31 Best Luxury French Handbag Brands & Designers
Handbags are the ultimate accessory and addition to any wardrobe.
They’ve become the status symbols that we love to show off, the trusted confidantes that hold our most prized possessions, and the finishing touch that can truly make or break an outfit.
Any fashion lover knows that a handbag is more than just an accessory, it’s an expression of our personal style, taste, and sometimes, even our aspirations.
And when it comes to luxury handbags, France is the clear leader.
French brands and designers have a knack for crafting pieces that embody style, elegance, and haute couture quality that has withstood the test of time.
They are the forerunners of the fashion world, and their creations, ranging from shoulder bags to crossbody bags, from mini bags to totes, continue to set the trend, season after season.
Today, we’re going to be chatting about the best of the best – the 31 finest luxury French handbag brands and designers.
These are the brands that not only French women love and admire but women around the world as well.
French fashion brands are renowned for their quality, designs, and rich history in the fashion industry.
These brands continue to win us over with their innovative designs, keeping their place as the designers of the most sought-after handbags available on the market.
Whether you’re someone who keeps tabs on every new collection or simply a woman who just appreciates the classic beauty of a well-crafted handbag, these brands all offer something for you.
The Best French Handbag Brands
1. Hermès
Founded in 1837, Hermès is a French luxury brand that has built a reputation that has withstood the test of time. It is without a doubt one of the top French purse brands in the world
Its iconic Birkin bag, named after the acclaimed English actress and singer Jane Birkin, is a status symbol and testament to the brand’s long-standing relationship with the highest quality of craftsmanship.
The brand also gave us the fashionable Kelly bag, named after Grace Kelly.
As beautiful as these handbags are, Hermès is also known to be one of the world’s most expensive handbag brands on the luxury market, with certain limited editions being some of the most expensive handbags, some in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range, and still yielding high demand.
2. Louis Vuitton
One of the most well known French brands, Louis Vuitton has become a household name in the fashion industry and is loved for its innovative yet timeless designs.
This brand was founded in 1854 when this French fashion house introduced the world to the designer luggage trend.
But it’s the brand’s variety of handbags – from tote bags to shoulder bags – that truly secures its place among the best handbag brands.
The LV monogram is known worldwide and is a symbol of both the brand’s rich history and its ability to stay relevant throughout the years.
This french brand has also been closely linked to the popular Amercia fashion brand, Marc Jacobs, as Marc Jacobs served as the creative director for Louis Vuitton from the early 90’s through 2014.
Louis Vuitton’s designer bags are often considered attainable luxury items and is of the most affordable brands on this list.
3. Chanel
Chanel, another of the most well-known French luxury brands that’s been a staple in the fashion world since 1910, is synonymous with elegance.
Its founder, Coco Chanel, revolutionized women’s fashion and her legacy certainly lives on via Chanel bags.
The Chanel Classic Flap Bag, designed by Karl Lagerfeld in the 1980s, remains one of the most iconic bags to date.
Crafted with high-quality leather and featuring the brand’s signature quilted design, this bag is a literal testament to the luxury and elegance of French fashion.
4. Dior
Christian Dior is the man behind the well-known French luxury fashion house.
Dior, which introduced a new era of style post-WWII, is known today for its classic, innovative designs, with the Lady Dior designer handbag leading the pack.
The story goes that this exquisite bag was named after Princess Diana (affectionately known as Lady Di), who fell in love with it in 1995, making it a popular handbag choice among royals and thus celebrities alike.
5. Givenchy
Givenchy, founded by designer Hubert de Givenchy in 1952, combines traditional and modern design elements.
Its iconic Antigona bag, with its structured design and sleek leather finish, is the epitome of the brand’s beautiful and unique aesthetic.
Givenchy became a household name in the fashion world due to its longstanding association with iconic figures like Audrey Hepburn, solidifying its place among the best French handbag designers.
6. Céline
Known for its minimalist and contemporary designs, Céline, under the creative direction of Phoebe Philo, became the go-to brand for French girl handbags.
More recently, Hedi Slimane, the current creative director, has brought in new changes. However, the brand’s line of handbags continues to resonate with fashion lovers who appreciate simplicity paired with sophistication.
7. Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent, founded in 1961 by the designer of the same name, has created some of the most iconic handbags in fashion history, such as the YSL Monogram Bag.
Known for its edgy, modern designs, the French brand consistently offers bags that are not only high-quality and fashionable but also practical, like their envelope clutch or their LouLou shoulder bag.
8. Balenciaga
Another household name, Balenciaga was founded in 1919 by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. This French brand is revered for its innovative and often avant-garde designs.
Balenciaga’s Motorcycle Bag has become one of the most recognizable bags in recent years, with its distinctive hardware and tassel detailing. It is a favorite among both celebrities and fashion lovers alike.
9. Goyard
Goyard, a lesser-known but equally luxurious French brand, specializes in hand-painted leather goods, making their handbags truly one-of-a-kind.
Their St. Louis tote is a fan favorite, offering a blend of durability and style that stands out in a sea of luxury French purses.
10. Chloé
Chloé is known for its feminine, bohemian designs that often feature soft leathers, delicate hardware, and intricate detailing.
The Chloé Drew bag, with its rounded shape and oversized hardware, really shows off the brand’s delicate and feminine aesthetic.
11. Lanvin
With its roots dating back to 1889, Lanvin is one of the oldest French fashion houses still in operation today.
Jeanne Lanvin, the founder, was best known for her innovative and intricate designs.
The brand has maintained its reputation, especially for its beautifully crafted handbags.
The “Jiji” bag is a popular pick, thanks to its gorgeous design and practical shoulder strap.
12. Loewe
While not technically a French fashion brand, the influence of this Italian brand within French fashion can not be overlooked!
Creative Director Jonathan Anderson has helped cement the brand’s place in the world of luxury fashion accessories, with designs like the Puzzle Bag, which can be worn in multiple ways, showcasing both brand innovation and practicality in their handbag designs.
13. Moynat
Founded in 1849, Moynat is another one of the oldest French leather goods brands.
This luxury fashion brand stands out for its traditional craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and fashionable designs.
Their Réjane bag, an homage to the Belle Époque actress Gabrielle Réjane, is an embodiment of the brand’s timeless aesthetic.
14. Longchamp
This family-run French brand, founded by Jean Cassegrain in 1948, is a go-to for durable bags that definitely don’t skimp on style.
Longchamp’s Le Pliage bag has become an iconic bag in the fashion world, known for its lightweight design, wide range of colors, and an affordable price tag compared to some of the other luxury brands listed here.
15. Fauré Le Page
While this brand originated in the arms industry in the 18th century, Fauré Le Page transitioned to leather goods in the 20th century.
Now, it’s a rising star among French handbag designers, known for its durable canvas and leather bags with distinctive scale motifs, reminiscent of the brand’s past history.
16. Roger Vivier
Though Roger Vivier, the man behind the brand, was originally known for his incredibly fashionable shoe designs, the brand’s journey into handbags has been just as successful.
Known for their meticulous attention to detail, Roger Vivier bags bring a dose of elegance to any outfit.
17. Jerome Dreyfuss
Jerome Dreyfuss is a contemporary French handbag brand that focuses on creating stylish and practical bags.
Famous for their namesake bags like “Billy” and “Bob,” they offer a unique Parisian charm combined with functionality.
The bags are the perfect compliment for the modern woman.
18. Vanessa Bruno
Vanessa Bruno handbags, especially the brand’s sequined canvas totes, have become a must-have accessory for French women and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Known for their boho-chic aesthetic and practical designs, these bags add a touch of effortless French style to any look.
19. Louboutin
This list wouldn’t be complete without listing the infamous Louboutin! Christian Louboutin, the brand behind the iconic red-bottomed heels, also offers a line of handbags every bit as luxurious and distinctive as their footwear.
From elegant special occasion and evening clutches to everyday totes, Louboutin bags offer something for anyone and everyone.
20. A.P.C.
A.P.C., a French brand known for its minimalist designs, has a range of handbags that are simple, chic, and high-quality.
Their Half-Moon bag, in particular, has become a staple for those who appreciate understated luxury at a more reasonable price point.
21. Jacquemus
Simon Porte Jacquemus, one of the youngest designers in the French fashion industry, has taken the fashion world by storm with his brand, Jacquemus.
The Le Chiquito bag, a mini bag that made a big impression, is arguably one of the most iconic French bags in recent years.
22. Delvaux
While Delvaux is of Belgian origin, its influence on French and global fashion, like Loewe, has been super important.
Delvaux handbags are known for their top-tier craftsmanship and classic designs which offer a sense of refined luxury.
23. Polène
Another brand that’s relatively new in the fashion world, Polène is quickly becoming a favorite among handbag enthusiasts.
Their Numéro Un bag, known for its elegant curvature and top-quality materials, is the perfect accessory with a blend of traditional elegance and modern chic.
This is another brand that offers handbags at a more affordable price.
24. Moynat
Established in 1849, Moynat is another contender for one of the oldest French leather goods brands.
With a focus on top-quality materials and artisanal craftsmanship, Moynat handbags are a testament to the brand’s legacy of elegance and quality for the everyday woman.
25. Le Tanneur
Le Tanneur, a French brand dating back to 1898, blends traditional craftsmanship with modern designs.
The brand offers a range of handbags, from shoulder bags to totes, that combine practicality with the elegant French aesthetic, which honestly, is something any woman would love.
26. Maison Margiela
Established in 1988 by Martin Margiela, Maison Margiela is what is known as an avant-garde fashion house – known for pushing boundaries and doing new and innovative things.
The brand’s handbag collection includes unconventional designs like the ‘Glam Slam’, a plush, quilted bag that definitely make a statement.
27. Sonia Rykiel
Sonia Rykiel, very appropriately named the “Queen of Knits” by Women’s Wear Daily, brought her fashion sense to handbags, creating pieces that echo her signature style.
The Le Copain Bag, a pyramid-studded accessory, comes in a variety of beautiful colors and finishes, reflecting Rykiel’s fun Parisian aesthetic.
While Sonia Rykiel may be one of the lesser-known French purse brands, it’s certainly one to check out.
28. Lancel
Founded in 1876 by Angèle and Alphonse Lancel, this brand has been a purveyor of fine leather goods for over a century.
The Charlie Bag, named after founder Angèle Lancel’s nickname, has been a hit since its launch in 2015.
Lancel is great at showing off a balance of classic and modern design.
29. Barbara Bui
Barbara Bui, known for her edgy and elegant designs, entered the handbag scene with the same mission.
Her collections offer a mix of feminine and rock-chic aesthetics, producing bags that are not just at home on the runway but fit in great on the streets of Paris as well.
Additionally, Barbara Bui is one of the more affordable French purse brands on this list.
30. Carven
Despite the changes in creative direction since its founding in 1945, Carven has always maintained a focus on youthful and whimsical designs.
The brand’s handbags follow the same approach.
With pieces like the Malher Bag, a mini leather crossbody that comes in bright and vibrant colors, this brand is great at making a bold fashion statement with accessories.
31. Kenzo
Founded by Kenzo Takada in 1970, Kenzo is a brand that embraces multicultural influences, vibrant colors, and nature-inspired prints.
Its handbags, like the Tiger Embroidered Tote, show off the brand’s vibrant and playful sides. These bags are perfect for adding a pop of color to your outfit.
FAQs
What makes French handbags some of the best?
The Legacy
French handbag designers have made a lasting impact on the fashion world. Their designs have not only led the way in trends, but they have also carved out a unique space in fashion history.
These brands have managed to evolve while maintaining their original identity, which is extremely hard to do in an industry that is constantly changing.
The creations that come out of these french brands continuously inspire designers worldwide.
Incredible Craftsmanship
The craftsmanship that goes into every French handbag is truly extraordinary. From the meticulous attention to detail, the selection of the highest quality materials, to the hours spent perfecting each piece, French handbags truly are much more than just a fashion accessory.
These bags are a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans who create durable and stylish pieces with great love and care.
They are more than just a brand name
When it comes to French luxury handbags, it isn’t just about the brand; it’s about the story that each bag tells. The inspiration drawn from French culture, the transformation of a simple idea into a tangible, elegant, and luxurious product is what sets these bags apart.
Each bag has its own personality and charm, which makes it wonderful and unique.
They are investment pieces
The classic designs and quality of French handbags mean they retain their value over time. Some, like the Hermès Birkin or the Chanel Classic Flap Bag, even appreciate in value, meaning they become worth more the longer you have them.
This is particularly true for limited-edition pieces. Because of this, these handbags not only make a great accessory to your look, but a good investment as well.
French Culture and History
This one can’t be overlooked – each French handbag encapsulates a piece of French culture and history. Whether it’s the inspiration behind the design or the traditional crafting
techniques used, these bags are a reflection of France’s rich heritage and ongoing contribution to the fashion world.
Are French handbags worth the cost?
When browsing for a French handbag you’ll likely find that these bags can come with hefty price tags and you might be wondering if it’s worth it.
However, as mentioned above, these handbags can often be seen as an investment, especially if they are limited edition pieces.
The classic designs and long-lasting quality mean they retain their value over time.
So, if you are going to invest in a luxury handbag, be sure to take care of it and treat it properly to ensure it lasts for many years to come!
Conclusion
It’s clear that there really is something magical about French handbags.
They are more than just an accessory and a means to carry your essentials; they are a statement of style, a symbol of sophistication, and a piece of art that reflects the rich heritage of the French fashion industry.
Not to mention, if cared for properly, they have the potential to be a great investment piece!
As any French woman will tell you, the right bag is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.
As Coco Chanel herself once said, “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
The handbags from these fashion designers have certainly proven that to be true.
I hope with this list, you’ll be well on your way to investing in your next fashion piece!
