The Story of Thread in Nîmes
The story began in the 17th century, when coloured fabrics known as "Indian cloth" began to arrive from the East.
The town had long been a manufacturing centre: now it threw itself into the making of these cotton materials. Cotton printing and cotton painting workshops flourished all over Provence and especially in Nîmes.
In the 18th century, as many as 4500 weaving looms were active.
In the 19th century, the world of fashion stepped in...
All over Europe a passion began for cashmere shawls. In Nîmes, a wider clientele was reached by producing cheaper shawls, of floss silk. The Nîmes textile industry was at its height.
Several specialized boutiques offer a wide range of materials and garments with Provençal designs. If you cross the threshold, you will surely be tempted. The hardest part will be making a choice.