Sabotier sculpteur

After felling the wood in the forest and transporting it to the workshop, Michel Simonet, the last remaining clog-maker in Ney in the Franche-Comté region, uses green wood to make the blanks for his clogs. Light, warm woods that don't split too much when they dry, such as lime and birch, are best suited to making clogs.

The machines and tools used by the clog maker are period ones. They are those of his great-grandfather, a clog-maker in the 1920s. Michel is the fourth generation to perpetuate this now rare craft. The clogs still exist, however, and have also become attractive decorative items.

Michel's artistic flair is also expressed in his sculptures, which are made from red hornbeam, ash and lime. These local species give rise to owls, mushrooms and various utensils: money boxes, bottle holders, chests, pencil holders, bowls... Some items, such as spinning tops, can be sold with a rough finish. Children can personalise them as they wish! This enthusiast makes it a point of honour to share his creative skills with the public. You'll also be amazed by the treasures from his imagination on display behind his workshop.