Aurillac, the capital of the umbrella!
The legend says that the Jordanne River, which crosses Aurillac, was full of gold glitter…
This gold was exchanged for copper brought back from Spain by pilgrims from the north of Europe, returning from St. Jacques de Compostelle. Thus was born a tradition of copper threshers, from which the local artisans realized metal pieces that make up the structure of an umbrella.
As the surrounding forests were full of trees, an industry of wooden mats and handles developed around the city. Finally, on the occasion of the sale of the cattle in Spain, the Cantalians brought back cotton canvas.
Thus, during spring and summer, the men of the center of France traveled the whole country by foot, to sell the umbrellas manufactured during the cold days of winter.
This is the story of Aurillac, the cradle of the umbrella.
Since 1884, the Maison Piganiol has kept this story alive, and offers us the tradition of a secular know-how and the creativity of a fashion accessory.
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Men also have their own models made to measure for modern men, Piganiol relies on the sobriety and elegance of the materials. The canvases reproduce the dress codes of these gentlemen; Prince of Wales, Scottish Andrew with a blue and Arabica print.
Finally, the produce of Berger’s Umbrella is a secret that is transmitted from generation to generation. It is one of the largest (130 cm in diameter open) with its 9 ribs, making it an ideal umbrella for the seaside, walks in the nature or in the mountains, especially for its anti-lightning characteristics.
Its artisanal assembly is always done by hand, about four hours are necessary to assemble it.
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