Handmade... in the hand

Mohair 3Mohair 3
©Mohair 3|La Maugerie

A taste for manual labor and creativity is increasingly expressed in shared spaces, to appeal even more to day-trippers, tourists, local residents… And visitors to the Loire by bike. A non-exhaustive overview.

The 17th-century building features terracotta floor tiles, light-colored stone and exposed beams. Les Greniers de Vineuil, on the road to Chambord, is a concept in itself, an ode to crafts and encounters. Small producers’ store, art gallery and two gîtes, all organized as a “société coopérative d’intérêt collectif”, with 250 members. “The idea is to attract families to the artisans, by giving them a good time,” explains Arnaud Séné, who initiated the project.

We leave the Greniers to enter the Ateliers, thirty meters further on. This second building is the heart of the reactor: eight local artisans have grouped together their sales and manufacturing facilities here. With its wood panelling and window displays, it’s like being on the set of a Cinecitta film. Three days a week, you’ll meet Julie, a specialist in natural plant-based dyes, and Roxane, a seamstress. They’ll soon be joined by Sandrine, an ex-Parisienne determined to keep her tapestry factory going. Next up is a lingerie designer. “We’re hoping to create a new town center,” says Arnaud. The place also serves as a covered market.

A few kilometers from Chambord, visit the Maugerie farm in Thoury. You’ll fall in love with these beautiful Angora goats. Frédérique and Gérard’s little boutique will give you the opportunity to make an unexpected Made in Blois-Chambord gift.

In the old town of Blois, at 2bis rue Pierre de Blois, there’s a shared workspace with associative status: l’Hôte Bureau. Here, self-employed workers can develop their business with peace of mind, around a large communal table, a high-speed connection and a hot cup of coffee.

Natacha, mistress of the premises, reserves a space for artisans wishing to exhibit their work. Regular vernissages showcase the skills of local artisans, from painting and illustration to the manufacture of essential oils and Asian-inspired bags. In this way, L’Hôte Bureau offers a foothold in the city, while guaranteeing exhibitors a high level of visibility. A new baker, a lover of good sourdough bread, has also been able to take advantage of this setting, via a weekly sales depot. When sharing rhymes with solidarity…

If you’d like to see how your future umbrella is made, you can visit the eponymous Maison in the castle moat.

You’ll never have seen so much choice, and especially how the canvas is assembled. An astonishing store in a row of several others in the arts district.

Since the 15th century, this district has been devoted to crafts, art and gastronomy, as the royal court had to be supplied. Here, strollers are invited to discover stores selling antiques, millinery, books and art… With their eyes filled, they can stop to enjoy a traditional meal, or simply a drink.

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