A keen appreciation of craftsmanship

The Art of Pyrenean Wool La Carde 100% Pays Toy

Much more than just a factory: a true centre of craftsmanship dedicated to the treasures of wool.

A story of family and craftsmanship

Since 1891, five generations of the Lafond family have passed down a passion and an unwavering commitment, preserving the artisanal spirit of this unique company. The younger generation, Aude and Damien, carry on these time-honoured techniques to create blankets, throws, duvets and woollen items of unrivalled quality. They also produce clothing, accessories and a range of items for yoga…

Step inside the world of creation

At the heart of their workshop, come and explore a unique craftsmanship, from raw material to finished product:

an interpretive trail showcasing the 12 key stages that transform local wool into a cosy item (free access during shop opening hours)
guided tours every Wednesday at 5 pm during the Christmas, winter and summer school holidays (free of charge).

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Focus on Our gourmet artisans

1. Nina And its dizzying gins

Nina is at the helm of the Distillerie d’Occitanie, where she passionately crafts her 100% locally sourced gins.
Having moved here from Newcastle with her family a few years ago, she nurtured the idea of a Pyrenean gin, an idea that first occurred to the couple during a stay in London. Nina wanted to give her gin a distinctive flavour inspired by the bounty of the mountains. Each recipe is the result of months of research to achieve the perfect balance: a dash of expertise sprinkled with determination; the ideal recipe that enabled Nina to develop her delicious London Dry gin, Lost Mountain – which is also available in a red berry version – as well as Atipeak, made with génépi.

🥇 LOST MOUNTAIN GIN wins the 2026 gold medal
🥉 BIGORRA génépi liqueur wins the 2026 bronze medal

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health; please drink in moderation.

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2. Francis Turns the cakes

In the hamlet of Sia, in a small barn with a fireplace from which wisps of smoke from burning lime wood rise, Francis invites you every afternoon (during peak season) to a demonstration of how he makes his spit-roasted cakes.

You’ll receive a warm welcome, and with a twinkle in his eye, he might even invite you to help with the baking… The Sia spit-roasted cake differs from those made by his fellow bakers in that it is cooked over a very high-temperature lime wood fire.

This traditional conical-shaped cake owes its distinctive character to the way it’s cooked. Indeed, patience and skill are key to baking this cake in the traditional way. The batter flows down a mould that rotates over the fire, giving it its unique shape.

A treat for the eyes and the taste buds!

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Florent Huart, beekeeper specialising in Kenyan hives

I am a beekeeper who harvests honey. In my search for an alternative and natural approach to beekeeping, I place the bee at the centre of my thinking, with the aim of providing it with the greatest possible comfort. After two years of research and three years of observation, testing and analysis, I have developed high-altitude Kenyan hives in Esquièze-Sère, within the catchment area of the Pyrenees National Park. In these hives, the bees build their own wax combs by attaching them to removable bars, without pre-made frames and without the use of embossed wax sheets that contain chemical residues. I am currently the only person in France to offer this gentle method on a small scale. My operation comprises hives spread across five sites: an apiary for rearing bees and producing royal jelly, a stationary apiary for honey production, two migratory apiaries and a high-altitude mating station.
Certified organic (AB) in 2020. Training in responsible beekeeping

The Pays Toy Brewery Paul Dixon Portrait

Straight from Newcastle, Paul Dixon and his family moved to the Pyrenees and took over a restaurant. Paul enjoys the produce of the South-West, which he savours in the Pyrenees, but he found himself missing a local beer to go with it.

So, in 2017, he decided to set up his own brewery specialising in English-style beers. To do this, he flew to Manchester for training and, on his return, set up his cutting-edge venture just a stone’s throw from the centre of Luz-Saint-Sauveur. Paul keeps his recipes secret – they are the key to his success – as his Pont d’Espagne brown ale won a silver medal in 2018 and then a gold medal in 2020 at the Paris General Agricultural Show.

Made using hops from France, Great Britain and the USA, and malts from Great Britain and Belgium, his local beers are brewed using natural spring water from the Luz valley. Ambrée du Col du Tourmalet, Blanche du Cirque de Gavarnie, Blonde du Pic du Midi, Brune du Pont d’Espagne… these are true mementoes inspired by the iconic local landmarks, available to discover in the villages’ bars and restaurants or directly from the shop.

These products can be enjoyed at their brewpub in the village centre or found in several shops throughout the valley.

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health; please drink in moderation.

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Focus on Our craftspeople who are a feast for the eyes

L'Echoppe: Laurence is focusing on upcycling

Richard Mathis and the wooden signs

Farmers' markets 100% local

Come and discover the trades of yesteryear and today! A farmers’ market takes place on Friday evenings during the summer and over the Christmas and winter holidays, from 4 pm to 10 pm. You’ll find a selection of local producers and craftspeople who’ll be delighted to tell you about their craft.

Rue d’Ossun – Place du Marché – Place de la Comporte