Welcome to the world of leather

Leather in the Porte Océane du Limousin, a long history ………

In Saint-Junien, working with skins dates back to the 11^th century.  The first craftsmen set up on the banks of the river Vienne, and their knowledge and skills are still very much in evidence today in the City of Gloves : three glove manufacturers, a belt and leather goods business and a tannery (working on small skins) are still active here.

At Rochechouart, a shoe manufacturer has made mid-range and luxury shoes for women since 1964.

The Porte Océane du Limousin continues to inspire and attract leather craftspeople.  Laëtitia Fortin,  designer of objects in leather at Saint-Junien , and Lewis Barbedor, saddler at Oradour-sur-Glane, have both recently set up their businesses here.  Hermès has expanded its existing glove-making activity by opening a factory making luxury leather goods.

Constantly looking to the future, the Porte Océane du Limousin continues to promote the skills and knowledge of the leather industry : the « Cité du Cuir » will open its doors in 2021 at Saint-Junien, on the banks of the river Vienne in the historical quarter of the leather industry.  Saint-Junien, together with three other towns, set up an association to organise an annual exhibition for the leather industry.  The exhibition is held in turn in one of the towns and brings together the leather professionals of these areas and attracts a large number of visitors each year.

for a shopping trip in the world of leather  ...

To appreciate the work of these leather craftspeople, why not pop in to one of the factory shops, often situated in their workshops :

• For a pair of gloves, try the factory shops of the Ganterie Agnelle and Gants Morand at Saint-Junien ;

The Mégisserie Colombier at Saint-Junien sells skins and leather clothes made from the products of its factory ;

• For bags and belts head to DAGUET at Saint-Junien ;

And for shoes, go to Parallèles at Rochechouart.

Our tips : Check the opening hours before visiting.

Practical information : The factory shops are not all accessible for people with reduced mobility, so check before going.

And items available on the internet :

Laetitia Fortin : https://www.laetitiafortin.com/

Parallèle Shoes : https://www.parallele.com/fr/

Ganterie Agnelle : https://www.agnelle.com/en/14-collection

Gants Morand : https://georges-morand.fr/fr/

Or for a guided tour

From the workshop to the catwalk

Some of the top fashion houses have great confidence in the work of the Ganterie Agnelle (Vuitton, Dior, Alaïa, Lanvin, Guerlain, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, Jean Charles de Castelbajac etc …..) Discover the stages needed to make a pair of gloves, which may be destined for a famous international star !  Madonna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, the Queen of Belgium …..  many cannot resist a pair of beautiful hand-made gloves from ganterie Agnelle.

Our tips : Guided tours of the Ganterie Agnelle are available by reservation only at one of our Tourist Information Centres.  Please note, guided tours are not available in August, during the Christmas period, Friday afternoons, weekends and public holidays.

Practical information : We regret the guided tours are not accessible for people with reduced mobility. The guided tour is available in english.