Why visit Caussade
Caussade, the historical heart of French hat-making, is a must-visit for any hat enthusiast. Located in Tarn-et-Garonne, just an hour north of Toulouse, this charming town rose to fame in the 19th century for its truffles and straw hat production. With its rich cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship, Caussade offers a unique and vibrant destination.
The town was buzzing with construction during our visit, gearing up for its annual Summer Hat Festival. Caussade is perfect for a leisurely wander, brimming with history and local charm.
Read on to see why Caussade should be on your travel itinerary!
Caussade’s hat-making history
Caussade’s hat production had a true cottage industry genesis, with shepherdesses weaving and braiding straw hats to protect from the sun while they tended their flocks. The hats became so popular that soon, there was not enough supply of straw from the local villages to meet demand, so they began to import straw from Italy to braid into the straw strips that were sewn together to make the hats. Then the braided strips were imported from Asia.
However, the industry declined between the two world wars as fashions changed. Felt and other textiles rose in popularity to make hats. Many inhabitants of Caussade looked for other ways to make a living, and the region almost lost its traditional hat-making skills. But while many companies closed, a couple lived on.
L’Épopée Chapelière Hat Museum
To learn more about the history of hat making in Caussade, start your day at the amazing L’Épopée Chapelière Museum inside the Tourist Information Office. Here, you will discover the creation and history of the straw hat factories in Quercy Caussade. You can take a self-guided tour wearing a real canotier straw hat with a built-in audio guide.
Cost per Entry €4 per adult
Address: Chapeliers Square – Les Récollets 82300 Caussade
The hat makers of Caussade
Today, Chapellerie Hats Block Laforest and Willy’s Paris SA are two businesses making bespoke hats, while Crambes Chapeaux is the only large-scale producer in the town.
All have hat boutiques with hats for purchase. Be aware it’s a hard choice!
Hats Blocks Laforest
This workshop and store are located in the historic centre of town, in a 13th-century house. If you are lucky, hatmaker Didier Laforest might be on hand to show you inside his incredible workshop. You will see the old carving tools used for woodworking. Talk about stepping back in time—it’s almost like a set from a movie!
Didier, a Former by trade, forms lime wood blocks into a mould for making the hats. This profession is rare and is listed by UNESCO.
The Hats Blocks LaForest store is like stepping into the best Aladdin’s cave for hats. There is so much choice, from city hats to summer hats, winter hats, Panama hats, boater hats, cloche hats, wide-brimmed hats, berets, and felt hats.
Guided Tours
You can arrange a visit via contact@hatsblocks.com or at Caussade’s Tourist Information Centre. Mondays June – October at 2 pm Cost €4.
Website: www.hatsblock.fr
Address: 37 Republic Street, 82300 CAUSSADE
Chappellerie Willy’s Paris
Willy’s Paris hats are crafted from rare and vintage materials, preserving a tradition that dates back to 1854. Still family-owned, this esteemed workshop holds the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” label, a mark of excellence in French craftsmanship.
Each hat is meticulously made using traditional techniques, ensuring top-notch quality. The factory shop is a mad hatter’s treasure trove of unique, sought-after designs. It’s such a fun place, a haven for hat enthusiasts, offering a dizzying array of styles and colours.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available every Thursday from June to September at 10:30 a.m., with reservations through the Tourist Office.
Note: The shop is closed for lunch between 12:30 – 14:30. Tours cost €3 per person.
Address: 63 General Leclerc Avenue 82300 CAUSSADE
More about Willy’s Hat Maker here
Maison Crambes
The last remaining large scale hat manufacturer turns out 1,000 hats per week with 38 staff is Maison Crambes.
It started back in 1946 when Auguste Crambes set up his felt hat business in Caussade, where there was a source of experienced and skilled milliners.
Crambes was taken over by Benoit Besnault and his wife, Catherine Vampouille, in 2019 when the grandson of the founder decided to retire and had no one to succeed him.
We had the pleasure of meeting Benoit, who revealed that they had no experience of hat making and were new to the Tarn-et-Garonne area but had the vision that they wanted to own and run a business that would make something tangible, would provide local, skilled employment, and would contribute to the manufacturing base in France.
We just loved their story and Benoit’s enthusiasm for hat-making in the Tarn et Garonne region.
The Heritage of Crambes Hats
Crambes Chapeaux carries on this proud tradition with a commitment to quality and innovation. The workshop’s history is a testament to the art of hat-making, where each piece is crafted with precision and care, reflecting a deep respect for the craft.
The hat industry is also recognising the great work the Crambes team is doing, and a number of the top luxury clothing brands are having their hats manufactured there. The Finance Ministry of the French Government has also recognised the importance of Crambes by confirming it as a Living Heritage Company (EPV).
Visiting the Factory
A visit to Crambes Chapeaux is like stepping into a world where tradition meets artistry. The workshop is a treasure trove of exquisite hats, from classic fedoras to stylish caps for some of the French fashion houses’ top names and elegant millinery.
As you tour the facility, you’ll witness the meticulous process of hat-making, from the selection of premium materials to the intricate hand-finishing that ensures each hat is a masterpiece.
A Unique Shopping Experience
After a tour of the factory, we were definitely up for buying one of their stylish hats to remember our wonderful day in Caussade. Crambes Chapeaux is a shopper’s paradise for unique hats, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
There are so many hats here to choose from, from everyday wear to special occasions. The boutique offers attentive, personalized service, with knowledgeable staff helping to find the perfect fit. If they can’t fit you, they can even create a custom hat just for you. Mr. Wren loves his hat!
Guided tours
Guided factory tours: Wednesdays and Fridays from June to September at 10 a.m., with a minimum of 10 people. Group tours are possible. Reservations at the Tourist Office: 05 63 26 04 04.
Contact: accueil@chapeaux-crambes.fr
Address: 42 Avenue Mal de Lattre de Tassigny, 82300 Caussade
Opening hours of the factory shop:
Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Closed: 3 weeks in August, 1 week at Christmas and 1 week for Ascension Day
Caussade Summer Hat Festival
Each year, milliners from all over the world flock to Caussade to showcase their creations during the international hat competition parades. This event welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy the hats against a backdrop of music, shows, and dancing. It is a great time to visit and is held in mid-July.
A jury of professionals will pre-select 90 hats that will be presented during the Estivales, during which the public will also be invited to vote. The creations will then be exhibited in Caussade during the summer.
Here are a few that caught my eye!!
Wandering Caussade
If you start at the Tourist Information Office, you will find it housed in the magnificent Les Récollets, the former cloister. Whilst we were there, they were holding a small flower market.
Strolling through the historic Center, you will discover the rich built heritage of Caussade, a former Protestant stronghold marked by the wars of religion. Buildings to discover are the Tour d’Arles, Fontaine du Thouron, Maison de la Taverne, and the Maison de l’Arbot.
Caussade Market
It would be good to plan your visit to coincide with Caussade’s Monday market, one of the region’s finest—a real farmers’ market!
Halle du Fil
But first, stop to admire the circular hall. Does this remind you of a hat?!
The motifs surrounding this hall refer to straw braiding and hat-making. The Halle was built in 2019 in the city’s historic heart, just behind the Notre Dame de l’Assomption church. This circular hall welcomes producers during the large weekly market on Monday in Caussade.
Caussade Truffles
If you are interested in truffles, make sure your visit is between December and March, when the Halle du Fil invites you to the truffle and saffron market.
Check out all the markets in the Quercy Caussadais region here.
Where to eat
We had a lovely menu du jour lunch at La Table d’Alice, which has an outdoor terrace in summer. The cuisine is high-quality and made from regional products. When it’s sunny, you can enjoy a pleasant shaded terrace in the heart of Caussade.
How to get there
- By plane: Toulouse Blagnac International Airport, then by car as explained below.
- By train: Caussade station.
- By car: Caussade is 40 minutes from Toulouse by the A62, then the A20 towards Cahors and Paris
Final Thoughts
I was in hat heaven when I visited Caussade and explored its renowned hat-making tradition. In the 19th century, Caussade crafted elegant straw hats for the fashionable ladies of Paris and, later, perhaps most famously, the straw boater for Maurice Chevalier. In the 21st century, Crambes Chapeaux created a hat for Mr. Wen—such memorable moments!
With its rich heritage, skilled artisans, and exceptional products, Caussade is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about fashion and craftsmanship. So, next time you’re in the area, be sure to stroll through Caussade—you might find it impossible to leave without buying a hat!
Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren was a Destination Occitanie guest exploring this region with Tourisme Tarn & Garonne. All opinions are my own. A grand merci beaucoup from us!
Follow us on Social Media: Find more photos of my travels and stories on Instagram @littlewanderingwren.
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2 comments
What an interesting visit. Hats are always so stylish! Unfortunately I have only one!
Hello Inge, I love wearing hats and the hats here in Caussade were certainly very stylish. It was interesting to learn about the industry and to meet the people keeping these skills alive!
Have a great weekend.
Wren x