Semur, a land of makers.
Semur has always lived by its hands. The town's very name is bound up with high-end French leatherwork — the Ateliers d'Armançon, founded in 1971 by the Thomas house, have been crafting bags here for the greatest luxury houses for half a century. Around this historic savoir-faire, a constellation of independent artisans has settled along the cobbled streets: ceramicists, painters, bookbinders, sculptors and leatherworkers.
This is no accident. The light of the Auxois, the quiet of the lanes, the closeness of Dijon and Paris make Semur a natural refuge for those who choose the slow patience of the handmade. For our guests, it is the rare chance to meet the maker behind the piece — and to leave with a story.
CuirDavant.
A few steps from the Maison, Muriel runs CuirDavant: not just a shop, but a genuine training centre for the leather crafts — fine leatherwork and saddlery-harness making — paired with an artisan's workshop, open since 2016.
Here, leather is passed on as much as it is worked: cutting, hand-stitching, machine sewing, careful finishing. Push the door open to discover the hides, the tools and the sure hand — Muriel welcomes visitors gladly, in a relaxed and warm atmosphere.
A few leather pieces and creations are offered for sale. Above all, it is a rare address we love to share with our curious guests: a living place where an artistic craft is handed down, in the heart of Semur-en-Auxois.
Atelier Variation.
The Atelier Variation, for its part, follows a freer bent: that of the one-of-a-kind piece and of materials reinventing themselves. It is one of those hushed addresses shared under one's breath — a discreet window, a lived-in interior, short runs.
Guests who step inside often leave with something singular: a piece of jewellery, a small ceramic, a textile creation or a piece of home decor, depending on the season and the maker's mood. The feel is that of visiting a friend who works with their hands — no staging, no pressure. You look, you talk, you choose.
We love this workshop for its honesty, and for the joy of leaving with a piece that no one else will ever own.
For a gift to take home, we happily suggest a saddle-leather card holder for the man who has everything, a small patinated pouch to slip into a suitcase, or a one-of-a-kind piece from the Atelier Variation — jewellery or a tabletop object — for those who prefer feeling to labels.
Our two workshops.
- CuirDavant
- 3 rue Buffon
21140 Semur-en-Auxois - Atelier Variation
- 7 rue Buffon
21140 Semur-en-Auxois - From Maison Jazey
- ≈ 3–5 min on foot
Both workshops are in the heart of the medieval town. - Opening hours
- To be confirmed — we recommend calling ahead or going through our concierge.
- Specialities
- Saddle leatherwork (bags, card holders, belts) · One-of-a-kind pieces, jewellery, decorative creations
- Concierge
- Introductions, a private visit or a bespoke order — ask the concierge.
To carry on exploring.
Wine merchants & tastings
Our partner wine merchant L'Oenothèque and the Premier Cru tasting experience.
DiscoverAntique dealers
Flea markets, galleries and auction houses a stone's throw away, to hunt for finds or simply wander.
DiscoverRestaurants & cafés
Five hand-picked tables in the medieval heart, from the bistro to melted-cheese fare.
DiscoverFavourite shops
Fashion, jewellery, bookshop, patisserie, fine grocer — our eight addresses.
DiscoverReserve your Burgundy interlude
Book direct and enjoy our best-rate guarantee, a personal welcome and all our hotel services: concierge, secure parking included, water, coffee and tea on arrival.
Book at the best rate