With the opening of its new leather goods workshop in Loupes, France, Hermès reinforces a belief that every enduring creation starts with skilled artisans, thoughtful training and a lasting commitment to craftsmanship
The Kelly, Constance and Brides de Jour have long ranked among Hermès’ most coveted creations. Admired for their design and execution, they are rarely discussed in terms of where they are made. For a maison with nearly two centuries of history, leather craftsmanship remains its greatest treasure, a heritage to be preserved for generations to come. To ensure that legacy endures, Hermès has invested in two essential foundations: a dedicated workshop and a training center. This is where every creation begins.
The New Atelier
In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Hermès has inaugurated its sixth leather goods workshop and its 25th site in France. It is here in Loupes, Gironde, that the Kelly, Constance and Brides de Jour will be made. The new workshop will create 260 artisan positions dedicated to leather goods and saddlery, expanding Hermès’ production capacity while further strengthening its made-in-France identity.
Across Nouvelle-Aquitaine, five other Hermès workshops share the same commitment to craftsmanship. The atelier in Saint-Junien, Haute-Vienne, produces both gloves and leather goods, while the workshops in Nontron, Dordogne, Montbron, Charente, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Gironde and L’Isle-d’Espagnac, Charente are devoted exclusively to leather goods.
Built With Purpose
Creating a workplace that supports both artisans and the surrounding landscape was central to the project. For Loupes, Hermès entrusted Bayonne-based Patrick Arotcharen Architecte, the firm behind the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul site, with both the design and construction. The building shares a similar architectural language, set within a wooded landscape that allows it to blend naturally into its surroundings.
Another defining feature is the rhythm of its sunshades and transparent façade elements. The double-curved roof, designed to manage rainwater within the forest setting, also gives the structure a distinct identity. Just as striking inside as out, the workshop offers artisans panoramic views through its glass façade, creating the feeling of working amid the surrounding forest as the seasons change.
Passing It On
With the support of the Communauté de Communes du Créonnais and Sysdau, the regional authority for business development, the Loupes project reaffirms Hermès’ commitment to sustainable employment. That commitment extends to the site’s development, with ecologists working alongside the project team to adapt the building to the area’s topography, water flow and broader natural environment.
Sustainability at Loupes goes beyond the building itself. With nearby public transportation and on-site EV charging, artisans can choose more responsible ways to commute, helping integrate the maison into the local community.
Beyond the workshop and its architecture stands another pillar of Hermès craftsmanship: the École Hermès des Savoir-Faire. Accredited by the French Ministry of Education in 2021, the school is where future artisans begin their journey. Guided by Hermès master artisans in the techniques of leatherworking, the tuition-free program also provides paid training, making it accessible to anyone who aspires to become a leather artisan.
The Loupes workshop marks another milestone rather than a finish line. Hermès is already planning three additional projects in the region, in Charleville-Mézières, Ardennes, Colombelles, Calvados and Les Andelys, Eure, further reinforcing its commitment to local communities and the transmission of its unparalleled leather craftsmanship.
Text Jessica Esther