare and quality product. Inspired by Basque culture, the artisanal creations are magnificent, made from high quality leather. Texture, color, thickness, there is something for all tastes and budgets depending on your wishes. Transformed into handbags, wallets, belts or accessories, this noble material becomes a true work of art under the skillful hands of leather craftsmen. Bring back an authentic souvenir from the Basque Country with a unique and original handcrafted piece.

Leather goods in the Basque Country, addresses not to be missed

There are many workshops creating leather art. To help you find your way, we have put together a non-exhaustive list of the best places to go to buy a quality leather goods product.

• Banka leather goods, an incredible exception that works with trout leather. After 4 years of research, the result is worth the detour. Clutches, card holders, wallets or belts, discover all the models of this atypical leather goods.

• Maison Laffargue, a renowned Basque Country institution since 1890. For 4 generations, this company has offered you quality leather goods, crafted between tradition and modernity.

• L'Atelier Manufactoum, an exciting world where the smell of leather attracts you. Welcomed by the leather craftsmen, discover a manual profession explained with pleasure by the brand's teams. Handbags, belts and small accessories, leave with an exceptional souvenir.

• Couleur Cerise works on all skin types! In her workshop in Arbonne, Cerise Pellizzoni works in the traditional way to create practical and beautiful objects in goat, lamb, cowhide, buffalo, and even fish leathers.

• Activista, leather goods Made in France and Made in South West.
• Ainhoa Maroquinerie, a boutique associated with a workshop that allows you to see the leather craftswoman at work .
  
• Angela Schmid Maroquinerie, a passionate person who has been working on her art for years in her workshop in Saint-Jean-de-Luz .
• Bazalte is a leather goods workshop in Hasparren which makes tailor-made products with high-end leather.
• Erro offers a range of local and sustainable leather goods, their eco-responsible values ​​are strong, for their men's and women's ranges.
  

You will no longer be able to ignore it, leather goods are a renowned art in the Basque Country. History, know-how, tradition, everything is important in today's leather goods. After reading this article, all you have to do is head south to visit the leather workshops of the Basque Country to bring back a quality leather souvenir.

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