Louis Quatorze

Louis Quatorze is aimed at those ladies and gentlemen whose tastes tend toward the classic. The lovely boutique, a synthesis of ancient and modern all done up in pale lavender, showcases the label’s flawlessly crafted, high-quality handbags, understated but clearly a cut above the mainstream. Though the company was founded in 1908, it was recently revitalized in 2009 with a new team of designers working in an atelier in a restored hôtel particulier in the Marais, just around the corner from the boutique. The concept behind the bags, noted for their taste, discretion and allure, is illustrated by the titles of the spring/summer lines, including Madame de Montespan, Madame de La Vallière, Madame de Maintenon—all mistresses of Louis XIV. (He eventually married Madame de Maintenon.) The big Fannie tote, in micro-perforated black leather, is as handsome as it is practical. More adventurous models, like the Alix3, in a lush, needlepoint-inspired flower print, are unusual enough to incite admiration, but never brashly grab the limelight. They are also timeless, and probably going to last as long as you do, or longer. The boutique also carries small leather goods and an evolving selection of artisan jewelry.

106 rue Vieille du Temple, 3rd, 01.42.72.94.43. website

View Larger Map

Originally published in the June 2011 issue of France Today