St James Knitwear, Made in Normandy
The history of Saint-James
Created in 1850 by Léon Legallais, the company Saint-James was first called "Moulin du prieur". The family’s entrepsie weaved and dyed the wool of salt-meadow sheep found nearby, in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. Building on its success, the company sold its wool to haberdasheries throughout Normandy and Brittany.
It was in 1889 that Léon Legallais launched his very first garment, the emblematic "Marine Sweater". Knitted with tight knit, it is resistant to hot and cold, perfect for sailors who left for months at sea.
In 1950, the activity is taken over by Julien Bonte who modernizes the company and focuses on the manufacturing activity of the real marine sweater. The name was also registered by the brand and made Saint-James the French leader in marine knitwear.
The 70s on the rhythm of holidays thanks to the paid holidays introduced push the French to go to the sea. Boat trips multiplied and the marine style was adopted. Seasonal collections were created by Julien Bonte for holidaymakers.
From 1980 the brand began to export in Tokyo and around the world.
In 2013, Luc Lesénécal became director of the Saint-James company accompanied by his deputy director, Patrice Guinebault.
Today, the brand is still established in the city of Saint-James and exports throughout the world. The marinière is more trendy than ever, the casual and chic style appeals to the world.
In total more than 300 employees, about sixty stores. Each year 5 stores open their doors demonstrating a brand with a strong identity and ancestral know-how.
A typical Norman gift idea
The Saint-James collections please every year the Normans obviously but also all the countries having adopted the marine style, chic, comfortable and of very good quality.
No matter where you come from, a marinière, a hat, a sash or the real marine sweater will please your loved ones.
To help you, here is a list of stores near the guest house:
Official store in Saint-James
- Beauvoir
- Granville
- St Malo
- Cherbourg
Brand activity
During a stay in our guest house, you can book to visit the workshops of the company Saint-James.
During this visit, the Tricots Saint-James invivent you to discover a traditional know-how of the manufacture of the marine sweater and the marinière. The brand labeled "living heritage company" will make you discover all the steps of manufacture of the marine sweater with the mesh so tight that it is said to be waterproof.
When to make a visit?
Visits are from Monday to Friday except holidays (no visit on weekends). 3 slots: 10h30 - 14h00 - 15h30
To book:
visite@saint-james.fr
02 33 89 15 55.
The visit lasts 1 hour.
Rates: 5 € per person and free for - 12 years.
Tricots Saint-James workshops are waiting for you, and so are we!