Factory outlets for household goods France

More than 200 years of existence! Created by Thomas Hall, an Englishman, in the buildings of a former convent, the Faïencerie de Gien continues to exist. With the raw materials of the region, it composes all kinds of plates, salad bowls, vases, teapots, etc., for a table out of the ordinary and of all beauty, striking. Among the collections, Les Oiseaux de paradis takes us there, Toscana and Jardin du Palais transport us. Continuing to dare quality without detours, this choice has enabled it to obtain the EPV label: Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company). Gien than that!

The history of the Linvosges company, born in the heart of the Vosges in 1923, is linked to the tradition of the Vosges master clothmakers who, in the 19th century, had their linen cloths bleached in the surrounding meadows. Since its creation in the town of Gérardmer, the Linvosges company has offered collections of top-of-the-range household linen. 90 years later, Linvosges, which has become a mail order specialist, remains a reference in the high-end household linen sector. Distributed all over the world, the company works with the most noble materials.

Do you know Quai des Marques? Located on the banks of the Garonne, this shopping center is the place to go for those who want to treat themselves without breaking the bank. Here you'll find some thirty major brand-name stores offering discounted prices. Among the brands you'll find this household appliance store. Small appliances include Calor, Rowenta, Moulinex, Seb, Tefal, Krups and Lagostina. Food processors, cooking appliances, juicers, table accessories... All with a discount of at least 30%!

History: At the entrance to the eponymous village, the building itself symbolizes the activity. We know the lonely silhouette of this factory, in which the architect Philippe Starck has grabbed a huge blade. Forge de Laguiole was founded in 1987. It has resumed traditional manufacturing methods. We start the visit by the lobby and the exhibition room. The furniture, as in the downtown store, is signed Starck. We continue through the workshops and the forge (hot), which shows how metal, horn and wood blocks are transformed. Careful polishing, and this is the object ready to expose itself.

Specifications: This factory has made a certain reputation for Laguiole by obtaining many prizes. She made it known thanks to a few designer knives, having made some variations around the silhouette of this object - Starck, of course, but also Sonia Rykiel, Jean-Michel Wilmotte, Andrée Putman, Andrée Putman, Ora-Ïto… -, next to them, the magnificent pieces that Virgilio Muñoz Cabel is doing. Allero (Best Worker of France) and Stéphane Rambaud, the two art couteliers of the factory whose knives are a mixture of tradition and creation. You can also cite the collection made with the famous local restorers Bras. Finally, there are fluo, yellow, green or orange models!

Products: Art cutters, folding knives, table arts, design knives, sommeliers, unusual objects.

Benefits: Direct price out of factory.

Futed: Free or guided tour of the factory on request.

You can't miss this tableware institution that produces designer, eco-friendly and refined hand-turned, 1,280°C fired, microwave and dishwasher safe dinnerware. 50% minimum discount on "second choice" pieces with a few defects in appearance from the latest collections. Flat, square, round, hollow plates, vases, teapots, dishes...Commercial operations during the year: two sales per year (in spring and in December).

Under the Deshoulières and Aplico brands, the Chauvigny site produces tens of thousands of pieces of porcelain every year. In the boutique, you'll find the latest collections and sales by the kilo of plates, cups, dishes, teapots... for family tables as well as those of catering professionals. White or colored porcelain, decorated or fancy... there's something for every taste and every table.

This new boutique, opened in 2012 and located in the heart of the city, features a vintage and colourful 1950s style front. There are pretty retro and/or glamorous kitchen aprons, a wide choice of products made in the region, in partnership with Tissages Moutet, Tissages de Luz, Terafeu Terafour... On the shelf: original shopping baskets and bags, cheerful and offbeat dishes. On the website: some recipe ideas. It is not quite a factory outlet, but still a specialized boutique that collaborates in disseminating and promoting local know-how.