La Botte Gardiane, in the Gard, has lost its father and successor Michel Agulhon

Michel Agulhon a repris la Botte camarguaise, à Aigues-Vives, en 1995. DR

Michel Agulhon, who took over La Botte Gardiane, a Camargue boot and sandal manufacturer based in Aigues-Vives, in the Gard, passed away at the age of 83.

In 1995, at the age of 54, the heart of the Cévenol, born in Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort, spoke when he saw the last Camargue boot manufacturer close. He tried to revive the brand by doing trade fairs.

Then, in 2002, the company was seriously flooded and almost disappeared. But, helped by his children Julien and Antoine, and his employees, they manage to overcome this ordeal.

A car enthusiast

Alongside his work, Michel Agulhon was passionate about motor sports: aboard his Berlinette Alpine A310, he took part in the Ronde Cévenole or the Rallye des Cévennes. Having remained in the garage for seventeen years, the Alpine was put back into service when he retired.

This native of Gard had completed his primary studies in Saint-Hippolyte and joined the Dhuoda technical school in Nîmes. He graduated as an engineer from INSA in Lyon. Top of his class in electrical engineering, he was authorized to do a second engineering degree in Civil Engineering.

“Michel had an artistic side”, his children say. “He tried his luck as a singer in bars or restaurants to earn a living in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.”

His first professional activity had taken him to Issoire, to Ducellier, a manufacturer of automobile parts. Then, a job at Jallatte brought him back to Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort, his native village. He quickly became technical director of this safety shoe manufacturer, which was then the world leader.

And, he would not leave the world of shoes until he relaunched La Botte Gardiane. The company, whose headquarters are in Aigues-Vives, was taken over by his children Antoine and Fanny.

Midi Libre presents its condolences to his family and loved ones.