Création Catalane Saint Laurent-de-Cerdans is well worth a visit any time for its church with tall steeple, its Retirada museum (not as harrowing as the main museum in La Jonquera, but informative and well presented) and its many local walks in the footsteps of escapees from the Spanish Civil War.
However, the village is best known for its production of the beautiful striped fabric, the “Toiles du Soleil” and its long tradition of hand-crafted ‘espadrilles’.
Two childhood friends, one dream….to restore the age-old, family tradition of espadrille-making in Saint Laurent-de-Cerdans.
Unable to compete with foreign imports, the old espadrille factory closed down, but in 2008 Céline and Cécile re-opened and breathed new life into the ancient building. The making of traditional Catalan rope soled shoes was reborn in Saint Laurent.
Unique and handmade, mainly with the brilliant colours of the Toiles de Soleil, you will find both traditional espadrilles and an exciting range of colourful, modern versions.
They make a fabulous regional gift, along with brightly coloured bags, hats and other accessories. They can be personalised with the name of the ‘giftee’ too, making them extra special.
Visit the workshop any Monday or Thursday at 3.00pm (April to the end of October) for a free and fascinating, guided tour of the hand-made fabrication process from conception to completion.
Catalan espadrilles are called ‘Vigatanes’ pronounced with a b (Bigatanes).
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