France has a long history of high-quality craftsmanship and French handbags are one of the many coveted products by people around the world. The French savoir-faire is a tradition carried on by many contemporary French handbag brands, some of which are probably new to you!
These French handbag designers are great options if you want to pick up a beautiful souvenir from France, or you just want to own a French girl handbag that no one else you know will have.
The article is divided into two sections: luxury and affordable so you can find the perfect French handbag no matter your budget!
Luxury Bag Brands
If you’re looking for a luxury French handbag from a brand with a storied background and history, then these iconic French designer bag brands are where you should turn for classic French accessory craftsmanship.
Goyard
Goyard is a French luxury brand that was founded in Paris in 1853. While the brand offers a variety of products, including luggage, accessories, and home goods, it is best known for its high-end handbags. The most famous Goyard handbag is the Saint Louis Tote, which features a classic, understated design and is made with the brand’s signature coated canvas material. The St. Louis Tote is a popular choice for both everyday use and travel, and its lightweight construction and spacious interior have made it a favorite among fashion enthusiasts. Goyard also offers a range of other handbag designs, including the Anjou, the Artois, and the Saigon.
Hermès
Hermès is a French luxury fashion brand that was founded in Paris in 1837. While the brand offers a range of products, including equestrian clothing, high-end outfits, luxury accessories, and even home goods, it is best known today for its high-end handbags.
One of the most famous Hermès handbags is the Birkin bag which was introduced in 1984 and quickly became a symbol of wealth and luxury. The Birkin features a structured design and is made with high-quality leather, making it a timeless and versatile piece that is suitable for any occasion.
The Hermès Kelly bag is one of the most iconic and sought-after handbags in the world of fashion. The bag was first introduced in the 1930s as a smaller version of the brand’s larger Haut à Courroies bag, and it quickly gained popularity among celebrities and fashion icons. However, it wasn’t until 1956 when Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco, was photographed carrying the bag that it became widely recognized and earned its current name. The Kelly bag features a structured and sophisticated design, with a trapezoidal shape, two handles, and a shoulder strap.
Hermès has also introduced other popular handbag designs, including the “Garden Party” and the “Constance” bags. Hermès bags remain iconic everywhere!
Chanel
Chanel is a French luxury fashion brand that was founded in Paris in 1909 by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. While the brand is famous for its clothing and perfume, it has also made a significant impact in the world of handbags.
The most iconic Chanel handbag is the “Classic Flap,” which was introduced in the 1950s and has remained a timeless and coveted item in the fashion industry. The Classic Flap features a quilted design and is often adorned with the brand’s signature interlocking “CC” logo. The original 2.55 bag without the CC logo remains timeless since it was created in 1955. Chanel has also introduced other popular handbag designs, including the “Boy Bag” and the “Gabrielle Bag.”
Dior
Christian Dior is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in Paris in 1946 by Christian Dior. The brand is well-known for its clothing, but it has also established itself as a leader in the world of handbags.
One of Dior’s most famous handbag designs is the Lady Dior, which was introduced in 1995 and quickly became a beloved classic. The luxury Lady Dior handbag features a quilted design and is often adorned with Dior’s signature “D.I.O.R.” charms.
Dior has also introduced other popular handbag designs, including the Saddle bag and Book Tote. These bags feature unique, eye-catching designs.
Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in Paris in 1961 by Yves Saint Laurent. While the YSL brand is renowned for its clothing, it has also made a significant impact in the world of handbags.
The Saint Laurent brand’s most famous handbag is the Sac de Jour, which was introduced in 2013 and has become an iconic item in the fashion industry. The Sac de Jour features a structured design and is made with high-quality leather, making it a timeless and versatile French wardrobe addition.
Celine
Celine is a French luxury fashion brand that was founded in Paris in 1945 by Céline Vipiana. The brand initially started as a made-to-measure shoe business for children, and later expanded to women’s shoes and accessories. Celine became particularly famous for its handbags, including the iconic Box bags, later reinterpreted into the Triomphe bag. These bags feature sleek, minimalist designs and are made with high-quality leather materials.
Longchamp
Longchamp is a French luxury brand that was founded in Paris in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain. The brand is known for its high-quality leather goods, including handbags, luggage, and accessories. Longchamp’s signature product is the Le Pliage bag, which features a foldable design and has become an iconic item in the world of fashion. The Longchamp Pliage bag is one I use faithfully. Be sure to read my full Longchamp Pliage bag review if you’re considering this bag.
Destree
Destree is a new French luxury handbag designer founded in 2016 by Géraldine Guyot and Laetitia Lumbroso. The brand offers a collection of handcrafted, high-end handbags that are designed with both style and function in mind. It recently opened a flagship store in the heart of Paris at 3 Rue du 29 Juillet in the 1st arrondissement. Shop via 24S.
Affordable Bag Brands
What’s great about these brands is that they’re much more affordable than the French luxury brands that are often associated with France. Most of these handbags will cost you well below $500.
I chose brands that feature handbags as their primary product. You can definitely purchase some beautiful handbags from the many French fashion brands, but I always prefer to shop with brands that really focus on a specific craft.
Polène
Polène is a contemporary French handbag brand with stores in Paris and New York. They ship worldwide and have a cult following, just like Sézane. The bag brand was founded by three French siblings.
Lancaster
Lancaster is a French brand that was founded in 1990 and has established itself as a leading name in the world of handbags. The brand offers a range of stylish and functional handbags, wallets, and accessories that are designed with both fashion and functionality in mind. Lancaster recently collaborated with influencer Jeanne Damas.
Fleuron
Fleuron is a contemporary French handbag brand with a boutique in central Paris.
Fauvette
Fauvette is a local French handbag brand with a concept store shared with jewelry designer Louise Damas.
Rue de Verneuil
Rue de Verneuil is a handbag line from France inspired by nonconformist design and modern architecture.
Olivia Clergue
Olivia Clergue is a local French handbag designer from Arles, in Provence, France. She comes from an artistic family. Her boutique is located at 6 Rue du Parc Royal in Le Marais.
Ateliers Auguste
Ateliers Auguste is another French handbag designer based in Le Marais, Paris with a boutique for men’s and women’s leather goods at 8 Rue de Turenne.
Amélie Pichard
Amélie Pichard is a local French handbag designer known for her handbags with a small crocodile on the front flap.
RSVP
RSVP is a French handbag brand that makes limited edition handbags in a series of 500.
Leo and Violette
Leo and Violette is a French handbag company started in a very modern way: through Kickstarter. It also has a love story behind it; the founders Léo Dominguez and Violette Polchi, have been partners for 10 years.
Céline Lefebure
Céline Lefebure is an independent French handbag designer with an eponymous handbag brand she began in 2008.
Camille Vost
Camille Vost is an independent luxury goods maker founded by Camille Prévost who worked as a stylist for Diane Von Furstenberg and The Row.
Miyette
Miyette is a new bold and colorful Parisian handbag brand with a store in Le Marais, Paris.
Historical Bag Brands
France has a long history of leather handbag craftsmanship and these brands have been recently revived to appeal to modern consumers. Consider looking into them if you have a vintage heart and want to own a piece with a storied past!
Moynat
Moynat is a French luxury leather goods brand that was founded in 1849 by Pauline Moynat. The brand quickly became known for its innovative trunks and exceptional quality, and it gained a reputation for being one of the most prestigious luggage makers of the 19th century. Moynat’s clients included many of the most wealthy and powerful figures of the time and the brand’s trunks and suitcases were favored by many aristocrats and members of royalty.
After a period of decline, Moynat was acquired by luxury goods conglomerate LVMH in 2010, and it has since been revived as a leader in the luxury leather goods market.
Moreau
Moreau Paris is a renowned luxury handbag brand founded in 1882 in France. The brand’s distinctiveness lies in its craftsmanship and the use of exquisite leather, offering a refined blend of tradition and modernity. Moreau Paris is famous for its elegant designs, characterized by intricate patterns and the subtle interplay of colors, taking inspiration from its rich French heritage. Their handbags are considered to be symbols of luxury, and they have consistently attracted a high-end clientele, including celebrities and royalty. Moreau Paris has successfully preserved its unique identity while evolving with contemporary fashion trends, making it a prominent name in the luxury fashion industry.
Lancel
Lancel is a French luxury brand that specializes in leather goods, handbags, and fashion accessories. The brand was founded in Paris in 1876 by Angèle Lancel, who opened a small shop selling smoking accessories for men. However, it was her son, Albert Lancel, who transformed the business into a leather goods brand by introducing handbags for women in 1925. Throughout the 20th century, Lancel continued to grow and evolve, becoming a popular brand among fashion-conscious women in France and around the world. Today, Lancel is known for its elegant and sophisticated designs, high-quality materials, and attention to detail, and it remains a beloved brand among luxury shoppers.
Perrin
Perrin was founded in 1893 as Rigaudy-Perrin and served as the foremost purveyor of leather gloves for the major Parisian couture houses. It has since relaunched as a leather goods brand.
Pellegrino
Pellegrino is a luxury leather goods brand specializing in handbags founded by Renaud Pellegrino. Several of the brand’s whimsical creations have been featured in Emily in Paris.
Le Tanneur
Le Tanneur has been a master leather goods maker in France since 1898.
Pourchet
Pourchet is a revived French handbag brand founded back in 1903 by French politician Auguste Gindre.
4 comments
As a Goyard aficionado, and someone who buys a new Goyard as a souvenir every trip to Paris, I am surprised you have left them off your list of French luxury handbag brands, especially as they control all manufacturing in house, and all of it occurs in France (I believe their workshops are in Carcassonne or thereabouts).
I have had Leo and Violette once. It’s a really nice bag with really sustainable quality.
Hey @FrenchGirlDaily like your article and blog on French fashion. As for the bags could you please share more photos of the various designs? Merci.
I have a Pedro bag that I bought recently for a small price of only a few hundred dollars and have wanted this Pedro bag for a long time