The north of Spain is famous for its espadrilles, those canvas and jute rope shoes that make sense in a sunny clime. A new store on St-Denis Street is hoping Montrealers will fall for the casual, comfy style. Along with importing the handmade shoes from La Rioja, Spain, the owners are bringing in various Spanish dry goods. Nougats of different kinds, a variety of marzipans and, for cooking savouries in a terracotta cooking vessel you may as well buy too, there’s olive oil, pimenton, rice. Apparently older Basque natives are delighted to find Gorrotxategi brand sweets, particularly the xaxu, creamy little almond tarts.
L’Espagne à vos pieds
4518 St-Denis St.; 514-214-6454
www.espadrillestore.com
2 comments
Thanks for the article, I just came back from the store and got myself some black espadrilles and Almendro Turron… what better way to start the year ; )
Having the traditional “Alpargateria” in the heart of the plateau is quite refreshing, it reminds me of the famous Alpargatas store in Barcelona “La manual alpargatera”.
The documentary on the website is very interesting, I had no clue it was so much work to make traditional jute espadrilles, here’s the link:
http://www.espadrillestore.com/making-of/
Cheers
Ben
After reading this article I went to visit “L’Espagne a vos pieds” since they are very close to my job. I was welcomed into what I call a very old fashion European store, furnished with antiques and a huge “espadrilleshelving” wooden unit made with 100 years old wood, quite impressive.
Diego the manager made me some custom made traditional espadrilles with red laces ON THE SPOT! Great craftsmanship and design choices.
Muchas gracias !
Heather Racine (Mtl)