The Coutellerie du Maine-Anjou
Antoine Faucheux’s workshop is in the lock house in Neuville (La Roche-Neuville) on the bank of the Mayenne. There is also a shop area with wide open doors: “We have several ranges of small knives, including a folding knife. We make unique pieces from designs or models given to us by our customers. All our wood comes from Mayenne.”
You can make (and soon design) your own knife during a short course: “People are proud of what they have achieved and that makes others want to join in!”
Having enjoyed his professional training in cutlery making, part of a long family tradition “of great knowledge and skills,” Antoine was keen to train the two people who worked with him – the first being none other than his mother! The second was a visitor who entered the workshop and has never left.
Ecluse de Neuville - Saint SulpiceEcluse de Neuville - Saint Sulpice|
Following a local call for projects, Antoine was selected to bring the old lock house back to life.
From April to September, he is also the lock keeper!
“The two activities complement each other well. We provide information to people who navigate the Mayenne as well as hikers on the towpath. For them, the workshop is an additional attraction. “
A warm welcome is guaranteed.
A Faucheux Coutelier - stage fabriquer son couteauA Faucheux Coutelier - stage fabriquer son couteau|
“See the wash house in Cheméré-le-Roi. I have many childhood memories from there, but I still find it so pretty with my adult eyes. Like the village itself, it’s a stone’s throw from the moulin de Thévalles and the caves at Saulges.”
