5 exceptional craftsmen to discover in Nérac

Nérac, a historic town in Lot-et-Garonne, is well worth a visit when passing through the Albret region. It is notably known for its Roman ruins, its Henri IV Castle-Museum and its Saint Nicolas Church. But to discover Nérac from the inside, why not pay a visit to the exceptional craftsmen who have settled in the town? Here is our selection of 5 places off the beaten track that are a must to visit during a stay in Nérac.

Chocolaterie la Cigale

For lovers of chocolate and gourmet getaways, you should start your stay in Nérac with a visit to the Chocolaterie la Cigale. This family business, created in the 1980’s, is one of the musts in the Albret region for several reasons.

First of all, we must underline the quality of the reception of the team members of this artisanal chocolate factory. A welcome chocolate is offered to make your taste buds travel as soon as you arrive.

You also have the opportunity to assist in the making of the chocolates and other delicacies that are sold in the shop. This is an opportunity to admire the know-how of the local master chocolatiers.

Finally, if you have read Joanne Harris’s novel “Chocolat” or seen its adaptation in the cinema, you will be able to plunge back into history since it is this chocolate factory that inspired the novelist.

Viva la vie by Gaby – Barber Shop

Bearded people passing through Nérac must absolutely make a stop at Gaby’s, the master barber of the town. This professional is part of the new French generation of barbers, between the practice of the traditional trade and innovative services.

In addition to the classic beard treatments based on moisturising oil or nourishing balm, this barber also practises luminotherapy and gives his advice as a facialist to make you look good, with a perfect cut and a well trimmed beard when you leave the salon.

Viva la vie by Gaby is the ideal step for a resourcing moment during a stay in Néracais.

And if you like to try out new barber shops during your escapades in France, find all the good addresses of hairdressers-barbers in France in this directory of professional French barbers.

Le Château du Frandat

The South-West is a region renowned throughout the world for its wine-growing terroir. So don’t hesitate to take a wine break at Château du Frandat to discover the wines of the Albret region.

The team of independent winegrowers who practice integrated viticulture will make you discover their Floc de Gascogne, Buzet and Armagnac vintages which have earned them 4 “coups de cœur” in the Guide Hachette over the last 10 years.

You can visit the château’s cellars by reservation and leave with a few good bottles of your favourite vintage by visiting the estate’s shop.

And if you like unusual visits, book places for the fun and educational walk aboard the winegrowers’ trailer, equipped to take you around the estate in an original way and learn more about the know-how of these Nérac craftsmen.

Geneviève DARRIET – Art pearl beadwork

For a discovery of the city off the beaten track, we advise you to visit Geneviève DARRIET’s workshop located on the Place Saint Marc de Nérac.

This pearl artist creates handcrafted jewellery with the ancestral know-how of glassblowers that she has learnt to practice since she was a child. Each ring, necklace, pair of earrings or bracelet created is therefore a 100% original and unique piece.

This art lover will share with you the history of her creations which are the reflection of her personality, her moods and her multiple travels in Africa, Asia and South America.

If you are looking for a piece of jewellery that looks like no other or to learn more about this method of artistic creation, go to Geneviève DARRIET.

Les Contes d’Albret – Artisanal preserves

Finish your tour of the town of Nérac by going to meet the producers of Albret to end your stay on a gourmet and local note.

The small family business of Les Contes d’Albret prepares and sells regional and artisanal products that reflect the terroir of the Nérac region. The recipes, composed of quality products and without additives, have been constantly refined and improved since the creation of the canning factory in 1982.

You can therefore stop off at the shop to taste these regional dishes at home or plan a day to visit the farm from one end to the other.

Start your day with a visit to the Botanical Gardens, home to over 200 species of plants. Then book a table for a meal in the heart of the farm where you can delight your taste buds with dishes cooked on site. Then spend the afternoon at the leisure site playing mini-golf.

And if you succumb to the charm of the estate and the team at Les Contes d’Albret, extend the pleasure by booking a bed and breakfast.

With these good addresses rather far from the classic tourist places, you will be able to discover Nérac in a different way, through the stories of the craftsmen of the Albret country.