The French word for "mule" is easy to translate (la mule), rather like "le weekend," which is when you are most likely to use La Mule. As its name implies, this wooden barrow from France is a hard worker and will carry out a variety of unrelated tasks. Unlike a mule, it is ravishingly good-looking.
As an amateur gardener, La Mule creator Jean-Baptiste Cachera was frustrated by the workman-like barrows on the market, which lacked beauty or versatility. Blessed with an "esprit d'enterprise," Cachera got together with a carpenter friend and they came up with a traditional yet modern chestnut wheelbarrow. In his words (and I translate) it is "aesthetic, multi-functioning, light, and ergonomic."
Above: Removable partitions help to save your tools from ending up in the compost. Image via La Mule.
Above: Removable sides, for bulky work. The large wide wheels are kind to the lawn. Image via La Mule.
Above: The basic wheelbarrow or "brouette" is 830€ including VAT, as is the cart. Image via La Mule.
Above: The cart, or "carriole," prefers to be at a picnic but is happy to help out in the garden. Photograph by James Corbett.
Above: Both the barrow and the cart are surprisingly lightweight. The cart (above) is made from chestnut and aluminum and has an attachment for bicycles. A non-plastic trailer for the market, or visits further afield. Image via La Mule.
Above: The cart becomes the most comfortable seat around. Photograph by Jean-Baptiste Cachera.