For centuries, there have been many trades handed down from one generation to another that illustrate the Catalan know-how.

There is a range of Catalan fabrics made from fine cotton woven and dyed in distinctive colours, made from natural and noble materials. The traditional cloths such as tablecloths, bags and waistcoats are woven in inspired patterns.
At one time there were two fabric makers that decided to put their talents together. With mechanical progress, they rapidly earned a reputation and became leaders in the sandal production throughout Catalonia.
In 1939, they began to weave fabrics for deckchairs, then in 1955, they turned their hand to house linen. Tablecloths and serviettes in Catalan patterns and colours were popular on many a table in the region.
In 1994 the factory which still continues to produce these fabrics was renamed « Les Toiles du soleil » and respects the traditional production which takes authentic designs to make contemporary items.

Made in the Vallespir region, « la Vigatane » is a typical Catalan sandal. Unlike the Basque version, the espadrille sole is made from rope, and the upper material is from threaded ribbons which are tied around the ankle.
Traditionally, the ladies wear red ones and the black ones are for the men .In the village of Saint Laurent de Cerdan, the villagers wove fabrics in a traditional way, handed down from generation to generation.
This art of weaving, made the village famous during the Spanish reign, and the sandal industry prospered until the end of the 19th century in this small village which continued the tradition of weaving and rope threading.

Several places in the Vallespir region evoke the production of iron, from its extraction to its transformation.
The iron ore used to be extracted from the Canigou region in the middle ages until the beginning of the 20th century. Ironworks in valleys on both sides of the Canigou transformed the mineral into iron, making it one of the area's most specialised industries.
The iron makers were not only known as cathedral builders, but held a major role in the farming revolution, with the development of tools. Ironwork is also very present in the local architecture.
The transformation of this cold iron metal into warm, attractive shaped hand rails on staircases, rails on balconies, all adds charm to buildings, both inside and out.

Perpignan garnet stone. Since 1750 the Catalans have treasured the precious garnet stone.
The industry goes back to the 17th century when the stones were extracted from mines in Estagel, Costabonne, and the Col de la Bataille.
In jewellery, the garnet stone is only part of the finished work, the jewelmaker must also prepare the mount in gold, which is worked into a slightly rounded shape for setting the garnet stone.
Each family has at least one or more of these jewels, religiously handed down from generation to generation. Despite the changing fashions the style remains classic. This is one of the reasons why this tradition has prospered and continued through the years, maintaining the same attraction for precious stones.

In the course of the last century, the micocoulier tree production extended right from the Canigou mountain, into the plain of Perpignan, and in the valley of the Tech. The wood was produced and transformed by several cottage industries that employed labour from Perpignan to the border with Spain. In 1885, a branch of the Perpignan firm called « La Cravache d'or de Perpignan » was founded at Sorède in the Albères region. With the development of machinery (mechanical saw, steam vapour to soften the wood)the factory soon employed 130 workers, with several home workers.The company declined after the second world war until the 1960s, and continued to operate until 1978, despite severe competition from Italy.
At the Micocouliers centre the tradition continues in the Albères, making walking sticks, riding crops and whips.

Palau-del-Vidre is a small typical Catalan village; the name dates back to the XI century and, it was and still is a renowned place for glass blowers: its name means “The Glass Palace”. Dozens of articles are on display, each one reflecting one or several techniques at the “Palais du Verre.”
Glass blowing is an art, and the Master glass blowers are real artists.

This tree originates from around the Mediterranean and reigns in the Pyrenees Orientales, especially in the Aspres, and the Albères where the plantations contributed to the Catalan art of cork making.
The attributes of cork make it an ideal material for sealing bottles of wine. All the famous « Grands Crus » are corked with natural cork. Until 1914, the corks were handmade using a sharp edged knife. Corkmaking has evolved since, with machinery replacing the human hand.