Are you looking for the Best French Luxury Brands? You’ve come to the right place! France has always been linked with sophistication, elegance, and timeless style, owing to its rich cultural legacy.
French businesses have continuously set the benchmark for the rest of the world to follow when it comes to luxury fashion and lifestyle.
Paris is also recognized as the fashion capital, and it stages one of the world’s largest fashion events, Paris Fashion Week. With all these facts, it’s easy to state that French luxury brands are unbeatable.
We will look at some of the top French luxury companies that have gained international acclaim for their dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation.
Things you'll find in this article
- 18 Best French Luxury Brands
- Why Do the French Have the Most Luxury Brands?
- 1. Chanel
- 2. Lanvin
- 3. Bugatti
- 4. Veuve Clicquot
- 5. Ligne Roset
- 6. Cartier
- 7. Louis Vuitton
- 8. Hermes
- 9. Celine
- 10. Dior
- 11. Boucheron
- 12. Breguet
- 13. Lancôme
- 14. Van Cleef & Arpels
- 15. Jean Paul Gaultier
- 16. Christian Louboutin
- 17. Roche Bobois
- 18. Givenchy
18 Best French Luxury Brands
Why Do the French Have the Most Luxury Brands?
Since France is the birthplace of craftsmanship, with a centuries-long international reputation. Paris is frequently regarded as the worldwide luxury capital. French tradition, acquired from the country’s extensive past, blends heritage, culture, food, and production.
Surprisingly while most believe France to be the epicenter of luxury fashion including accessories, it is not consistently listed as the largest country for luxury products.
However, in particular areas, French luxury companies appear to rise to the top of the premium list. For example, Louis Vuitton was named the most recognizable company in the world in 2023, topping customers in 80 nations.
For many years, the city has been home to a slew of boutique firms, especially in the apparel and jewelry sectors. Many luxury firms now include references to their Parisian heritage in their logo designs.
1. Chanel
Chanel, the preeminent French fashion brand, has had a powerful and enduring effect on women’s Haute Couture in the twentieth century.
Gabrielle Chanel, popularly known as Coco, is the creator of Chanel and, the woman in front of the creation of the Chanel brand. She was raised in a poor household in France but was quickly orphaned.
The House of Chanel has grown from humble origins on a Parisian street in the early twentieth century to become one of the world’s top luxury brands.
The House of Chanel originally opened its doors to the public as a millinery in 1909. Coco practiced her trade there with the fashion-conscious contemporary mistresses of the French hunting and sports élite, as well as acquaintances of her socialite as well as textile businessman Beau.
Coco Chanel passed away in 1971 at the age of 87. However, with the appointment of the new Creative Director, Karl Lagerfeld, the Chanel brand rapidly survived and expanded. The Ready-To-Wear line debuted around this period.
This was novel, as haute couture and similar items were often worn by celebrities. Others may now purchase and wear Chanel on the street. It was both high couture and streetwear.
RELATED READ: Most Expensive Chanel Handbags As Of 2023
2. Lanvin
Lanvin’s tale begins in 1889, in a modest hat shop in the center of Paris. When Jeanne Lanvin launched her first hat business in 1889 on the upper floor of a store, she was barely over the age of 22 and had completed her apprenticeship.
Her skill was extremely astounding even at such a young age. Jeanne Lanvin’s success extended beyond Paris.
The typography with the brand name is straightforward. Paul Iribe invented this in 1923. The emblem, which appears above the letters in this case, was inspired by a photograph of creator Jeanne Lanvin dancing and holding her daughter.
She described her trips and the traditional clothing that caught her attention, such as Indian saris, Chinese garb, toreador garments, and other ethnic fabrics and designs.
Jeanne Lanvin realized that producing a Lanvin scent was the natural next step. After all, perfume is a must-have item on any woman’s vanity. Maria Zède created the first perfume, My Sin, which was released in the United States in 1925.
Although Lanvin is still associated with French refinement, it is evolving and emphasizing streetwear. The Curb sneaker, a chunky shoe influenced by ’90s skate culture and developed by Sialelli, is now one of Lanvin’s trademarks.
3. Bugatti
Ettore Bugatti, an Italian-born vehicle manufacturer, created Bugatti in 1909. The firm is known for creating some of the world’s most prestigious sports vehicles, which are famous for their performance, flair, and exclusivity.
Bugatti’s early years were distinguished by a streak of racing triumphs that helped to establish the company’s image as an industry leader.
The Type 35 was a significant early model that won numerous races and served to solidify Bugatti’s reputation as a top-tier racing team.
Bugatti only makes a few number of cars every year, which contributes to their exclusivity and expensive price.
In comparison to other automobile manufacturers, the firm produces just about 70 vehicles each year. This implies that Bugatti automobiles are in high demand, which helps to keep their high price.
Today, Bugatti is regarded as one of the world’s most rare and famous vehicle companies, with a reputation for manufacturing some of the most modern and opulent sports cars available.
Those who are fortunate enough to buy a Bugatti, are driving one of the most spectacular and rare automobiles on the road.
4. Veuve Clicquot
Philippe Clicquot, a Reims cloth dealer, founded the champagne house in 1772. When François Clicquot died unexpectedly in 1805, his 27-year-old wife, Barbe Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, took over the firm, no small achievement for this daring and adventurous 19th-century lady.
In French, veuve translates to widow. It is because of a young French woman called Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin that the champagne many Danes recognize by name nowadays is Veuve Clicquot, dubbed The Yellow Widow.
While Madame Clicquot passed away in 1866, she is credited with helping to create the magnificent crystal-clear drink that we know today.
She invented the remuage technique in champagne manufacturing, which has since been adopted by all champagne manufacturers and is being used today by tiny or extremely traditional champagne producers where the champagne is still prepared by hand rather than by machines.
Veuve Clicquot’s marketing approach aims to pitch its brand as a lifestyle rather than merely champagne. The brand promotes a certain way of life.
The most expensive Veuve Clicquot bottle is a shipwrecked bottle from 1841 that costs $31,656.90.
The 1841 Veuve Clicquot, discovered aboard the same shipwreck that housed the aforementioned 1820 Juglar vintages, not only holds the distinction of being the most costly bottle in the entire collection to have been offered for sale at auction, but it is also the oldest bottle in the world.
5. Ligne Roset
Ligne Roset is a high-end French modern furniture firm whose products are noted for their unique design, craftsmanship, and comfort.
In 1860, Antoine Roset established a wood processing plant in Montagnieu, France, which served as the forerunner of today’s well-known Ligne Roset furniture firm.
Initially, Ligne Roset specialized in timber items of all kinds like chair frames, umbrellas, as well as walking sticks. However, Ligne Roset did not enter the upholstered furniture market until 1936.
Ligne Roset Furniture is still a family-run business today, with over 150 locations and 700 retail distributors throughout the world. Furthermore, the firm maintains showrooms in key cities in places like Paris, Los Angeles, and Tokyo and works actively with over 50 designers.
Ligne Roset goods are developed at the plant in Briord, France, where quality control is assured from start to finish. Ligne Roset, an exterior emblem of excellence, is imprinted on each product.
Briord has been the company’s headquarters since 1973, and it has developed significantly since then. Armchairs, upholstery, sofa beds, occasional Tables, media storage, entrance, and sideboards are now available from Ligne Roset.
6. Cartier
Cartier is a French luxury goods company that creates and sells high-end watches and jewelry. Few fashion and jewelry design firms in the world have achieved the status of Cartier.
Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, who took over his master’s factory.
Despite the enormous uncertainty and turbulence that accompanied the continuing French Revolution, Cartier continued to find prosperity and expansion over the next decade, launching the first Cartier shop in 1859.
While every Cartier watch is remarkable, there are a few notable collections that have changed our perception of watches. Cartier’s renowned collections include Santos, Tank, Pasha de Cartier, Panthère de Cartier, and Ballon Bleu.
Cartier’s emphasis on excellence may be seen in its designs and products. To manufacture its items, the firm only employs the best materials and the most competent artisans. Because of this attention to detail, Cartier’s jewelry is among the most sought-after in the world.
Cartier was a family business from its inception in 1847 until 1964. It is now a completely owned subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group, but its headquarters are still in Paris, France.
7. Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton, one of the world’s most recognizable luxury brands, is linked with high-end leather products, renowned steamer trunks, distinctive monogram handbags, exquisite timepieces and jewels, and cutting-edge fashion.
Louis Vuitton was a French clothes designer and artisan who founded his namesake business in Paris in 1854.
The legendary Louis Vuitton brand’s hallmarks include the LV monogram, which refers to the brand’s name and is written in a bold and beautiful typeface, and the four-petal flower adornment, which was conceived by Georges-Louis Vuitton in 1896 and represents joy.
When Louis died at the age of 70, his son, Georges, took over the firm. His father founded the firm, but Georges grew it into a global brand.
Bernard Arnault is in charge of the LVMH empire, which includes 75 fashion along with cosmetics companies such as Louis Vuitton and Sephora. In 2021, LVMH paid $15.8 billion for American jeweler Tiffany & Co, thought to be the largest luxury brand transaction ever.
The iconic monogram design on canvas, which is instantly identifiable, is the most popular Louis Vuitton print. The distinctive print pays attention to the historical significance of the ageless design, staying true to the legendary brand’s past.
RELATED READ: Most Expensive Louis Vuitton Handbags As Of 2023
8. Hermes
Thierry Hermès founded Hermes in 1837 to establish a saddle-making company in Paris, during a time when horse-drawn carriage was still the standard.
The brand’s reputation for workmanship was established early on, laying the groundwork for excellence that would be carried forward when its offers extended into other product areas.
It is well-known for its fine craftsmanship and use of high-end materials, as well as its famous handbags like the Birkin bag.
Hermès is principally operated by the Hermès family, who owns the bulk of the firm through their holding company, H51.
Hermès is considered to be one of the few luxury companies that has stayed independent of huge conglomerates such as LVMH. Nonetheless, by 2023, the Arnault family, who owns LVMH, had secured a 20% stake in Hermès.
RELATED READ: Most Expensive Hermès Handbags As Of 2023
9. Celine
Celine Vipiana together with her husband Richard launched Celine in 1945 to run a made-to-measure children’s shoe business on 52 rue Malte. Raymont Peynet, a cartoonist, designed the shop’s distinctive red elephant emblem.
Céline Vipiana, the company’s creator, designed the Triomphe logo when her automobile broke down right in front of the Arc de Triomphe. The chain around the renowned French monument immediately inspired Vipiana, and so the Celine Triomphe was formed.
By the 1970s, Celine had gone global, with new shops appearing all over the world. It is currently a subsidiary of the LVMH group, which is directed by Bernard Arnault and controlled through his private holding company.
Celine has used a variety of marketing methods to preserve its position as a premium luxury goods producer, high-end women’s clothing, and leather goods business since its founding in 1945.
Celine provides a wide range of expertly designed items, such as ready-to-wear apparel, purses, and accessories, including shoes.
Celine’s goods are distinguished by their clean lines, top-of-the-line supplies, and close attention to detail, which appeal to the brand’s target customer, who seeks understated elegance.
Celine now serves those with keen tastes in premium apparel and enjoys the brand’s simple style and superb craftsmanship.
RELATED READ: Most Expensive Celine Bags
10. Dior
Christian Dior, a French-born designer, launched Dior in October 1946. Dior was 41 years old at the time and had obtained considerable expertise in the arts; prior to studying as a garment designer, he operated an art gallery in Paris.
The company has been credited with reviving Paris as the world’s fashion center after it fell out of favor during WWII.
The Bar suit was regarded as the best-known and most famous model in the collection, embodying all of Dior’s dramatic atavism. According to records in the Dior archives, the very first model of the “Bar” suit had a notched collar.
The New Look, which consisted of a full-skirted style, gave a new face to wartime male uniforms and affected everyone. The J’Adore fragrance, as well as the Dior Addict lipstick, are among Dior’s most recognizable creations.
The cost of Dior items varies greatly based on the item and series. Dior goods are generally considered high-end luxury items and may be rather pricey.
Dior also released a new version of their popular Miss Dior fragrance in 2021, with Natalie Portman remaining as the scent’s face. Dior is presently led by businessman Bernard Arnault, who also serves as CEO of LVMH.
RELATED READ: Most Expensive Dior Bags In 2023
11. Boucheron
Boucheron exists as a French luxury jewelry company founded in 1858 by Frederic Boucheron. Since 1893, it has been primarily situated in Paris, Place Vendôme, and its direct distribution network consists of 34 stores distributed across the world. It is part of the Kering Group.
Boucheron manufactures watches, goldsmiths, fragrances, and luxury accessories in addition to fine jewelry and jewelry.
Diamonds weighing more than 0.20 carats are also accompanied by a certificate of authenticity that is issued by a gemological laboratory, which may include the Gemological Institute of America.
In Boucheron, all of the stone’s qualities, especially weight, size, as well as location, are shown. The diamonds acquired by Boucheron adhere to the Kimberly Process, which establishes rigorous trade standards between member nations and prohibits diamond trafficking in regions where guerrilla groups are funded.
The Boucheron jewelry house is still famed for its complex, free-spirited aesthetic. Boucheron’s designs are consistently innovative, showcasing exceptional French workmanship and distinctive stones.
The ‘Julia Necklace ($4,948,371.00),’ possibly the most costly Boucheron item to be auctioned in recent memory, features 423 diamonds plus 1,739 sapphires. The custom-made necklace was created in 2009 in partnership with designer Marc Newson, who devoted 1,500 hours to setting each diamond.
12. Breguet
Abraham-Louis Breguet founded the luxury watch as well as jewelry producer Breguet in 1775. It has operated as an operating unit of the Swiss Swatch Group since 1999.
Breguet pioneered incredible technological advances like as the creation of the first wristwatch, the self-winding watch, and finally, the tourbillon. The tourbillon was a breakthrough mechanism that counteracted gravity’s detrimental influence on pocket watches.
Limited editions are used by Breguet to create a sense of exclusivity surrounding their timepieces.
Each model is produced in limited quantities, making them more attractive to collectors and other high-end buyers. Breguet also uses limited editions to demonstrate its latest advances.
Breguet is currently recognized across the world for its excellent timepieces and provides 5 collections spanning the traditional dress and Type XX sport-watch lines. Prices might range between $18,000 and $740,000.
13. Lancôme
During a serious economic downturn in the mid-1930s, Armand Petitjean founded Lancôme. Lancôme has stood for beauty with a French accent for over 80 years. L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics corporation, owns it.
The world’s leading premium cosmetics company began with one guy and swiftly expanded to a thousand stores around France, guided by skilled ambassadors.
After its release in 2012, the clean and sweet combination of jasmine, orange, and patchouli gained a big hit. Lancôme is without a doubt one of the top luxury brands of the century, with over 7 billion dollars in sales and a net value of $10 billion.
Lancôme bestsellers include popular scents like La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum, effective skincare like Advanced Génifique Face Serum, and high-end makeup.
Lancôme has made important contributions to the beauty business by developing hundreds of skincare products that assist women in improving their skin in a natural way. It continually offers the globe a fantastic selection of fragrances and cosmetic goods without sacrificing quality.
14. Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels is a premium jewelry name that has long been associated with sophistication, grace, and beauty.
The brand is known for its excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail, and it has developed some of the most magnificent and iconic pieces in the history of jewelry creation, including items worn by world-famous actors and stars.
Alfred and Estelle’s brother Charles created Van Cleef & Arpels in 1906. They launched a store in Paris’ Place Vendome, immediately across from the Ritz Hotel.
This location drew many European nobles who fell in love with Van Cleef & Arpels’ designs, assisting in the global dissemination of Maison’s timeless pieces.
A four-leaf clover creation was debuted in 1968, and it is still associated with the company over half a century later. It had been influenced by the quatrefoil designs seen on the Moorish tiles of Granada’s Alhambra Palace.
In 2013, Sotheby’s Geneva established a global auction record for the most expensive piece of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry ever sold at auction, selling the Walska Briolette Diamond Brooch for more than $10.5 million.
15. Jean Paul Gaultier
Jean Paul Gaultier is a French fashion designer who is best known for his namesake design business and his seven-year term as chief designer at Hermès.
Gaultier launched his own fashion company and had his first runway presentation in Paris in 1976. He founded his company with the support of his significant other, Francis Menuge, and the two helped develop the Jean Paul Gaultier brand.
His clothing’s fabric and materials are unmistakable and difficult to wear by the general population; nonetheless, his garment may be unmistakable and even seem attractive and elegant since he employs unmistakable materials to portray his concepts.
The majority of garments on the market are created out of leather, wool, cotton, and other materials.
These textiles are used to make ready-to-wear clothes for purchasers. For example, he has created daily apparel with these materials for consumers who desire clothing that is both attractive and comfortable in their daily lives.
16. Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin is a French luxury brand that was created in Paris in 1992. Christian Louboutin’s premium French shoe designs are easily identifiable by the flash of his distinctive crimson seen on the soles of all his styles.
The name has become synonymous with artisan workmanship and red carpet beauty. In the early twenty-first century, Louboutin maintained a strong position on the international fashion scene, launching a European flagship shop on London’s Mount Street and opening a number of other boutiques in major cities.
The Christian Louboutin emblem is an instantly identifiable luxury icon. The brilliant red color represents passion and joy, whereas the sleek, elegant lines reflect sophistication and refinement.
The designs of Christian Louboutin are timeless masterpieces that mix elegance with a contemporary edge.
His shoes are a must-have for any fashion-forward woman looking to make a statement. Christian Louboutin’s beautiful designs are sure to make you spoilt for choice.
17. Roche Bobois
Roche Bobois is a French firm that is a world leader in high-end furniture design and marketing. Working with world-renowned designers including Marcel Wanders, Ora Ito, and Sacha Lakic.
Roche Bobois is the narrative of two unrelated families, the Roches along the Chouchans. Jacques Roche bought the ancient Alexandre Dumas Theater and converted it into two businesses.
His sons participated in the firm and helped to shape its development plan. They started by selling the finest modern furniture, largely influenced by Bauhaus designers.
Roche Bobois provides a wide choice of distinctive made-to-order designs, which are produced in small European factories with a high degree of personalization.
Hans Hopfer created many couches that have become signature items in the Roche Bobois designs. Hans Hopfer designed the Mah Jong, a modular couch that celebrates the ultimate flexibility of form and function, in 1971.
Roche Bobois is a French family-run company that was established in 1960. Today, this French furniture company offers a diverse range of furnishings for every environment, from the living room to the bedroom, and it also offers a remarkable selection of weatherproof outdoor furniture.
Roche Bobois has commissioned several outstanding designers to rework this avant-garde classic throughout the years. Each of these one-of-a-kind collaborations has highlighted a fresh and surprising characteristic of the Mah Jong couch without affecting its overall design.
18. Givenchy
Givenchy is a high-end fashion and perfume business based in France. It houses the high couture apparel, accessories, fragrances, and cosmetics brands.
Hubert de Givenchy created the House of Givenchy in 1952, and it is now controlled by the luxury giant LVMH.
The company caters to rich clients who respect luxury and are ready to invest in high-end clothes. Givenchy’s price strategy helps the brand’s atmosphere of exclusivity and maintains a consumer image of luxury and high value.
Irresistible is the name of Givenchy’s most famous perfume. The enticing scent combines delicate flowers with warm woody tones for a memorable sensory experience.
LeBron James is an avid follower of the Givenchy label. It is also popular in the hip-hop community. Givenchy is now based in Paris, France, and is directed by CEO Philippe Fortunato.
Clare Waight Keller was hired as Artistic Director in 2017, making her the first woman to manage the business since its inception. She is responsible for all important creative choices for Givenchy Men’s and Women’s ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and haute couture.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.