12 French Bag Brands You Need to Know About, According to an Editor Who Lives in Pairs

Soon after moving to Paris, I became familiar with the term Flaneur — a person who likes to potter and observe. I’ve inherited this very apt term as it’s exactly how I like to spend my time. Between work, I spend a significant amount of time playing tourist (if I can still call myself that?) during which, I either stumble upon boutiques or add to my ever-growing footnotes on French fashion, by drawing style references from locals.

There’s no denying the rhetoric that French women appreciate clothing and I can vouch for the fact they adore accessories in equal measure. From Jane Birkin spearheading the basket bag trend to the noughties Baguette bag, and the excellence of Hermès, there are ample examples to demonstrate the significance of handbags in Paris’ fashion history.

Nowadays, you needn’t part with thousands if you are inspired by the handbag aesthetic of French women. Mid-priced luxury retailers have corned the market, producing some of the most sought-after handbag styles across the globe. From the highly coveted shapes of Polène to the lesser-known independent brands nestled in the streets in Le Marais, allow me to introduce you to 12 handbag brands French women wear year-round.

SEE THE BEST FRENCH BAG BRANDS:

1. Polène