If you take a stroll around Montpellier’s narrow, winding streets you’ll probably stumble across all sorts of hidden shops and galleries. It’s fun to wander around and see what turns up, but if you try to find them again you might have a little trouble. Fortunately, some clever people have come up with a good idea… a walking tour of crafts workshops. A few years ago, some of the crafts workshops in the Saint Roch district decided to pull together and form the group ‘The Ateliers of Saint Roch’. Later they produced a little pamphlet guide with a map inside to help you wander around the area’s pretty streets and visit each craftshop. The pamphlet is available at the tourist office and in all the craftshops, or you can take a look online.
The shops are all unique and you’ll probably find some lovely, original things to buy. Or if you’re after something specific the workshops offer made-to-measure, one-off pieces. Carry on reading for a rundown of all the ateliers involved.
The ateliers
500degres
Bright, modern pottery for the home, especially the kitchen. Everything is ovenproof.
14 Rue en Gondeau
Atelier Myriam A
Ornaments and jewellery made from a fusion of glass and ceramics.
6 rue Alexandre-Cabanel
Cap Benjamin
Jewellery designs that mix tradition and modernity.
7 Rue Trésoriers de la Bourse
Carlos Arthemis
Unique and stylish leather goods.
7 Rue de la Charrue
Cubik
A gallery-boutique full of cubed shelves where each designer exhibits their work for a three-month period.
6 Rue des Teissiers
Elisa Johnston
Handmade clothes that mix vintage and modern.
7 Rue Sainte Anne
En Traits Libres
Drawing, painting, illustration, comic strips, film cartoons, photography and video.
2 Rue du Bayle
La Juperaie
Clothes and accessories using beautiful ethnic fabrics.
26 Rue Roucher
L’instant d’Apprêts
Delicate jewellery made by intertwining threads of silver, copper and aluminium.
21 Rue Roucher
Lili & Cie
Accessories and clothes made-to-measure for special occasions, such as weddings.
28, Rue de la Rochelle
Linette
Gallery and shop selling directional jewellery, printed t-shirts and ceramics.
5 Rue Sainte Anne
Matière d’Art
Offbeat ceramics and earthenware products, elegant jewellery and ‘easy chic’ clothing.
5 Rue de la Fontaine
Mir.A
Garments and fashion accessories using playful colours and original designs.
29 Rue Rocher
Mitouls Factory
Papier maché workshop where childhood is ‘more a state of mind than an age’.
5 Rue en Gondeau
Zoïd & Co
Luminous objects: textile jewellery, and aluminium and Plexiglas lighting.
3 Rue St Ravy