Travel in Style: The Best French Artisanal Luggage Picks
The French are masters of travel style and offer you more than luggage. They create enduring fashion statements that will get you noticed. If you are that globetrotter with an eye for luxury, here are the best picks based on their heritage craftsmanship, unique materials, and exceptional design.
The Canvas and Leather Duffle
Are you that chic explorer that loves a balance of casualness and luxury? This leather-trimmed duffle carries the spirit of adventure, yet its elevated materials ensure it remains entirely appropriate for the most sophisticated travel settings. It is perfect if you are looking for travel luggage that is flexible and strong, often made of heavy cotton canvas or treated textile.
It is also highly refined with thick, vegetable-tanned leather handles, base protectors and reinforced corners. The leather pieces are hand-stitched and edge-dyed to offer that luxurious refinement and a rich contrast. Pick it if looking for grab-and-go luggage with comfortable, ergonomic straps and handles.
The Heritage Flat-Top Trunk
Looking for the ultimate statement? The flat-top trunk is the way to go. It was the first innovation from French craftsmanship that allowed for easy stacking and handling. The modern heritage trunk has a rigid wooden or composite frame covered in either treated, patented canvas or premium calfskin leather.
For aesthetics, it has distinctive geometric or patterned finishes, blended with hand-painted stripes and monograms. Flat-top trunks are great for long journeys where you need to carry many items. It is also a chic store piece in the home.
The Coated Canvas Steamer Bag
Did you know that the steamer bag was designed to be folded flat and packed inside a large trunk? However, it has evolved into a flexible travel companion. Go for this style if looking for supple luxury that transitions seamlessly from carry-on to weekender.
Its highlights include a lightweight, proprietary coated canvas (often displaying subtle, signature motifs) combined with natural leather trim. This material blend is durable without the bulk of a full leather bag. The bag is a slouchy, structured silhouette with a drawstring closure and a distinct leather tab or buckle.
The Architectural Leather Valise
If you are a modern minimalist, the architectural valise or suitcase is a perfect match. These pieces strip away ornamentation to focus purely on the clean lines, impeccable materials, and seamless function. The leather valise is a highly personal piece of travel ware that is subtle and durable.
You will enjoy modern elegance with a structured, often rectangular shape defined by sharp corners, fine leather piping, and perfectly symmetrical panels. It has characteristic saddle stitching and uses custom-designed hardware, such as solid brass or steel locks, that click shut with a satisfying precision. Most valises also come in exotic skins that develop a beautiful patina over time.
Luggage That Matches Your Travel Style
If you are looking to travel in style, French artisanal luggage options are the way to go. Choose a piece whose heritage and structural integrity align with your style of travel. You can go the classic way with flat-top trunks or get versatile with a steamer bag.
If robust chic is your style, the canvas duffle is the right pick. Finally, the leather valise offers precision and minimalist elegance. There are many more options out there, but these are some of the most popular ones. Each pick is a passport to make your travel elegant and functional.
