Pyrenex
Down jackets, Landes feather craftsman since 1859
⚠️ Only the 'Saint-Sever 1859' range and bedding are manufactured in France. The rest of the jacket collection is made abroad. The down is always French and processed in Saint-Sever. The EPV label rewards the down processing expertise.
Philosophy
Landes manufacturer founded in 1859, specialist in goose and duck down processing. Four generations of the Crabos family. French upcycled down, processed in Saint-Sever. Living Heritage Company. 'Saint-Sever 1859' range made in France.
History
Saint-Sever, Landes, 1859. Abel Crabos collects goose and duck feathers from markets and farms in the area. The Landes is a historic region for waterfowl farming. Down is a natural byproduct of foie gras and duck meat.
Six generations later, the Crabos family is still there. The Saint-Sever factory processes 3,000 tons of feathers per year. Pyrenex controls the entire chain: raw down collection, sorting (by hand and air blowing), washing, filling and garment making.
In 1940, Marie Crabos, wife of René (then head of the company), designs the first 'solidarity' down jackets to protect local prisoners from the cold. In 1970, Jean-Pierre Crabos creates the first technical down jacket, advised by Louis Audoubert, an experienced mountaineer. The Pyrenex name appears the same year, evoking the nearby Pyrenees. First sleeping bags follow.
The Authentic jacket, iconic fur-hooded model, has become an urban classic in France. The Vintage Mythic too. Down is Responsible Down Standard certified.
Édouard Crabos runs the company today. Still family-owned, still independent. But note: the fashion positioning is moving upmarket, prices follow, and some lifestyle pieces are manufactured outside France. Check the label. Technical pieces and classics remain made in Saint-Sever.
Iconic Products
Doudoune Saint-Sever 1859
The premium range. Made in the Saint-Sever workshop. French upcycled down, French assembly. The only 100% Made in France range. This is what the EPV label was awarded for. The rest of the collection is another story.
Mythic (doudoune classique)
Classic long puffer. French down, removable fur hood. Best-seller. Note: made abroad, not in Saint-Sever. The down is French, the stitching isn't. That's the important nuance.
Couette duvet (literie)
The original craft. Duvets and pillows in goose and duck down, processed in Saint-Sever. This is the real Pyrenex know-how: the feather craftsman, not the tailor. Abel Crabos collected feathers in 1859, not sewing patterns.