Makhila Ainciart Bergara Artisans, Craftsmen (Visits and Workshops) in Larressore

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

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

In the main room, which is around ten square meters, you can discover the different models of makhilas, observe very old makhilas which belong to the family collection or even examine a gallery of photos of artists , politicians or sportsmen who have 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 oblige - and many others, including all the presidents of the Fifth Republic.

The diploma of Meilleur Ouvrier de France obtained in 1936 by Jean Bergara also hangs on the wall. As well as the EPV label obtained in 2011.

Mini-exhibitions are organized regularly in the barn opposite the workshop. The themes vary depending on the seasons 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 Pediment, on the main road which crosses the village.

Hours of operation :

The workshop is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday all year round from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from April to December from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.