The origin of the craft industry in La Val goes back to the period when the valley was isolated because of its physical and geographical situation, thus forcing the farming families to be self-sufficient. They spun and wove linen, hemp and wool to meet their needs. Many farmers were compelled to exercise a secondary trade and so became craft workers for half their working hours.
The people had learnt early on to exploit hydraulic energy to power sawmills and flour mills. This led all the craftsmen, who needed water power to drive their tools, to settle by the water: the master sawyer, the miller, the tanner, the blacksmith and the raw wool beater. Many other craftsmen worked in La Val: the tailor, the cobbler, the rope maker, the saddler, the wainwright, the carpenter and joiner, the cabinet maker and the painter…
