When one thinks of the best French handbag brands, there are a few names that instantly spring to mind. However, it would be remiss to ignore the burgeoning league of lesser-known brands that deliver exquisite design and unparalleled craftsmanship without the same brand recognition; whether they be under the radar heritage houses or innovative new labels. Here, household names sit alongside emerging and underrated designers, each offering their own singular take on French style. The best French handbag brands span luxury to budget-friendly; whether you’re looking for a versatile crossbody, a practical tote, or a statement-making shoulder bag, there’s a stylish option to suit every taste.
1. Longchamp
French luxury leather goods house Longchamp has been a mainstay for those looking for a practical tote bag, with the brand’s nylon Le Pliage a favourite for its lightweight, durable properties and ability to be machine washed. However its leather goods are equally worth looking into, with chic styles like the Roseau coming in several different iterations, from sculptural bucket bags to chic crossbodys.
Established in: 1948
Founder: Jean Cassegrain
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Le Pliage, Roseau
2. A.P.C.
Short for ‘Atelier de Production et de Création‘, A.P.C. is perhaps best known for its classic raw denim jeans, however its handbags are also worth a look in. Understated styles let premium materials and refined craftsmanship take centre stage, with each bag representing a forever piece. We’re particularly partial to the elegant Grace crossbody and the relaxed aesthetic of the Ninon.
Established in: 1987
Founder: Jean Touitou
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Grace, Ninon
3. Polène
In under a decade, Polène has gone from being a insider’s secret into a cult-favourite label. While the Parisian label is still under the radar compared to major household names, it’s quickly become one of the most popular French handbag brands among Instagrammers, street style aficionados, and editors. Polène has become known for its intriguing minimalist styles that prove timeless design needn’t be predictable, with its Numéro Dix, Numéro Huit, and Cyme styles proving popular. The latter in particular is a viable tote option for those in need of a do-it-all work bag.
Established in: 2015
Founders: Antoine, Elsa, and Mathieu Mothay
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Numéro Dix, Numéro Huit, Numéro Sept, Cyme
4. Hermès
A venerable household name, Hermès has left an indelible mark on the leather goods—and specifically, the handbag—industry as a whole. Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a workshop for equestrian leather goods (such as tacks and saddles) for the nobility, the luxury French fashion house introduced handbags almost a century later. The design of the Hermès Kelly was introduced in the 1930s (and later renamed the ‘Kelly’ after Grace Kelly), while the iconic Birkin came about in 1984, following an encounter between then-CEO Jean-Louis Dumas and actress Jane Birkin. While the Kelly and Birkin are undeniably the brand’s most sought after styles, lesser-known designs like the Jypsiere and Picotin are chic options for those who want something a little different.
Established in: 1837
Founder: Thierry Hermès
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Kelly, Birkin, Picotin, Constance, Jypsiere
5. Guibert
Like Hermès, Guibert has its origins in equestrianism, originally creating saddlery. It’s still an important facet for the brand, which now also produces handbags in the same rich full-grain leathers, with designs that nod to the equestrian world. While its designs skew more traditional and practical (we like them for work bags and weekenders), Guibert punches well above its three-figure price point when it comes to its high-quality materials and attention to craftsmanship.
Established in: 1999
Founder: Pierre Guibert
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Bowling, Allure, Polo Grooming
6. Sézane
The brainchild of Morgane Sézalory in 2013, Sézane blends vintage style with contemporary tastes and has become a favourite for those looking to emulate that inimitable French girl je ne sais quoi. The brand’s handbags offer the same understated elegance with a boho touch as it’s clothes; defined by clean lines and shapes, as well as a hint of vintage flair. The Roméo bag has a vintage feel, while the Farrow offers a fun bucket shape. The Milo and Claude are good crossbody styles for hands-free wear.
Established in: 2013
Founder: Morgane Sézalory
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Roméo, Farrow, Milo, Claude
7. Amélie Pichard
Taking a thoughtful approach to production, Amélie Pichard operates outside the seasonal constraints of the typical fashion cycle and employs a made-to-order model to prevent overproduction and waste. Styles are clean yet quirky, with the brand’s signature alligator embellishments adding a playful touch. The Abag is the brand’s core style, while the Carrie 2 makes for an eminently wearable baguette shoulder bag.
Established in: 2011
Founder: Amélie Pichard
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Abag, Carrie 2
8. Vanessa Bruno
Former singer, model, and actress Vanessa Bruno launched her eponymous brand at age 25, with the French handbag brand representing a fusion between modernity and sophistication. Catering to the needs of contemporary women, each design seamlessly blends aesthetics with comfort and practicality, with cotton and linen bags sitting alongside classic leather styles.
Established in: 1996
Founder: Vanessa Bruno
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Cabas Tote, Romy, Lou
9. Le Tanneur
Heritage luxury brand Le Tanneur is known for its commitment to artisanal leather craftsmanship. Born out of a partnership between leatherworker Charles Bonnardel and tanner Francisque Bornex, the brand boasts a robust range of both simple and statement-making designs, each available in a vast array of colours.
Established in: 1898
Founders: Charles Bonnardel and Francisque Bornex
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Louise Bucket, Small T Tote, Emilie
10. Chloé
A favourite amongst the freethinking bohemian crowd, Chloé handbags are both practical and elegant. Silhouettes are often soft and louche, with a worn-in ‘perfectly imperfect’ aesthetic; look to the brand’s Penelope Soft Shoulder Bag or Marcie Hobo Bag. The ring hardware is also an iconic signature of the brand, found on the Tess.
Established in: 1952
Founder: Gaby Aghion
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Marcie, Penelope, Tess
11. Celine
Celine has somewhat unexpected origins, with its founder Céline Vipiana launching the brand as a children’s made-to-measure footwear boutique in 1945. Less than two decades later, the brand pivoted into leather goods and accessories, paving the path for the French luxury fashion house as we know it today. Under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane, Celine has a refined selection of handbags that complement its ready-to-wear offerings. The Celine double-C Triomphe motif is a mainstay across the range, while vintage styles feature the chic horse carriage emblem which makes for an interesting detail.
Established in: 1945
Founder: Céline Vipiana
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Lola, Teen Triomphe
12. Fauré Le Page
Preceding Louis Vuitton by well over a century, it’s hard to believe Fauré Le Page isn’t more well known. While the brand has its origins in firearm manufacture and supply, it quickly started making holsters and gun bags to accompany them before pivoting into more conventional handbags and leather goods. Today, the brand nods to its origins with the motto ‘Armed for Seduction’, while catering to a more contemporary audience. Its signature fish scale monogram appears on many of its canvas-coated bags and makes for a unique alternative to the plethora of Louis Vuitton and Goyard iterations. While the brand has a storied history (and a prestige in leather craftsmanship to match), there’s a good chance you’ll be the only one carrying a Fauré Le Page bag in most settings, making it a solid option for those who want heritage without the ubiquity. The crossbody Cartouchière 21 and Daily Battle 35 tote are failsafe options.
Established in: 1717
Founder: Louis Pigny
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Cartouchière, Daily Battle, Parade
13. Moreau
Moreau was founded by master cabinetmaker Louis Moreau Sr. in 1882. The brand’s signature motif is a pattern inspired by basketry and drawings of wicker trunks braids, which remains a staple on its handbags to this day. While its origins are in trunks, today Moreau focuses on handbags and small leather goods, with colourful styles in classic silhouettes. Several of the Parisian label’s tote bags are reversible, with its signature monogram coated canvas on one side and smooth leather on the other—a veritable two-for-one deal! Other notable styles include the Brégançon, a structured top handle or crossbody bag; and the La Pon Pm, a micro bucket bag.
Established in: 1882
Founder: Louis Moreau Sr.
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Vincennes Reversible, La Pon Pm, Bréganço
14. RSVP Paris
A relatively new addition to the French handbag scene, RSVP Paris takes a considered and contemporary approach to both design and production. The brand repairs all its products for life, with free repairs during the first year of purchase. Designs are pared-back yet make a statement, with clean lines and structured silhouettes executed in bold colours.
Established in: 2015
Founders: Aurore, Cléo, Jonathan, and Thomas
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Milkman, Munchkin, Duo
15. Atelier Auguste
Founded by brothers Laurent and Xavier Valembert, Atelier Auguste nods to the duo’s love of architecture and design through structured silhouettes and a minimalist approach. Offering an affordable take on luxury, Atelier Auguste designs are crafted in Italy from high-quality leather and available between the low-to-mid three figure range. Lovers of A.P.C. will enjoy Ateliers Auguste’s sleek handbag designs, with standout styles including the Monceau, Sully, and Marly.
Established in: 2012
Founders: Laurent and Xavier Valembert
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Monceau, Sully, Marly
16. Léo et Violette
Léo et Violette has a decidedly modern origin story, with partners (in both business and life) Léo Dominguez and Violette Polchi crowdfunding the brand’s first launch through Kickstarter. Despite its contemporary beginnings, the French handbag brand skews traditional when it comes to design, with timeless styles that transcend fleeting trends. We’d recommend the brand for elevated everyday shoulder bags and crossbody styles; we’re particularly partial to the Le Gianni Baguette and Le Laurence.
Established in: 2013
Founders: Léo Dominguez and Violette Polchi
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Le Gianni Baguette, Le Laurence
Words by Arabella Johnson
