L'esprit Charentaise
This may seem confusing at first--but in France there is a difference between the pantoufle
or ordinary house slipper, and the charentaise which is a felt pantoufle with a fluffy lining.
Usually the iconic charentaise with its characteristic shape and design, is made of a felt plaid,
but artisanal creativity has led to more luxuriant textures and motifs, like that of the one above.
L'esprit charentaise is a very French concept that conveys a sense of well-being, warmth,
and of slowing down--in short a cosy, take-it-easy lifestyle. La charentaise has its origins in
the south-west of France in the 17th century when scraps of felt were used to line wooden
shoes or sabots to make them more comfortable.
Il y a belle lurette: a long time ago, ages ago, way back when
©2026 P. B. Lecron
