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From the mid-19th century, cutlers in the Basque Country and Béarn also made walking sticks and makhilas.

They include Isaac Bordabehere in Saint Palais, Germain Labarthe in Salies de Béarn and Jean Dufourcq in Saint Jean de Luz.

These walking sticks were often crafted from sturdy yet lightweight chestnut wood, and their makilas from scarified medlar.

Chestnut is a light, supple wood that is highly resistant to weathering and will last for years to come. For our Basque cross walking stick, we’ve kept its natural texture and color, comfortable and ideal for use during long hikes or simple strolls.

Chestnut wood is best cut in winter, when the trees are still dormant. It’s a renewable and ecological resource that doesn’t require chemical treatment to protect it, which is good for health and the environment.

Our model features a braided leather strap for a secure grip. A galvanized metal tip with a point to facilitate walking on all kinds of terrain, in the countryside or in the mountains, and to protect the end of the stick from possible breakage caused by stones. Old-fashioned rivets are studded into the wood as on traditional Pyrenean shepherd sticks.

A stainless steel Basque cross, fashioned in our workshop, adorns the top of the stick. It represents a solar emblem, the perpetual movement of life. Today, its shape, with its four commas, is often associated with the four elements: air, earth, water and fire.

In summer and winter alike, our Basque cross walking stick will accompany you on any path, whether it’s to Compostela or for a short stroll in the fresh air. Walking is a pleasurable activity with numerous health benefits, both physical (building muscle, reducing cardiovascular risk, maintaining a stable weight, lowering blood pressure) and mental (improving mood, reducing stress).

Hiking is the path to freedom!