Makhila Ainciart Bergara Artisanal manufacturer of Basque sticks in Larressore

Visit the oldest makhila (traditional walking stick) workshop in the Basque Country, in the small village of Larressore.

Three centuries-old workbenches are attached to the workshop windows. The craftsmen work with wood , leather and metal . In the room on the left is the ornamental engraving workshop, installed in the old grocery store that adjoined the workshop. Tools of all types are at hand: punches, hammers, needles, files, etc. The makhila is entirely made on site. You can see the craftsmen at work, observe their dexterity in punching, talk with them about the makhila and count the medlar stems drying on the upper part of the room.

In the main room, which is about ten square meters, you can discover the different models of makhilas, observe very old makhilas which belong to the family collection or even scrutinize a photo gallery of artists , politicians or sportsmen who received a makhila made by the Ainciart Bergara workshop: Léon Zitrone, Chirac, General de Gaulle, Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela, Churchill, Platini, Cantona, Lizarazu - Basque origin obliges - and many others, including all the presidents of the Fifth Republic.

The Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France) diploma awarded to Jean Bergara in 1936 also hangs on the wall, as does the EPV (Professional Development Company) label awarded in 2011.

Mini-exhibitions are regularly held in the barn across from the workshop. The themes vary depending on the season and current events.

The visit is free and open to individuals.

If you are a school, an association, a travel agency or a tourism player and you would like to visit the workshop with a group of more than 15 people, do not hesitate to contact us to reserve a time slot at 05 59 93 03 05. The visit costs €2 per person (except accompanying person and driver) and lasts approximately 1 hour.

The workshop is located in the village of Larressore, 15 minutes from Bayonne or Biarritz, and 3 minutes from Espelette. It opens onto the Place du Fronton, on the main road that crosses the village.

Hours of operation :

• Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm
• Open Saturday morning from 9am to 12pm
• Closed on public holidays