10 of the Best French E-Boutiques
Shopping on the web for the perfect gift? From cheese and chocolate to fashion and objets d’art, we’ve sleuthed out some fine choices of websites showcasing French-inspired merchandise.
1. L’Exception
If you want to stand out from the crowd, this online showcase for independent French designer fashion labels for men and women is a great place to start – it even has an ‘outlet’ section offering year-round discounts of up to 70 percent. In addition to the fashion range, l’Exception offers several skincare lines and even Champagne – all you need to live the chic life wherever you are.
2. Fromages.com
The finest French cow, goat and ewe’s milk cheese, delivered to your doorstep within 48 hours, wherever in the world you may be. Take your pick of individual fromages from the ‘Cheese Library’ or opt for a ready-made board of varieties, such as the Tour de France or Normandy Wedding. There is even a monthly subscription service, to keep you or a loved one supplied with favourite cheeses.
Looking for an original gift? Vacances Franc?aises can help, with options ranging from fashion and beauty products to tableware and kitchenware, plus confectionery and treats for children and the sweet-toothed. The site is searchable by provenance, which is handy if you desire – for example – Grasse perfume, Vichy sweeties, Limoges tableware, Biot glassware or matelot shirts from Quimper.
4. Marie Puce
Sisters Camille and Anne started their own fashion label in 2003, catering for the enfants-5 to-18 age range. The siblings’ original designs are largely manufactured in France, using top quality natural fabrics and boast cheerful, contrasting touches. Think baby bloomers, cute Claudine collars in muted colours and elegant catwalk-inspired looks for teens, plus accessories and their signature eau de toilette.
5. ZChocolat
This online retailer of premium, handmade French treats was founded by Vale?rie and Jean-Philippe Khodara in Aix-en-Provence during 1999, in collaboration with world champion chocolatier Pascal Caffet. Every item is made in France – the luxurious hand-crafted gift boxes, which can be custom-printed or engraved, in the Jura and their sublime contents in Troyes.
Bringing the best of France to an international audience, QuelObjet.com sells all manner of beautifully made, distinctly Gallic objets which blend traditional design with contemporary style. A number of treasures were sourced from tiny towns dotted across the Pyre?ne?es, and those visiting this virtual emporium are likely to make exciting new discoveries of their own.
7. French Flo
Created by British designer Kate Geissmann, French Flo offers an updated version of the traditional French toile de jouy via their recently launched collection of individually designed fabrics and soft-furnishings, all printed in the Mayenne. Fabric is available by the metre, there is a free swatch service to help you decide and a bespoke service for curtains, cushions and table-linen.
Who better to approach for absinthe-related advice than the site owned by Liqueurs de France, a company with over a decade of experience in sourcing and delivering the finest quality, traditionally distilled varieties of this singular spirit? They also stock all the necessary absinthe accessories, from drippers to spoons, and provide inspiration with such cocktail recipes as the Green Heat and the Fiery Fairy.
Specialising in natural beauty and home products from Provence, this new online boutique is still expanding – Fragonard fragrances are among the latest additions. Some of the most popular products on offer are the argan oil body care, liquid savon de Marseille and soothing hand cream. You can transform any item into an elegant gift by choosing from a selection of handmade wrapping.
10. Macon & Lesquoy
Designer friends Marie Macon and Anne-Laure Lesquoy, who have been working together since they were students, make the most exquisite, hand-embroidered brooches and patches in a wide range of quirky and humorous shapes. Our favourites include the Verre de Vin, the Religieuse and the Moustache – they are all so very French, huge fun and tre?s chic.
Originally published in the December 2013-January 2014 issue of France Today
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