A few weeks ago, Luxsure had the pleasure of discovering a region cradled by luxury yet little-known: the Limousin.
When we hear about Limousin and Limoges, our first reaction is often negative. Limoges doesn’t seem to be one of France’s most dynamic cities, yet it’s one of the regions with the highest concentration of craftsmanship and know-how. It was with this in mind that the Luxe et Excellence association was created. The association brings together 13 companies belonging to the world of luxury: prestigious manufactures, artists’ workshops or creative craftsmen, they are united in the same quest for craftsmanship and quality. Here’s a report on these three wonderful days.
We met on Wednesday June 18 at the Maison du Limousin to discover Sothys, a cosmetics house that has been a partner of spas and institutes for over 60 years. Sothys presented “Les Jardins Sothys” at Auriac in Corrèze, designed to raise awareness of the plant world.
We then flew to Limoges, where a welcome cocktail awaited us at the Table du Couvent, a magnificent establishment run by chef Gilles Dudognon. The cocktail gave us an opportunity to discover the full extent of the region’s culinary expertise, particularly in meats.
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It’s time to head for La Chapelle Saint Martin, a luxury hotel also run by Gilles Dudognon.
The next morning, we meet in the Lou Kasatché showroom.
Since the 1970s, C2000 has specialized in the manufacture of luxury ready-to-wear garments, working alongside some of the biggest names in fashion and haute couture. Drawing on this experience and know-how, CEO Bernard Blaizeau has just launched Lou Kasatché, a couture label. Lou Kasatché is a couture house, created as it was in 1920, combining tailoring, individual support and handmade quality. Specializing in flou (working with a single layer of fabric). Bernard Blaizeau is a passionate man. President of the Luxe et excellence association, he takes us on a tour of the world of haute couture tailoring, and shares his experience of the trade with passion.
The visit is also an opportunity to discover Chapal, a leather specialist since 1832, and Chéron enamels.
Founded in 1954, Chéron is the last amaril workshop to perpetuate the “Blanc Limoges” miniature tradition, which has earned it international and, in particular, Japanese commissions.
Join us at Pierre Christel’s premises for a course in enamel manufacture. Pierre Christel carries on the tradition of his father Christian Christel, who himself created enamels in a completely different style. He mixes enamel, clay, glass and metal in works that have won him international recognition and are exhibited at the Christel family gallery and in international museums. Seeing him work in his den is a rare privilege, allowing us to better appreciate the complexity of the task.
It’s time for a cooking lesson from chef Pascal Robert at his Paroles de Chef establishment.
This was followed by a jewelry encounter with Laurence and Philippe Ratinaud, talented jewelers whom we were able to see at work. They draw their inspiration from nature, notably for their Brindilles collection.
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What would a visit to Limoges be without porcelain? It was in the workshops of Laplagne that we were able to discover the world of porcelain. For almost a century, Laplagne porcelain has enjoyed international recognition. A veritable Ali Baba’s cave, with over 1,500 models scattered throughout this human-sized factory, this establishment is a delight for the curious.
Last visit of the day, to the recently renovated Musée des Beaux Arts de Limoges , with its extensive collection of enamels and porcelain and, more surprisingly, a fine Egyptian collection.
It’s time for a well-deserved rest, with eyes full of stars and a head full of stories to tell.
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