Let’s meet

Discover the workshop where Makhilas are made

In the main room, covering around 10m2, discover the different models of makhila which we make, as well as very ancient makhilas which belong to our family and take a look at our photo gallery of artists, politicians and sportsmen and women who have received one of our makhilas: General de Gaulle, Pope Jean-Paul II, Nelson Mandela, Churchill, Platini, Cantona, Lizarazu and many, many others, including every French President under the 5th Republic.

France’s Best Worker Award obtained in 1936 by Jean Bergara also hangs on the wall, as well as EPV certification awarded in 2011.

See our craftmen and women at work

Three work benches dating back several centuries are by the workshop’s windows. Craftsmen used these to work the wood, leather and metal. In the left hand room is the ornamental engraving and leather workshop, in the adjoining former grocery store.

The makhila is entirely made here. Come and see the craftsmen and women at work, see how skilled they are at stamping, talk with them about the makhila and count the medlar stems drying in the room.

NB. If you visit us on a Saturday, there is only one person in the workshop, so the workshop is much quieter.

Enjoy our exhibition area

Before coming to see us, we strongly recommend visiting our exhibition area, opposite the workshop. You will find information about the makhila, the history of the Ainciart Bergaras and a 10-minute film about our know-how which will enable you to better understand exactly what we do before you visit the workshop.