Arts and Crafts in the Dordogne Valley Arts and Crafts

Exquisite Craftsmanship

The Dordogne Valley is a haven for lovers of handmade art and craftsmanship, where every town seems to tell its own story through the skilled hands of local artisans. Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or a personal keepsake, this region is brimming with creative treasures.

In charming villages like Terrasson, Martel, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère or Collonges-la-Rouge, you’ll find many artisanal shops, each offering a glimpse into the rich tradition of craftsmanship that defines the area.

Pottery, hand-blown glass, and intricately designed objects are just some of the highlights you’ll find as you wander through these picturesque villages, each piece infused with the spirit of the Dordogne Valley itself.

Meet the artisans, step inside their workshops, and experience firsthand the passion and precision that go into their creations.

Head to town

For those seeking a broader shopping experience, the lively centres of Périgueux, Bergerac, and Brive offer an array of beautiful boutiques showcasing finely crafted local products.

Whether you’re looking for something small and delicate or a standout piece to take home, the Dordogne Valley’s rich artisanal heritage ensures you’ll find something truly unique, from traditional techniques to modern designs.

Artisanal Pottery

In the Dordogne Valley, many pottery shops are located right beside the artists’ working studios, giving you the chance to purchase unique local creations directly from the source. Whether you’re looking for functional pieces for everyday use or decorative art to brighten your home, these original designs can be found throughout the Dordogne Valley.

Some suggestions:

Atelier Julie Z – Julie LOPEZ – Terrasson-Lavilledieu, Old Town
Tel : +33 6 16 98 66 76
Jolis Bidules – Marianne ROUILLER – Terrasson-Lavilledieu, Old Town
Tel : +33 6 37 32 95 19
Créations La SagiTerre – Chantal Schmitz – Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, Place de l’Eglise (From April until the end of September)
Tel : +33 7 81 74 47 70
Pauline Audubert – Création Céramique – Carennac
Tel : +33 6 84 36 40 07

Glass Blowing

Experience the mesmerizing art of glass blowing first-hand by visiting the workshops and watching the process come to life.

La Verrerie d’Art – Thibault Lafleuriel – Terrasson-Lavilledieu, Old Town Tel : +33 6 78 81 68 44
Atelier du verre soufflé – Nicolas Guittet – Limeuil, Route de Trémolat
Tel : + 33 6 86 41 09 08
L’Alchimiste – Uzerche, 24 rue Pierre Mouly
Tel : +33 6 50 32 33 68

Painting and Sculpture

Throughout the Dordogne Valley, creativity thrives and skilled artisans bring unique visions to life. Whether it’s the fine brushstrokes of a painting or the expressive form of a sculpture, each piece reflects both tradition and innovation.

Visitors will find galleries showcasing the work of local artists, offering the chance to see and purchase one-of-a-kind creations.

And for those passionate about painting, a visit to the Pastels Girault boutique in Montignac is essential—home to the world’s oldest pastel makers, producing exquisite pigments since 1780.

Pastels Girault – 1 avenue de Lascaux, Montignac-Lascaux
Tel : +33 5 53 51 88 18

Artisanal woodturning and leatherwork

Skilled woodturners transform local timber into beautifully crafted bowls, furniture, and decorative pieces, each shaped with precision and care.
Meanwhile, leather artisans create finely stitched bags, belts, and accessories, blending functionality with timeless style.

These crafts highlight the region’s dedication to preserving handmade artistry while offering something unique and enduring.

Styl’&Bois Woodturner – Nicolas DELMAS – Terrasson-Lavilledieu, Old Town
Tel : +33 6 89 49 81 67
L’Univers du Champignon Woodturner – Mansac, 10 rue des Cités
Tel : +33 6 26 78 53 94
Créations Cuir de Poisson Leather Work – Kristof Mascher
Fanlac, 4 rues des Ecoles Tel : +33 5 53 51 85 44
Maxime BELLANGER Leather Work – Grinch Factory
Terrasson-Lavilledieu, Old Town Tél : +33 6 59 11 50 63
Corium Armilla Leather Work
Mauriac – 7 rue de la Croix du Peuch Tel : +33 6 40 84 32 70

Knife makers – A cut above the rest

Le Couteau de Corrèze – Collonges-la-Rouge, Rue de la Barrière
Tel :+33 5 55 25 38 29
High-end collectable traditional French knives created by master knife makers with a unique twist. Emblazoned with handles made from a variety of woods incorporating chestnut leaves (the symbol of the area)
Agathe Coutelière – Agathe CANTELOUBE
Terrasson-Lavilledieu, Old Town

Basket makers

Les Vanneries Lointaines – Céline TORK
Terrasson-Lavilledieu, Old Town

Other skills and innovation

The Dordogne Valley is home to many different artisanal skills, where traditions meet creative innovation.

Local soap makers craft luxurious, fragrant bars using only natural ingredients, while lavender distilleries produce soothing essential oils from the region’s abundant fields. Artisans of stained glass bring light and color to life with intricate designs, and yarn makers spin high-quality, hand-dyed fibers that reflect the valley’s natural beauty.

Each craft is a testament to the region’s rich heritage and dedication to quality.

Artisanal Soap
Maison Exquises Caprines – Mayrinhac le Francal near Rocamadour
Created in the same shape and form as the Dordogne Valley’s famous Rocamadour goat’s cheese, these gorgeous smelling soaps will be a pleasant reminder of your visit.
Tel : +33 6 72 65 87 62 or +33 6 70 23 17 70
Lavender Distillery
La Ferme des Alix – Les Alix near Rocamadour
More popularly associated with Provence, lavender crops were once grown extensively here in the Dordogne Valley. La Ferme des Alix is bringing back lavender to the Dordogne Valley including lavender scented candles, soaps, pot pourris, essential oils and even a lavender liqueur.
Tel :+33 6 47 07 69 94
Artisanal Yarn
Ferme de Siran – Loubressac
Mohair and Angora wool farmed here to create high end knitting wool with the farm’s sheep.
Tel :+33 5 65 38 74 40
Stained glass
Atelier Chantal Jean – Maison de la Pommette, Rocamadour
Renovation and original creations
Tel : +33 6 21 20 75 70
Unique Bracelets
Bracelets Alphonse – Saint-Bonnet-la-Rivière, Puy Faly
Tel. +33 6 61 79 59 70
The Alphonse bracelet is a unique bracelet created by France’s last remaining artisanal string maker, listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Site.