10 French Handbag Brands to Know & Where to Shop Them in Paris
There’s something magical about finding the bag, the one that feels like you. In Paris, that moment feels even more special. Between centuries-old ateliers and emerging designers, the city has a way of turning craftsmanship into emotion.
You’ve probably heard of the classic French luxury houses, the Chanels and Hermès of the world, but today, I wanted to share a few names you may not know yet! These brands are just as stunning, carrying that same timeless spirit of French design while offering something a little fresher, a little more attainable, and entirely unique.
Here are 10 French handbag brands that capture the art of timeless style, from heritage houses to new names making their mark. Whether you’re planning a trip to Paris or just dreaming from afar, I’ve also added a map at the end so you can shop these treasures next time you stroll through the city of light.
And if you’re not in Paris right now, don’t worry. Most of these brands ship internationally. Just be sure to review taxes and duties at checkout so you don’t get any surprises when your new favorite bag arrives at your door!
1. Polène
📍 69 Rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris, France
Founded in 2016 by three siblings, Polène has become a symbol of modern French minimalism. Each piece is imagined in their Paris studio and brought to life by artisans in Ubrique, Spain, a town known for luxury leatherwork. The designs are sculptural yet soft, blending structure with movement. Every curve, fold, and texture is crafted with care using leather from certified Italian and Spanish tanneries. Recently, the brand ventured into jewelry, turning their love of organic shapes into delicate 24-carat gold pieces made in Italy.
Maéva’s take: Polène is for those who adore quiet elegance and love pieces that feel like art you can wear every day.
2. Léo et Violette
📍 12 Rue Sainte-Anne, 75001 Paris, France
Born in 2013 from the vision of a Parisian couple, Léo et Violette creates handbags that are as functional as they are elegant. Each design comes to life in their Paris studio before being handcrafted in Italy or Spain using full-grain leather and suede. Their style is refined and simple, with no loud logos or flashy details, just pure design that grows more beautiful with time.
Maéva’s take: These are the bags that slip effortlessly into your wardrobe, perfect for everyday wear and a capsule collection built on ease and sophistication.
3. Ateliers Auguste
📍 8 Rue de Turenne, 75004 Paris, France
Created by two brothers in 2018, Ateliers Auguste combines Parisian design with the kind of craftsmanship Italy does best. The brand draws inspiration from architecture, with clean lines and modern shapes influenced by icons like Le Corbusier. Every piece is made from premium leather and designed with purpose. It’s functional yet refined, simple yet strong, a true reflection of urban life done the French way.
Maéva’s take: For those who love thoughtful design and timeless structure, these bags are quiet confidence in leather form.
4. Fleuron Paris
📍 3 Rue Saint-Fiacre, 75002 Paris, France
Fleuron Paris was founded with one idea in mind: to bring structure and sophistication together. Designed in Paris and made from smooth Italian leather, each piece is defined by balance, architectural yet soft, modern yet timeless. Fleuron feels elevated but approachable, perfect for those who love pieces that adapt easily from day to night without losing their polished charm.
Maéva’s take: Think of Fleuron as the friend who’s always effortlessly put together, calm, classic, and quietly confident.
5. Le Tanneur
📍 16 Bd des Capucines, 75009 Paris, France
With roots dating back to 1898, Le Tanneur is one of France’s most beloved heritage brands. For more than a century, they’ve perfected the art of fine leatherwork, creating handbags that are simple, refined, and built to last. Each piece carries the spirit of true French craftsmanship, beautiful lines, timeless shapes, and attention to every stitch.
Maéva’s take: A classic choice for anyone who values authenticity, quality, and that unmistakable touch of French tradition.
6. Pourchet
📍 13 Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France
Since 1903, Pourchet has been bringing French charm to everyday life. Their bags have that perfectly polished silhouette you expect from a Parisian brand, but with little details that make them unique, subtle textures, soft colors, and just the right amount of shine. It’s accessible luxury without compromise, the kind that feels as at home at a café as it does at a soirée.
Maéva’s take: A wonderful option if you’re building your first French collection or just want a bag that feels timeless and easy to wear.
7. Fauvette Paris
📍 in Passage Doré - 6 Rue du Château d'Eau, 75010 Paris, France
Founded by Claire Rischette in 2013, Fauvette Paris is one of those brands that instantly feels personal. Claire fell in love with leatherwork, trained as an artisan, and now designs and creates her bags in her Parisian atelier. Every piece is handmade using beautiful leathers from France, Italy, and Spain. The clasps are gilded with 24-carat gold, and the hardware is crafted by one of the last French brass buckle makers. Each bag carries a story, thoughtful, feminine, and made with love.
Maéva’s take: If you’re drawn to craftsmanship and soul, Fauvette is a hidden gem worth discovering in person.
8. Elleme
📍 19 Rue Ferdinand Duval, 75004 Paris, France
Founded in Paris in 2015, Elleme takes its name from “Elle aime,” meaning “she loves,” and truly, there’s so much to love. Their sculptural designs strike that perfect balance between bold and wearable, with signature styles like the Baozi and Dimple. Handmade in Italy, Elleme’s pieces are sleek, contemporary, and incredibly chic. It’s no wonder they’ve found fans among style icons from Hailey Bieber to Beyoncé.
Maéva’s take: If you adore standout shapes that still feel effortless, Elleme is your match. Every bag feels like a modern classic.
9. Pö&me Paris
📍 19 Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris, France
Pö&me, pronounced “Po and me,” is a family story, a collaboration between Julie and her son Mickaël. Together, they blend poetry and craftsmanship into each creation. Every bag is handmade in France and named after an actual poem, turning each design into a small piece of art. Their work is romantic and refined, with an attention to texture and emotion that makes each piece unforgettable.
Maéva’s take: For those who see fashion as a love language, Po&me’s bags are a perfect reminder that beauty and meaning can coexist.
10. Maison Rinceau
📍 Place du Marché Notre Dame, 78000 Versailles, France - By Appoitenment Only
Maison Rinceau, founded by Mathilde and Maxime, feels like a bridge between art and architecture. Designed in France and crafted in Italy, their bags are inspired by travel, design, and the curves of European landmarks. Each one feels sculptural yet fluid, balancing strength and grace in a way that feels truly modern. Even their name, “Rinceau,” comes from an ornamental motif, a nod to art carved in stone. Beyond their handbags, they also create beautiful satin scarves printed in rich tones and intricate patterns.
Maéva’s take: If you’re drawn to architectural beauty and timeless craftsmanship, Maison Rinceau pieces will feel like art you carry.
Discover Paris in Style
Planning a trip to Paris? I’ve pinned the boutiques and ateliers of these beautiful French houses on a custom map, from Polène’s elegant flagship to Fauvette’s cozy workshop.
Explore the full Shop French Handbags in Paris map below and save it for your next visit. Whether you’re wandering through Le Marais or Saint-Germain, there’s a little piece of Parisian craftsmanship waiting to be discovered!
Looking for more? Explore the full Paris Shopping Map as well as the Paris Dining Map I created!
Final Thoughts
Every bag tells a story, a quiet reflection of who we are and how we move through the world. From the ateliers of Paris to your everyday moments, these French brands remind us that elegance lives in simplicity and that beauty begins with craftsmanship.
Whether you discover them in person or online, I hope they inspire you to choose pieces that feel like you, ones to love for years to come!
Looking for more French finds? You might also be interested in:
With Amour,
M.