10 French Handbag Brands, Luxury and Affordable: Our Favorites

People from Paris and many other French cities have been known for their elegance and style.

Their reputation is justified by the many fashion brands that they have offered to the world, by their lifestyle, and pretty much what you see when you are in these cities.

Even with just casual outfits, French women have a unique touch on how they dress themselves. One of the main parts of this elegant style is the handbag that they carry.

And in France there is no shortage of handbag brands with a rich history. This will be the topic of today’s article!

We will talk about 10 of the best Handbag Brands from France, their history and iconic bags.

In this selection we have picked both luxury and affordable brands, for every taste and budget.

So, let’s take a look!

Table of Contents:

• 1. Chanel
• 2. Céline
• 3. Chloé
• 4. Longchamp
• 5. Louis Vuitton
• 6. Givenchy
• 7. Hermès
• 8. Dior
• 9. Louvreuse
• 10. Nat and Nin

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1. Chanel

One of the most popular French brands right now is Chanel. It’s not only known for its handbags but also for its perfumes, apparel, makeup, skincare, and even jewelry.

The brand was founded by the French designer Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel, who was born in 1883.

After she learned to sew at a young age, in 1910 Coco decided to open up her hat shop, named Chanel Modes, in Rue Cambon 21, Paris. Then, in 1913, there is the opening of her first boutique in Deauville.

With regards to bags, Chanel’s most popular design is the 2.55 shoulder bag.

Learn more: The Chanel 2.55 Bag: A Timeless Classic

Image: www.chanel.com (Small 2.55 Handbag)

Although the brand has been manufacturing handbags even before this model, the concept of the presence of a comfortable strap so that the hands can remain free, was what made it one of the most revolutionary bags during its introduction.

Today, Gabrielle Chanel’s 2.55 handbags are still as popular as ever. This bag model is available in leather and fabric materials.

The cost of these bags range from around $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the material used.

Check Out the Small 2.55 Handbag on Chanel.com

2. Céline

No one would have thought that the French fashion powerhouse, Céline, began as a shoe shop for children in 1945.

The brand started out selling custom-made shoes and, then, it started selling footwear for women and accessories.

Later on, by the early 1960s they decided to expand their operations and sell sporty outfits for the ladies as well.

Today, Céline designs and sells a wide range of products for both men and women. They have jewelry, sunglasses, accessories, perfumes, apparel, and handbags.

One of the most popular handbags sold by Céline can be found in their Luggage series. The handbags under this collection are available in countless designs and sizes.

Image: www.celine.com (Nano Luggage bag)

Their Nano Luggage bag, for instance, costs around $3,000 and is made with drummed calfskin leather.

It uses silver metal hardware, has a zipper closure, an inner flat pocket, and a removable leather strap. Its lining is also made of calfskin.

Since Céline handbags are made from luxurious skins, the brand advises users to protect them from humidity and avoid contact with liquid as much as possible.

Check Out the Nano Luggage Bag on Celine.com

Read also: Italian vs French Fashion Style: What Are the Differences?

3. Chloé

The luxury fashion brand Chloé was founded by Gabrielle Aghion, an Egyptian-French fashion designer, in 1952.

Besides their handbags, the brand is known for providing shoes, accessories, and apparel for women.

One of their top handbags is the Marcie series. These bags are designed to have two top handles as well as a detachable strap.

Image: www.chloe.com (Marcie bag)

Users can decide to carry the Marcie bag on their forearm or over their shoulder, whichever they prefer.

Marcie bags come in different designs and colors. The cost to have one of these bags ranges from around $500 to $2,500.

Check Out the Marcie Bag on Chloe.com

4. Longchamp

When it comes to affordable French handbags, you can’t go wrong when shopping at Longchamp especially their “Le Pliage” bag. The brand was founded in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain.

Longchamp caters to both men and women, offering products such as wallets, apparel, accessories, shoes, and of course, bags.

Image: www.longchamp.com (Le Pliage Original bag)

The Le Pliage Bag is one of the most iconic products sold by Longchamp.

The cost of Le Pliage Original bag range from about $100 to $200, depending on size and color.

It can easily hold essential documents or even a laptop and can be worn comfortably on the shoulder.

Check Out the Le Pliage Original Bag on Longchamp.com

5. Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton is perhaps one of the most popular fashion brands worldwide. The brand was founded in 1854 by an expert craftsman named Louis Vuitton.

Image: www.louisvuitton.com (Speedy 30 Monogram Handbag)

The brand is known for selling handbags, shoes, jewelry, watches, and other small leather goods to both men and women.

One of their best-selling handbag collections is the Speedy series.

These elegant yet compact handbags are great for city dwellers.

Bags in this collection are designed with Louis Vuitton’s signature padlock with rolled leather handles for a luxurious yet comfortable feel when carrying them around.

The Speedy 30 handbag in the image above costs around $1,200.

Check Out the Speedy 30 Monogram Bag on LouisVuitton.com

You might also like: Louis Vuitton vs Gucci Bags: Which Brand is Better?

6. Givenchy

Givenchy was founded by Hubert de Givenchy in 1952, the same year he introduced women’s apparel that would change fashion history forever.

The brand is known for selling shoes, accessories, outfits, and bags for both men and women.

Some of their top-selling handbags under the Antigona collection are their soft bags made with smooth leather.

The Antigona Soft Bags are priced from about $2,ooo to $3,000 depending on the material used and size.

These beautiful bags are popular for their luxurious leather construction and distinctive architectural appearance.

Check Out the Antigona Bags on Givenchy.com

7. Hermès

Founded in 1837, Hermès is known for producing numerous handbags. One of the iconic designs sold by the brand is the Birkin bag.

These bags were inspired by the British actress Jane Birkin in 1984 when she wanted a bag that could cater to her needs as a young mother.

The Birkin bag was made to offer both design and practicality, with generous capacity to store important documents and items.

The cost to have one of these bags approximately range from $10,000 to $100,000. But there are “special” models that can cost beyond this price.

8. Dior

If you fancy Dior goods, you will certainly love the brand’s iconic bag: the Lady Dior. This handbag is made from soft lambskin with rounded handles and the peculiar Cannage pattern.

Image: www.dior.com (Lady Dior MyABCDior bag)

The Lady Dior My ABCDior Bag, for instance, provides a wide, reversible, and removable shoulder strap.

This type of design allows you to carry the bag by hand, wear it over your shoulder, or place it across the body.

The My ABCDior Bag costs around $5,000 and can be personalized based on your requirements.

Check Out the Lady Dior My ABCDior Bag on Dior.com

9. Louvreuse

For those who are looking for handbags that are both unique and creative, then Louvreuse is an interesting option to check out.

The French brand was founded in 2016 by Victoire de Villiers who wanted to combine both fashion and art, making handbags that resemble real artworks.

Image: www.louvreuse.com (Cleo Pyramid bag)

The Cleo Navy Velvet Pyramid bag, for example, looks exactly just like its name.

Its pyramidal design will catch many people off-guard. It comes with a golden chain that can be carried by hand or worn on the shoulder.

This bag costs around $400.

Apart from the navy color, the Cleo Pyramid bags are also sold in black leather.

Louvreuse is one of the more affordable choices when you are looking for a chic yet stylish handbag that will make you stand out.

Check Out the Cleo Navy Velvet Pyramid Bag on Louvreuse.com

10. Nat and Nin

Nat & Nin was founded by two sisters who shared the same passion for designing and producing handbags.

The family business was founded in 2005 with a mission to bring back classic, practical, yet fashionable bags that can be brought anywhere.

Image: www.nat-nit.fr (Naomi backpack)

The Naomi handbag – backpack is one of the latest designs sold by Nat & Nin.

It comes with adjustable straps that have a maximum length of 87 centimeters and a small top handle.

Meanwhile, it has a zipper closure that secures items that you store within. It has a single zipper pocket on its back while another one can be found inside.

This bag costs around $250 and is available in crocodile printed black leather.

Check Out the Naomi Backpack on Nat-Nin.fr