Photo by Nat & Nin
Welcome to our monthly series: MFCH Staff Favorites!
Every month, the members of the My French Country Home team will share a recommendation for their favorite thing in France right now.
As September sets in and la rentrée ushers us into the rhythm of a new season, it feels like the perfect moment to refresh our wardrobes with those special touches that carry us from late summer into autumn.
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Accessories – like a beautifully crafted handbag or a pair of new timeless shoes – have a way of signaling a fresh start that become part of our daily rituals. And when it comes to maroquinerie (leather goods), the French have long mastered the art of blending fashion, quality, and durability in ways that few others can rival.
With this in mind, we asked our staff to share their recommendations for their favorite French shoes and bags brands. For anyone looking to step stylishly into the new season, we hope our suggestions spark some shopping inspiration!
For French Shoes
Florence Kooijman
Recommended by Sharon, MFCH Founder & Editor-in-Chief
I discovered the brand Florence Kooijman while shopping in Rouen, the capital city of Normandy. Hidden among the narrow lanes of the old town is a small boutique whose window display immediately caught my eye.
Check out our itinerary to Rouen here.
Florence K is a small French brand based in Paris who makes the kind of shoes I love to wear. They have an off the peg range available in a wonderful choice of colors to buy at any time, but they also offer the option of made to order shoes and boots with a big choice of color and texture. I had a beautiful pair of long suede boots made for a Christmas present for my daughter and she was thrilled. It’s so unusual these days to find made-to-measure shoes at a reasonable price, and it’s a great way to get the exact color shoes for a special occasion.
J.M. Weston
Recommended by Jessy, MFCH Customer Service Coordinator
With early beginnings in the historic Limousin region, J.M. Weston has long been synonymous with elegance in Paris and across the globe. Borrowing design style and techniques from East Coast craftsmen, the company has become a hallmark of the relationship between old world luxury and American style. In 1946, the brand introduced its timeless 180 Leather Loafers, named for the meticulous number of steps required to produce each pair.
Coveted by rebellious Parisian students of the 1960s and politicians alike, J.M. Weston has become a marker of heritage, defined by those who have worn and loved it. Weston’s exceptional quality has been revered for decades and has garnered a cult following among those in the know, including for President François Mitterrand, who is rumored to have purchased 30 pairs. Suffice to say, J.M. Weston isn’t limited to the craft of shoes or wardrobe staples; it remains as proof of French savoir faire.
Jonak
Recommended by Alizée, MFCH Travel & Tour Manager
I’ve been wearing Jonak for years and they’re still one of my go-to French shoe brands. What I love is how simple and timeless their designs are; clean lines, great proportions, nothing over the top, just really well-made shoes. They work with workshops in Portugal, Spain, and Italy, and you can see the craftsmanship in every pair.
But the main reason I keep going back is the comfort. Their heels are honestly some of the most comfortable I own (and I own a lot of shoes!). It’s rare to find shoes that look this chic and are still easy to wear all day, but Jonak has managed to get it just right.
Paraboot
Recommended by Avery, MFCH Social Media Specialist
Growing up, while most of my peers idolized the latest Jordan sneakers, I had my eyes fixed on a different pair. The “Michael” derby by Paraboot was even more than a mere shoe, but a physical embodiment of the inherit rugged beauty that can be achieved with an artisanal, hand-crafted leather shoe. Since 1908, Paraboot has been family owned and gained a stellar reputation for their proud commitment to making beautiful shoes the right way, in their backyard of the Alps of France.
While the designs of each Paraboot shoe is stunning, what truly sets them apart is their impressive quality of their production. Each step of the shoe’s construction is done in their factory in Saint-Jean-de-Morains. With this level of commitment to quality, it’s no surprise that the brand encourages each wearer to love their pairs for life and simply re-sole them. And that is just what most fans do, showing off their well-walked patinas with pride.
For French Bags
Le Tanneur
Recommended by Sarah, MFCH Subscription Box & Boutique Manager
Founded in 1898, Le Tanneur is a French leather goods house celebrated for its timeless handbags and meticulous craftsmanship. The brand is best known for creating classic designs that are both practical and refined, with leather that grows more beautiful with age. I love Le Tanneur for its simplicity and Parisian charm. Each bag feels thoughtfully designed, with clean lines and subtle details that make it easy to carry every day while still feeling special.
Discover our itinerary to the Saint-Germain neighborhood here.
Their collections remain timeless while evolving with modern style, making them a trusted name in French fashion. In Paris, Le Tanneur can be found on Boulevard Saint-Germain as well as inside Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.
Nat & Nin
Recommended by Nicola, MFCH Magazine Writer & Editor
I discovered Nat & Nin about 20 years ago, and over time I’ve built a small but cherished collection of their effortlessly timeless designs. The Parisian label was founded by two sisters, daughters of Chinese artisans who grew up in their parents’ leather workshop along the Canal Saint-Martin, where childhood play often meant experimenting with scraps from the cutting-room floor.
Today, their handbags embody that same sense of creativity and craftsmanship. Made from buttery, full-grain Italian leather, vegetable-tanned for depth and durability, each piece feels both versatile and enduring. With fresh colors and styles arriving each season, consider yourself warned: Nat & Nin is delightfully habit-forming.
Loulou de Saison
Recommended by Maddy, MFCH Magazine Writer & Editor
I only recently came across this discreet little boutique hidden on a side street in the Marais, yet its understated, it-girl aesthetic has had me returning again and again. Founded in 2019 by Paris-born Chloé Harrouche, Loulou de Saison moves with intent, designing their collection of clothing, bags and shoes with strong, sculptural lines and high-quality materials.
Check out our itinerary to the Marais neighborhood here.
The entire line is easy to wear, but for me, it’s the accessories that really shine: chic, effortless and undeniably practical, lending just the right touch of androgyny to the classic French-girl style.
Soeur
Recommended by Olivia, MFCH Brand Strategist, Writer, & Editor
A few years ago, while wandering through Le Bon Marché in search of a small but practical bag that would work for day-to-night use, I stumbled upon Soeur (French for “sister”). As the name suggests, the brand was founded by two sisters – Angélique and Domitille Brion – who describe their pieces as “a modern, inspiring vision of femininity: sincere, sensitive, elegant and inclusive.”
That description couldn’t be more accurate. I’ve been carrying my Chéri Mini Bag ever since, and I love it for its versatility and its unique yet timeless design. Soeur’s accessories strike the perfect balance: modern without being overly trendy, a statement piece without being too loud. It’s a brand that consistently gets it right.
We hope you discovered a new French brand to love! Check back next month for another roundup of our French favorites.