« Thank you so much for your work », exclaimed a gentleman picking up his shoes, with soles that look brand new, a smile on his face. For Maximilien Mauriès, the cobbler on rue Durantin, there is no greater reward than the satisfaction of his customers. « It brings us joy for the whole day, it's the best pay », he shares. In his workshop, the scent of leather mingles with the smell of glue, while the humming of the machines echoes the steady ticking of an old clock counting the seconds.
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©Jagoda Bartus/ Le Bonbon
Alongside the ankle boots, loafers, pumps, and other shoes waiting to be repaired, there’s a delightful assortment of thrifted items, sometimes restored by someone who proudly calls himself both a shoe enthusiast and a mechanic. He has a keen taste for authenticity, and a love for the art of giving a second life to objects that can tell a new story.
From Offices to Craftsmanship
As he prepares to celebrate ten years in the business in 2026, this man from Albi opened the doors of the Maison Mauriès in Montmartre four years ago. It's a life choice that feels almost magical.
instinctive, , of working with his hands and being independent, after several years spent . From that previous life, he has kept , valuable skills that he uses every day — proof that , there can be just one step.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Passing on skills to the younger generation
Shoes, bags, torn leather, mending… The goal of Maison Mauriès is to repair everything. In the cobbler's shop, no day is ever the same, even though the fall and winter months are the busiest of the year. « There’s the factor of rain and cold that comes into play », he explains. Two young faces accompany Maximilien in his daily tasks: Lorenzo — a former apprentice who became an employee — and Méline, an apprentice. This passing down of knowledge is dear to his heart and resonates with the mentor who trained him when he started: « He taught me everything. I often tell my apprentices: they will have several teachers, but one daythey will have a mentor, someone who will give them everything ».
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©Jagoda Bartus/ Le Bonbon
What surprised them the most when they entered the profession? “The glue: we let it dry before sticking, it makes no sense,” replies Lorenzo. But also and especially, the physical demands of the job. “A lot of things are done by hand and are heavy even though leather is a soft material. It’s said that you develop the ‘cobbler’s muscle’ in your hand from using the shears,” explains Maximilien. A passionate profession, full of lessons, that continues a craft expertise where every gesture counts, and where quality...prime face to an era of disposability. A subtle luxury, that of time and beautiful things.
Maison Mauriès
22 Durantin Street — 18th
Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
@maximilienmauries