The Périgord Inattendu, a land of inspiring landscapes and a thousand years of history, is also a land of passion and creativity. Here,craftsmanship is not just a trade, it’s a living heritage, passed on with care and enriched by contemporary innovations. From the banks of the Dronne to the forests of the Double, each workshop is a treasure trove of authenticity, blending tradition and modernity.

Wood, leather, textiles, soap, paper… The craftsmen shape these materials with extraordinary skill and attention to detail, giving life to unique pieces. Some perpetuate age-old techniques, while others reinvent them, drawing inspiration from the region and its natural resources. This living heritage is a great place to explore for those who love encounters, sensory discoveries and the authenticity of handmade objects.

An immersion
in local crafts

To open the door ofa workshop in Périgord Inattendu is to enter a world where precise gestures and raw materials are transformed into unique creations. Behind each object is a craftsman driven by a passion for his craft. Leatherworkers, soap-makers, paper-makers, cabinet-makers and weavers all work with noble, natural materials and have a deep respect for their skills.

The fascinating art of textiles

Textiles are one of the treasures of the Périgord Inattendu. At La Bonneterie du Périgord 1948, French textile know-how is preserved and sublimated in carefully crafted pieces. The quality of the fabrics, the knitting techniques and the impeccable finishes bear witness to a tradition that has stood the test of time.

Artisan au travail

Paper and inks for the art of the written word

At the Papeterie des Arceaux in Grand-Brassac, paper becomes an art form. Here, everything is done by hand, from the choice of fibres to the cutting of the sheets, not forgetting the traditional printing. It’s an age-old skill that the paper-makers are happy to share with visitors, in a setting where each sheet is ready to tell its own story.

Soaps with local scents

The soap-makers of Périgord Inattendu reinvent bathing rituals with creations inspired by local nature. Le Savon Ivre and Un Vilain Petit Canard produce cold-saponified soaps that are kind to the skin and the environment. Precious vegetable oils, local clays, aromatic plants… Each ingredient is carefully chosen to provide natural , beneficial products .

Leather and wood: noble, durable materials

Leather craftsmen create everyday objects with particular attention to detail and durability. Fleur de Cuir, Marjorie Maroquinerie and L’Atelier de Truffières create timeless accessories where the patina of the leather improves with age.

As for wood craftsmen, Au Cœur du Bois and Olivier Constantin carve, assemble and polish elegant, robust pieces of furniture, inspired by local species. These are objects that combine tradition and contemporary design, perfect for adding a touch of character to any interior.

On the road
of art and craft

The Carnet de Route des Métiers d’Art is an invaluable guide to help you make the most of this immersion in craftsmanship. More than just an itinerary, it opens the doors of the workshops and takes you to meet the creators of the Périgord Inattendu. Each stage is a promise of enriching exchanges and unforgettable experiences.

This tour invites you to go behind the scenes of creation and gain a better understanding of the handiwork behind each object. The artisans share their passion, their inspiration and their commitment to eco-responsible, local practices.

The ARTISIO association: a collective
at the service of creation

In this spirit of sharing and passing on, the ARTISIO association, based in Siorac-de-Ribérac, brings together the craftspeople of the Vallée de la Dronne and the Forêt de la Double. This dynamic organisation organises exhibitions, events and demonstrations to showcase the diversity and wealth of local expertise.

When visitors arrive at the association’s door, they will discover a place where craftspeople can work together, help each other and pass on their passion to the general public. Some of the workshops offer introductory courses, where visitors can try out traditional techniques: working with leather, experimenting with ink on handmade paper, carving a piece of solid wood… these are all precious moments that allow visitors to get to grips with a little of this heritage.

Boutique artisanale

An immersive
and sensory experience

There’s more tocrafts than meets the eye: you have to experience them to the full. Some workshops open their doors for immersive visits, where you can discover the different stages of creation.

And to extend this sensory journey, why not take a few objects home with you that evoke these emotions? The creations of the artisans of Périgord Inattendu carry with them a story, a territory and a know-how. Whether it’s a handmade paper notebook, a locally scented soap, an elegant piece of leatherwork or a piece of carved wooden furniture, every purchase is a direct support for the passionate craftsmen who keep the local economy alive and preserve precious techniques.

The Unexpected Périgord,
a land of craftsmen to explore

Discovering the crafts of Périgord Inattendu means immersing yourself in a world where every object tells a story and every workshop reveals a part of the local heritage. It’s also an opportunity to encourage production that respects traditions and looks to the future.

Whether you’re a lover of exceptional objects, curious about rare skills or in search of authentic souvenirs, let yourself be surprised by the creative wealth of this region. All it takes is one diversions, one door pushed open, one encounter… and the experience becomes unforgettable.