n the heart of the Romanesque region of Saintonge, the Labrouche family has been intimately involved for the past forty years in the business of old materials. The fruit of their lengthy and passionate association with this heritage, this “paternal inheritance”, has been brought together in the La Rochelle depot. The quality of the Labrouche achievement – as passed on by their parents – can be appreciated at a glance in the quality of the display covering almost ten acres (four hectares).

There are rows and rows of fireplaces, flooring slabs, terracotta tiles, wells, entrances, stone basins, and a vast array of other decorative elements originating in the ancient quarries of Jonzac, Thénac, St Macaire, Crazannes, and elsewhere…
 
This is stone of a rare quality, worked by generations of craftsmen. A rich slice of cultural heritage salvaged from the wave of destruction that swept through during the “modernism” of the 50s-70s – saved thanks to the foresight of the Labrouche parents. A wealth of know-how too, preserved thanks to the principle of  “deconstruction” – of careful dismantling for reuse – adopted from the very beginning, and which has turned the Labrouche company into a recognised centre of ongoing training for the best craftsmen.

Their company is founded on three integral values: respect for the past; a feeling for authenticity; and advice on reintroducing old materials or giving them a new lease of life. It is on such foundations that Arnaud Labrouche have succeeded in building one of the most notable companies for old building materials in France.