The former Maison du Cigare of Navarrenx !!!

Ok let me take this hidden in another post and give a post of its own well deserving me think, It was actually the reason that took me to this town of Navarrenx in my road warrior trip in the southwest of France. I was pleasantly surprise to find myself with a history on cigars (tobacco)! I would be delighted to tell you a bit more on the former Maison du Cigare of Navarrenx !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.

In our wandering ways around our belle France, we have been to many towns and regions, this one was special, it made me think of my paternal grandpa Manolo who guarded me when very small. We were in the area and decided to come here for the cigars story!  I am talking about Navarrenx in the department 64 Pyrenees Atlantique in the region of Nouvelle Aquitaine, and in my belle France. The town is part of the most beautiful villages of France association since 2014 and the first one in the Béarn area to be name. Of course, see my other posts on Navarrenx!

One of the curiosities of this town is that of the Maison du Cigare or the house of tabacco, now Hedon Cigares, same cigars different owners, here they are handrolled and sold along the old tradition of Cuba. However, its the only cigar done with French Tobacco so uniquely French and not bad from what I remember of my paternal grandfather !

 

At the Place de Casernes in a house from the 17C , where you have the Maison du Cigare, or cigars house , next to the tourist office.  Here, you have the opportunity to follow the steps necessary before reaching the realization of the only French premium cigars. Coming from the Cuban seeds and handrolling Cubans when we were there. You will know everything about its history from the seed that gives the tobacco plants to the placement of the ring. The course ends with the Torcedoras coming from Cuba. During your stroll, you will be able to observe the staff working, panels and videos explain each step of production. Small precision for connoisseurs: Three cigars are prepared in the house, the shorts, the robusta and the double Corona, sold in the unit or in boxes. In the house of cigars, in total immersion, a rolling workshop framed by a rolling machine will help you to make your own! Finally, a wine tasting and deli completes the exciting visit of the House of Cigars or the Maison du Cigare of Navarrenx. Officially now name the Hedon Cigars 

The factory was operated successively by three companies: the Comptoir du tabac des Gaves et de l’Adour from 2002 to 2009, the 3F company from 2010 to 2016, and Hedon Cigares from 2016 to 2020 (the period of our visit). The shop is designed as a reception area and tourist attraction. The guided tour includes areas showcasing the manufacturing stages, accompanied by explanatory panels, and allows customers to observe the production process. Now the place is empty closed and is operated by Bright Leaf Cigar France, this second company’s activity is expected to begin shortly ,and using the production areas in France but sales online base in Switzerland, Renato Angiolillo , the new owner assures that Hedon French cigars will continue to be produced, despite a forced relocation (for legal issues) from the historic Navarrenx site. Sadly no longer at the Place de Casernes, here for the memories of always,

The official Hedon Cigares: https://hedon-cigars.com/

The city of Navarrenx on its heritage : https://www.ville-navarrenx.fr/decouvrir

The local tourist office for the region of Béarn des Gaves on Navarrenx: https://www.tourisme-bearn-gaves.com/en/discover/culture-and-heritage/bearn-des-gaves-cities/navarrenx-the-bastioned-city/

There you go folks, another beauty , unique town in deep south France. You should make it a stop at Navarrenx! Again, hope you enjoy this post on  the former Maison du Cigare of Navarrenx !!! as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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