Saône-et-Loire – Society – Shoemaker Daniel Duffour retires • La Voix de l'Ain

He left the political instability of his country in West Africa to continue his studies in political science in England. During this long journey, he was forced to stop in France. Welcomed in a center for refugees in Toulouse, he was sent to a vocational training center in Romans-sur-Isère. It was there that he learned the trade of shoemaker and was then recruited by a company in Strasbourg. He joined Mâcon in 1994, first working as an employee of a company, then in his own workshop, which he set up on rue Rambuteau in the premises where he has been for 24 years.

“This job helped me find my way, ensured me integration and economic stability all this time, despite competition from Internet commerce, crises, the pandemic. I succeeded, because I learned to work with my hands and because I like interacting with people my personality helped me a lot in this sense.explains Daniel Duffour. Among his loyal clients, he has the gendarmes of the Charnay company, but also elected officials and numerous prefects. “Sometimes, they come in person to meet me. In Mâcon, I have always been appreciated and I found my place there”declares the craftsman.

Looking for a buyer

Now aged 66, Daniel Duffour is looking for a buyer for his workshop. He decided to retire after more than 40 years of work. “It’s more complicated than I thought, yet I have a large clientele who use my services as much to repair their shoes, bags or leather jackets as to make keys”explains the craftsman. After his departure, there will be only one shoemaker left in Mâcon, while in the region there are fewer and fewer. “Since the shoemaker from Pont-de-Vaux retired, I have had to come to Mr. Duffour, whom I really like.”explains Angèle, 74, from Sathonay.

“In walking clubs, we share good addresses. Mr. Duffour has extended the life of my hiking shoes several times. It will be more complicated without his services”admits Guy, 77 years old, from Feillens.