Pepin, pebroc, umbrella and Aurillac

Did you know? February 10 is Umbrella Day… and Aurillac is the umbrella capital of France!

Sarah, our field reporter, went to meet 3 of Aurillac’s umbrella institutions.

Gérard DELOS’ workshop and his inimitable Carré.
The Piganiol boutique, the emblematic century-old manufacturer
The À l’Ondée – Au Parapluie d’Aurillac store, a cave of wonders.

Atelier DELOS

Head for the heights of Aurillac to discover Gérard Delos’s innovative, ingenious – we might even say revolutionary – concept: an entirely modular straight umbrella, each element of which – independent of the others – can be changed on its own!

In a word: an ECO-RESPONSIBLE object, and that’s a good thing!

As its creator so aptly reminds us, this is a repairable, anti-obsolescence product. Plus: spare parts can be ordered by the customer himself! No need to take your umbrella back to the workshop!

A product that’s up to date, evolving, adaptable to all circumstances and… fashionable! It’s hard not to marvel at this catalog of models! Art lovers, listen up… the canvases are reproductions of artists’ works and – like everything else – this seamless piece of fabric can be changed to suit your mood! Ideal if you get bored quickly!

An intimate workshop, yes! but not so secret: the inventor of the Carré DELOS opens his doors to all those curious and eager to learn more about his umbrella kit! Don’t hesitate! We recommend it!

Boutique Maison Piganiol

Dare to push open the door of the boutique on the corner of rue des Forgerons and rue de l’Hôtel de Ville, and enter thetraditional, authentic world of the last remaining Aurillac manufacturer: Maison Piganiol, a Living Heritage Company that has been perpetuating its know-how since 1884.

Like Sarah, stroll around, touch, open and contemplate this century-old know-how, the fruit of the painstaking work of small, expert hands: carcassier, stitcher, pattern-maker, etc.

Not to be missed during your visit to Aurillac: the Manufacture opens its doors to the public during the summer and some school vacations. Take a one-hour guided tour of the workshop!

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À L'Ondée - The Aurillac umbrella

Last but not least… Madame Vabret’s family store, which has been open for 40 years in the historic center of the town!

A warm welcome, good advice (not surprising coming from such an experienced saleswoman) and a (very) wide choice of models, and not just any models… all MADE IN FRANCE.

Umbrellas in traditional shapes or more original ones (caps, pagodas…), but also parasols: there’s something for everyone!

Passing through Salers? À L’Ondée awaits you from Easter to All Saints’ Day.