Visit Our Atelier
Visiting the workshops is a real immersion in the universe of SAINT JAMES. It all starts here in the city of the same name: Saint-James.
"Les Tricots SAINT JAMES" invites you to discover their traditional know-how of making Breton Striped Shirts and sailor sweaters by opening the doors of their workshops to you, a stone's throw from Mont Saint-Michel.
Since 1889, SAINT JAMES has perpetuated the French artisanal tradition in textile clothing and was labeled a Living Heritage Company in 2015. Come and meet craftswomen and -men of excellent know-how and learn the story and manufacturing steps of our infamous "real sailor sweater" with a knit so tight that it is said to be waterproof.
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The Tour Itinerary -
Plan Your Visit -
Book Your Tour
The Tour itinerary
Led by our expert guide Manon, embark on a journey behind the seams of our century-old craftsmanship. After a brief dive into the Saint James history, you will step onto the floor of our Knitting Atelier, home to one of Europe’s largest fleets of knitting machines.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the skill of our Master Knitters (Maîtres Bonnetiers). Like conductors of an industrial orchestra, these artisans handle up to six machines simultaneously with masterful precision. It’s not just manufacturing; it’s a performance.
Next, discover the most iconic step in the Saint James process: Le Raccoutrage (Fine Mending). Even the most advanced knitting machines have their bad days, but our artisans never do.
With "golden fingers" dexterity and eagle eyes, these specialists are the ultimate guardians of our impeccable quality. They spot what the machine misses—catching a dropped stitch, removing a stray fiber, or perfecting the alignment of an elbow patch. It is this meticulous hand-finishing that ensures your sweater isn't just made, but perfected.
Your tour continues in the Assembly Atelier, where our seasoned seamstresses work in autonomous, highly skilled teams.
Here, you will witness one of our most unique technical feats: Le Remaillage (Linking). This intricate process is the secret behind the durability of our iconic sailor sweaters. It involves joining the collar to the body stitch by stitch—a method that guarantees the neckline remains elastic and resistant. It’s the reason why a Saint James sweater fits perfectly, wear after wear, without ever losing its shape.
Plan Your Visit
When to visit the workshops?
Visits run from Monday to Friday, at 10:30 am, 2 pm and 3:30 pm.
During French school holidays (all zones combined), visits occur Monday to Friday from 10:30 am to 2 pm. In case of strong demand, we have the possibility of offering you additional time slots.
Please note that tours are not available on weekends or holidays, as our Ateliers operate exclusively on weekdays. Our Ateliers close for one to two weeks in August and December for biannual breaks. We announce these specific dates as early as possible to help you plan your visit
What's the Cost?
- Adults: 7€
- Teens (12-17): 5€
- Children (under 12): free
The cost of your ticket is redeemable toward any purchase of €50 or more in our boutique after your tour. Please note that tickets cannot be combined for this discount.
As the Atelier is a site of manual craftsmanship and machinery, please wear closed-toed shoes for your safety.
Book Your Tour
The workshop visit is by RESERVATION only. Please use the booking form below.
Please book your visit :
- online: via the form on the Contact Us page
- by email: write us at visite@saint-james.fr
- or by phone at +33 2 33 89 15 55
