Graulhet, historical stronghold of the leather industry

The exceptional diversity of know-how in leather is also expressed through numerous local companies specialising in services, products, machines, tools and accessories for leather.

Graulhet is a small town that was very prosperous and contributed to the industrial wealth of the Tarn thanks to its leather goods and leatherwork factories in the last centuries. Graulhet, a capital city known throughout the world for its know-how and flourishing innovations in the leather industry, was home to no less than 150 factories in the last century: zoom in on its history and its future.
Today, Graulhet still has prestigious leather factories working for the great names of French Haute Couture, and the town can boast six companies in the leather industry with the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label, a concrete example of French excellence.

10am - Guided tour of the Maison des Métiers du Cuir
A veritable history book on the industrial heritage of the town of Graulhet, the Maison des Métiers du Cuir offers a fascinating journey in the setting of a restored former leather goods factory, where you will be told all the secrets of the metamorphosis of the hide and of the trade of leather goods maker. A difficult profession, each stage of which will be commented on through anecdotes and testimonies. Possibility to buy small leather goods (handbags, purses...).

Guided tour of the town of Graulhet
With its Old Bridge, a 15th century stone bridge, the district of Panessac, on the banks of the Dadou, offers evidence of Graulhet's historical past with its fortified castle which was destroyed during the Wars of Religion, its corbelled houses and its typical medieval streets.

12:30 - Lunch at the restaurant in Graulhet

2.30pm - Departure for the Serres leather goods factory. Throughout the visit, you will discover the working methods, from the arrival of the skin to the shaping of everyday objects, objects of life (purse, wallet, handbag...), loaded with the finest materials.
(purse, wallet, handbag...), charged with a true story and marked with the French seal. You will meet these leather "seamstresses" who work with meticulousness and precision and who contribute to the reputation of French Haute Couture. (The group will be divided in two).

5pm - End of the tour.