Retail Therapy: The Power of Love

Dreaming up gift ideas for La Saint-Valentin? We’ve cherry-picked the best of France’s sweet (and sensual) offerings…

FOR GOURMANDS

Maison Fouquet has long been synonymous with gourmet confections. Its special Valentine’s box is packed full of glossy dark chocolate balls for couples to sink their pearly whites into. From €32.

Photo © Opinel

SLICE OF LIFE DESIGN

Hailing from Savoie, Opinel is synonymous with high-quality kitchen and pocket knives. We’ve fallen head over heels for its ‘Édition France’ series, including this sweet collab with artist Ale Giorgini.

Photo © Savon de Marseille

THE LOVELIEST LATHER

Drawing on Savon de Marseille fame, this petal-pink liquid soap will leave your partner’s hands clean, refreshed and smelling like roses. €5.99.

Photo © Parfums de la Bastide

JUICY SPRITZ

Fruity notes of fig and tangerine blend with Bourbon vanilla to make up this divine 100ml bottle of Exquise. Mark it up as a gift online and receive seven additional perfume samples for your other half! Purchasable at Parfums de la Bastide. €95.

Photo credit © Bonne Maison

NO MEAN FEET

We fell head over heels for these fun chaussettes from Bonne Maison. Made from double-thread cotton with elastane, with all the sandy hues of a beach, they’re an invitation to get snuggly. €19.

Photo © Made in Design

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE…

With a statement table lamp and cast a rouge glow over your romantic dinner for two. Designed by artist Ingo Maurer, this light is more than a little wacky with its twisted wires and, erm, crocodile supports. Head over to the Made in Design website. €499.

Photo © Lola James Harper

POSITIVE VIBES

The Just Say Yes fragrance is all about the romantic, idealistic part in all of us. Scented with rose, cardamom and musk, it’s an uplifting aroma with an air of playful sweetness and mild spice. €60 (50ml).

Photo © Atelier Paulin

LOVE LETTERS

Weave words of romance around your special someone’s neck with this elegant 14-karat rose gold necklace, by Atelier Paulin. It’s customisable, so you can pick your own word – whether it’s a name or a fond sentiment. €480. 

Photo © Lola James Harper

ROOM IN BLOOM

Candles are the bread and butter of French collective Lola James Harper. The brand knows how to capture a moment – or feeling – in a smell, and the First Morning of Spring is a timely edition, anticipating the season’s fresh roses. €35.

Photo © Hei Poa

SENSU-OIL

Seductively packaged in tropical hues, Hei Poa’s Elixir d’Amour is a treat from the inside out. Pineapple, sandalwood and floral whiffs create an intoxicatingly fragrant oil for baths and massages. €13.40. 

Photo © Emile Henry

BAKE FOR YOUR BEAU

For all you romantics, this Ruffled dish from French bakeware specialist Emile Henry brings a little love back into cooking. Why not woo your special someone with a heartshaped cake? €29.90.

From France Today magazine