Seeing Espadrilles Made in the French Basque Country

To see espadrilles being made in the French Basque Country, head for Mauléon-Licharre, the small capital of Soule, the smallest of the seven Basque provinces. The Pyrénées-Atlantiques tourist board describes it as the capital of the 100% French espadrille, with production workshops open to visitors that present the history of the shoe and how it is made. A day there can combine a free exhibition, a workshop visit and, if you come in mid-August, the espadrille festival.

The town in brief

According to the tourist board, Mauléon has about 3,000 inhabitants, sits on the river Saison, and is overlooked by a 12th-century fortified castle. The 17th-century Château d'Andurain de Maytie, on Place de la Croix Blanche, is also open to visitors and is still lived in by descendants of the family.

1. The espadrille history exhibition

The Hirondelles ("swallows") were young women who came from Spain from the end of the 19th century to work in the workshops in winter. The Basque ethnography site Labayru says most came from the Salazar, Roncal and Ansó valleys, set out at the start of October on foot over the mountains, and went home in spring.

The tourist board's 2027 dates differ slightly between its English and French versions, so check before you travel.

2. A working espadrille workshop

The tourist board lists the Don Quichosse workshop and factory shop, in the industrial zone of Mauléon-Licharre. Its listing describes century-old machines that bear witness to the company's history, and a space that doubles as shop and museum. For 2026 it gives:

• workshop access free all year; guided tours free in July and August;
• group visits at €5 per person, on reservation;
• opening Monday to Friday 9:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00 most of the year, plus Saturdays from 29/06 to 29/08/2026; closed Sundays and public holidays;
• tours in French; staff also speak English, Basque, Spanish and Italian.

The listing's tables and notes do not fully agree on some Friday closing times, so ring ahead. Other workshops in and around Mauléon receive visitors too; the tourist office can tell you which are open on the day.

3. The espadrille festival, 15 August

The tourist board says the town holds an espadrille festival every year on 15 August, with Basque pelota, Souletin dances and sandal makers demonstrating their craft in a temporary workshop. The 2026 programme, published by the agenda site JDS, ran on Saturday 15/08/2026, place Jean Lougarot, from 10:00 to 20:00, free:

For the 2027 programme, check with the tourist office.

Practical tips

• Wear comfortable shoes for a day on foot; read are espadrilles good for walking? before you choose.
• Know your size before you shop: our size chart gives EU, UK and US equivalents.
• Check the forecast: rope soles hate rain (can espadrilles get wet?).