We thought it was tucked away in the cabinet of French clichés, sandwiched between tourist folklore and postcard fantasies. Yet, the authentic beret is still sold in Paris. For those who want more than a passing souvenir, the house Laulhère remains one of the capital’s iconic addresses. Founded in 1838 and producing berets since 1840, it lays claim to being the last French factory still in operation. Most notably, it still runs two shops in the city: one on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the other in the Abbesses, in the heart of Montmartre.
Is the beret really Parisian? Spoiler alert: not so much
Long associated with the image of the Parisian, the beret was not actually born in Paris. Its origins lie much further south, in the Pyrenees! [Read more]
That's where the story gets truly interesting: the beret we instinctively associate with Paris didn’t originate in the capital, even though Paris helped shape its image. Laulhère ties the myth to a living artisanal reality. For more than 180 years, the house has been crafting this iconic headpiece with the same standard of excellence, from choosing French merino wool to making it in its workshops in Oloron-Sainte-Marie. Faithful to the artisanal gestures handed down through generations, it produces durable, authentic pieces that are deeply rooted in a French tradition. This standard is recognized by the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label, awarded in 2013, which honors French houses with outstanding craft skills.
The first shop is located at 14-16 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, in a neighborhood emblematic of Parisian elegance. The second, La Boutique du Béret Abbesses, sits at 7 Rue la Vieuville, in the 18th arrondissement. Two atmospheres, but one idea: a beret that belongs to heritage more than to folklore.
Beret, check. Breton stripe top next?
Location
Laulhère
14-16 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris 8
Access
Metro lines 8, 12 and 14 — Madeleine
Official website
laulhere-france.com
Is the beret really Parisian? Spoiler alert: not so much
