Earthenware, a know-how of excellence
Founded in 1924 in Puy-l'Evêque in the Lot valley, Virebent is one of the last three porcelain factories in France. In 2007, Virebent was awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label, which rewards excellence in know-how. The company works in all three earthenwares, earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. Today, Virebent, with its two stores in the Lot and in Paris, creates tableware, bottles, lights, vases and also small furniture. The factory also has its own online store with all the collections and even tote-bags, these soft canvas bags
This tradition of working with clay is still very present in this department where many potters and ceramists have established their workshops. The highlight of this know-how is the small village of Uzech-les-Oules, where the pottery tradition dates back to the 15th century. For 40 years, the know-how was lost, the last potter of Uzech having ceased his activity in 1956. Fortunately, a handful of passionate volunteers brought the pottery back to life in Uzech a few years ago. Three artisans keep the Oulerie alive all year round and in August they host the Pottery Fair which brings together more than 30 potters.
Draw me a sheep!
Sheep's wool has been exploited in the Lot for centuries... then it was a somewhat forgotten material for decades. It could have been forgotten, but it was without counting on two completely frosted Lotoises: Cinthia and Elodie. These two crazy chicks created in 2018 a 100% ecological isothermal bag made of sheep's wool and hemp. The Mouton Givré brand was born. Today, it offers two models of bag, Marguerite, the lunch box that we take everywhere with us and Berthe, the model for family picnics. French manufacture guaranteed.
In Loubressac, the Ferme de Siran raises angora goats. Gaëlle and Julien pamper their animals and recover the wool during the annual shearing. Their beautiful white fleeces produce an excellent quality of mohair wool. In the farm's catalog, you will find: pure or mixed mohair knitting yarns, silk, sweaters and accessories, blankets, plaids, scarves or stoles, gloves, socks... everything to feel warm!
Everything to be beautiful and organic!
In the Lot, we didn't wait for the organic trend to take off to produce reasoned cosmetic ranges. The Phyt's laboratories in Caillac produce 100% natural cosmetic products certified organic and of natural origin, without parabens. You can go directly to the laboratories' store to buy products and get advice.
In Capdenac, the Savonnerie Buissonnière has chosen to produce organic soaps. It uses only organic and local ingredients such as saffron, plum oil, honey or donkey milk in the making of its soaps. As for the manufacturing technique, she is inspired by traditional artisanal methods: cold saponification.
In Rocamadour, the soap is made with goat's milk in the Exquises Caprines workshop. Installed in a typical Quercy house, the two craftsmen are happy to explain to visitors the manufacturing process and the virtues of their soap.
The Lot, a mark!
Not far from its cousin in Aveyron, the Lot also has its own cutlery, the "Lotois XLVI". Behind this beautiful local knife hides a figure from the small town of Espédaillac: Stéphane Rossignol. This strange bird has been running an inn for 25 years, the Auberge Beauville, and he launched his cutlery business a few years ago. His first knife is soberly called the Lotois, it weighs 46 grams and it is sold 46 euros.
In 2020, the latest ambassador company of the Lot was born: Sacré Lotois. Behind the brand, a man, Mathieu Raynaud, who is particularly fond of his native land. He created a brand of decorative stationery and ready-to-wear, 100% Lotois with an online store. You will find beautiful posters, postcards, textiles... all with the effigy of the Lot and its villages of course!
From the Crispy Lot!
On the culinary side, you will find a plethora of memories to share when you return from your vacation. To fill your cupboards with the sweet perfume of the Lot, we recommend some foodstuffs that will continue your stay in the kitchen!
In your gourmet basket, be sure to choose a few bottles of wine (AOC Cahors, AOP Coteaux de Glanes, AOP Coteaux du Quercy and IGP Coteaux de Glanes) or ratafia, but also some Quercy saffron (there is a producer's store in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie), some truffles from Pebeyre's house in Cahors, some foie gras from Fins Gourmets (an association of several duck breeders, stores in Limogne-en-Quercy and Cajarc) or from Thocaven in Gourdon, duck gizzards from Marlas in Cahors, a plum brandy from Louis Roques in Souillac, a few beers from the Lot (Ratz is the must of the stage, but about fifteen producers also offer very interesting local beers), a bottle of walnut oil from Moulin Castagné in Martel.
For those who don't have too much travel to do, and if you are not afraid of goat cheese flavors, there is a treasure: the AOC Rocamadour cheese. Be careful, if these small cheeses are delicious, they don't stand the trip in the trunk of the car! Beware of the heat stroke that will make the little goat gallop!
Croustilot: pronounce the final "t"! Made from wheat from two millers in the Lot, natural and guaranteed without additives, this delicious bread recaptures the flavors of yesteryear, while combining cereal farmers, millers and artisan bakers of today. With its soft crumb, crispy crust and exceptional preservation, this bread goes beautifully with cheese, foie gras, fritons and other local delicacies, but can also be enjoyed on its own, like a grown-up. The Croustilot and its baguette equivalent, the Croustinoise, are available from many bakers in the Lot and in several outlets such as village grocery stores and local production stores.
