Thiers, the French cutlery capital, has preserved much heritage connected to this traditional industry. The Factory Valley (Vallée des Usines), located below the medieval quarter, was a key cutlery production centre from the 14th to 20th centuries and is now a particularly mysterious site with a string of industrial building remains situated along the turbulent Durolle river. Some previously disused ones have now been renovated, like the Creux de l'Enfer, a former cutlery works that is now a contemporary art centre, and L'Usine de May, today home to the industrial history museum (Maison de l'Aventure Industrielle).
Those keen on walking should not miss a stroll around the narrow sloping streets of the old town above Thiers where timber-framed and corbelled façades adorn the typical old houses. Particularly fine examples are the Hôtel du Pirou, with its mullioned windows and half-timbering, and the Maison de l'Homme des Bois, which features a picturesque carved statue.
Every visit to Thiers must of course include a trip to the Cutlery museum (Musée de la Coutellerie), a very interesting place that traces the history of cutlery-making in Thiers and puts on workshop demonstrations of this wonderful skill.
Cutlery fans should also make a point of visiting the art knife festival (Festival du Couteau d'Art), which takes place here every year in May
