I'm an Editor Living in Paris—12 Sophisticated Bag Brands French Women Always Come Back to

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

You'll be hard-pressed not to spot the snaking queue around Polène's Flagship store in Bourse when visiting Paris. Despite living here for a year, I'm still astounded at the dedication of its customer base, some of whom travel cross-country to invest in its directional bags. Beloved for plush designs, high-quality fabrications and entry-level pricing, it's an attainable luxury worthy of investment.

Shop Polène :

Polène

Mokki

€520

One of Polène's latest offerings — the Mokki features a contrast stitch and polished gold hardware.

Polène

Solé

€360

Solé offers a unique take on the basket bag with flattened pebble beads and a threaded handle.

Polène

Cyme - Noir Grainé

€380

This has become my work bag for long days in the city. It's big enough to fit a 15-inch laptop!

2. Tammy and Benjamin

You'll find the Tammy and Benjamin boutique nestled in Le Marais, home to many French ateliers, consignment stores and independent boutiques. On my first visit in-store I was impressed by the refined and intentional capsule. Each piece speaks to the essence of French style, bearing simple silhouettes with a French lilt. Its bags will surely stand the test of time.

Shop Tammy and Benjamin:

TAMMY & BENJAMIN

Thea - Ivory

€430

The squared design is so sleek.

TAMMY & BENJAMIN

Emma - Brown

€240

Typically Parisian.

TAMMY & BENJAMIN

Jeanne Baguette - Black

€280

This bag will go with everything you own.

3. RSVP

With modernity at the forefront, RSVP is passionate about the integrity of leather, married with expert practice, functionality and seamless design. Each style features its signature circular hardware which has become recognisable in France.

Shop RSVP Paris:

RSVP

Low Five in Tobacco Suede Calfskin

€450

A masterful pairing of suede and the tobacco hue.

RSVP

Munchkin in Smooth Burgundy Calfskin

€380

RSVP were well ahead of the curve where burgundy is concerned.

RVSP

Milkman in Grained Taupe Calfskin

€380

Note the textured profile, which adds an additional dimension to this style.

4. Longchamp

Jean Cassegrain pioneered Longchamp's convertible totes in 1971 and France has never looked back. I spot women wearing Longchamp handbags at least a handful of times per day and the brand has come a long way since its original Le Pliage. Its Roseau bag fast became an Editor favourite.

Shop Longchamp:

Longchamp

Longchamp Le Pliage Original Medium Shoulder Bag

£110

Le Pliage will forever have a place in my heart.

Longchamp

Longchamp Le Pliage Filet Top Handle Net Bag

£95

The chicest beach bag you did ever see.

Longchamp

Longchamp Roseau Leather Shoulder Bag

£315

This style has amassed many fans since its release.

5. Leo et Violette

Powerhouse couple Léo Dominguez and Violette Polchi founded their eponymous accessories brand Léo et Violette in 2013. Comprising a collection of ethically produced elegant shapes beloved by French women, their arsenal features shapes from the baguette bag to taught leather satchels.

Shop Leo et Violette:

Leo et Violette

Le Duo

£398

From daytime to eveningwear.

Leo et Violette

Le Laurence

£375

Just look at the sheen on this style.

Leo et Violette

Le Nova

£370

Lovers of neutral tones, look no further than this muted colourway.

6. Sézane

Sézane has become a marker for French retail excellence with high quality and timeless iterations of French wardrobe staples. Now B Corp certified, the brand is leading the way for sustainability on the high street. It boasts a considered collection of apparel and the bags are highly worthy of praise!

Shop Sézane:

Sézane

Farrow Mini Bag

£195

Snake print is dominating this season's trends.

Sézane

Claude Vintage Bag

£310

The satchel bag is a classic style and the addition of suede adds a contemporary lilt.

Sézane

Gabin Patent Bag

£330

It's chic, oversized and rain proof!

7. Sandro

Know for its clean lines and take on French minimalism, luxury fashion house Sandro comes highly recommended for its leather goods. This season, the brand offers a playful take on its shoulder bags and a host of burgundy handbags to boot,

Shop Sandro:

Sandro Paris

Leather Bucket Bag Tangoso

£399

This rich colour will uplift your autumn outfits in 2024 and beyond.

Sandro Paris

Leather and Shearling Janet Bag

£389

This playful style has a '70s feel.

Sandro Paris

Tote Bag in Certified Leather

£409

A boxy style for office days and beyond.

8. Rouje

Visionary Jeanne Damas created Rouje in 2016, in a bid to expertly craft the pieces in a French woman's typical uniform — from croc-effect purses to oxblood bucket bags, there are styles for all to enjoy.

Shop Rouje:

Rouje

Ben Bag

€295

I've had my eyes on this style since 2023 and it remains relevant to date.

Rouje

Allure Bag

€375

With the addition of a gold rose adornment.

Rouje

Big Bag

€350

The big bag you'll squeeze ample wear out of.

9. Atelier Auguste

Laurent and Xavier Valembert sought to pair their adoration for achitecture with handbag design, resulting in Atelier Auguste's fine leather goods. The luxury handbag brand produces in Italy, with ethical production at the helm.

Shop Atelier Auguste:

Ateliers Auguste

Marceau Gold Edition

€445

This concave design is extremely sophisticated.

Ateliers Auguste

Mini Monceau Gold Edition

€445

It wouldn't be a French handbag edit without a squared satchel.

Ateliers Auguste

Alma Gold Edition

€565

You evening handbag, sorted.

10. Elleme

Aptly inspired by the French phrase "Elle aime", translating to she loves, Elleme handbags are best known for femininity and playful design. One of its most coveted styles is the Baozi Raffia bag.

Shop Elleme:

Elleme

Baozi Raffia Natural/

€415

The bestseller in all of its glory.

Elleme

Trousse Intrecciata Leather Dark Brown

€460

French women love woven leather handbags (more on that fact later).

Elleme

Mini Boomerang Suede Burgundy

€415

Suede and burgundy is a delicious pairing.

11. Cahu

Shop Cahu:

First conceived in Normandy and inspired a heartwarming story of nostalgia, Cahu's USP is the creation of patent holdalls crafted from hard-wearing PVC. It's a slightly more casual brand to have on your roster.

CAHU

Le Pratique Cream

€350

The double strap makes this style even more practical.

CAHU

Le Mamie Burgundy

€390

Take your tote bag game up a notch.

CAHU

Le Pratique Black Doublure Bleue

€280

The blue lining is electric!

12. Dragon Diffusion

Jane Birkin's affinity for basket bags has been a footprint for French handbag trends. Although Dragon diffusion isn't a French brand, it is well-loved in Paris.

Shop Dragon Diffusion:

DRAGON DIFFUSION

Grace Small Woven Leather Tote

£289

Look at this contrasting colourway.

DRAGON DIFFUSION

Japan Woven Leather Tote

£362

The patina gets even richer with age.

DRAGON DIFFUSION

Bali Basket Woven Leather Tote

£362

Black woven leather handbag can be worn well into autumn.