Christmas is fast approaching, and your sack is still empty? Don't panic. We've put together a range of eco-friendly, innovative and 100% made in France gift ideas to slip under the tree. Candles scented with grape varieties, organic cosmetics made from mountain goat's milk, natural and contemporary marshmallows, artisanal beers with character. A short tour of France with committed objects made by craftsmen from all regions!
Maison Berthe Guilhem, the virtues of goat's milk
This year again, organic cosmetics will be very popular at Christmas. Maison Guilhem is an expert in this field. Based on a farm in the Ariege Pyrenees, the family business produces certified organic skincare products and cold process soaps without palm oil, made from goat's milk, in a traditional way. Shea/verbena soap bar, solid deodorants with essential oils of rose, lavender or ylang ylang, make-up remover with mango butter, arnica balm... You will make people happy.
Maison Tchin Tchin, when oenology rhymes with perfumery
This is the story of a wine merchant looking for an original decorative gift and authentic fragrances for his sweetheart. His idea? To create candles with atmospheric fragrances from the great French grape varieties. Practical when you are used to blind tastings. As a result, aromas of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier or Sauvignon are diffused in the living room. A delight for wine lovers and interior decorators alike. In addition, by offering a second life to bottles, the approach is ecological. An ode to the French art of living and to the craft of glassmaking. Amazing.
Provence Store: a taste of the south
What if we let the Provence sun shine on Christmas Day? This new online store founded in Avignon epitomises the Provencal art of living. Pottery from Atelier Pom and Maison Cassar give a holiday feel to the table, olive wood candles from Senteurs du Sud and lavender comforters by Choco & Lula waft in the scents of the hills... and everything is lovingly made by artists and local artisans. For the ultimate treat, indulge in an ABC culinary box to add flavours of thyme, black figs and Camargue fleur de sel to your Christmas lunch.
La Brasserie des Anges, the feminine beer made in Corrèze
Despite our neighbours' displeasure, beer has found its place in the land of wine in recent years. Micro-breweries are flourishing all over France. In Corrèze, the Brasserie des Anges produces artisanal beers brewed over a wood fire and fermented in oak barrels. An ancestral method claimed by a passionate brewer who is proud of her territory. Special mention to the beers labelled "Origine Corrèze" made with organic buckwheat malt grown on the neighbouring Millevaches plateau. A firework of flavours!
L’Appartement Français: gems on all floors
What does 'made in France' constitute for Emilie and David, founders of L’Appartement Français? They lead customers on a treasure hunt across the country: from Beauvais to Pornic, their selection highlights both centuries-old expertise and young designers, and displays traceability and all manufacturing locations. From 'black eye' soaps by Clean Hugs designed in Normandy and the south east, to hats fashioned in Occitanie from La Manufacture des Possibles, you'll find a wealth of locally made gems on their site.
The couple also runs the 'Made in France' boutiques collective, which represents 15 multi-brand boutiques across France. Check out the interactive map and order online.
L’Appartement Français 'Made in France' boutiques collective
NWAJ marshmallows, pleasures of the past, flavours of today
There was a time when children would rush to the bakery to buy and devour creamy marshmallows. NWAJ has brought back the sweet pleasures of yesteryear with original, subtle and seasonal flavours: caramel and fleur de sel, apple and fennel, blackberry, carrot and cumin, beetroot and basil, pink grapefruit and tonka bean... The artisanal confectionery is made in Paris without colouring, artificial flavouring or preservatives. Notice to nostalgic gourmets who are fond of new flavours!
From Brittany with love
"Je peux pas, j’ai tempête" warns a sailor top by Chapline de la Faille. "Qui a le holen?" asks a linen table runner by Ty Coz. From Breizh, a digital platform for products designed and/or made in Brittany with a boutique in Pont L'Abbé, is shining the spotlight on Breton craftsmanship - and it's all eco-friendly, too. Browse neoprene sweaters made from diving suits (Teorum) and jagged jewels in air chambers like a Bigoudène headdress (Dely) - you'll be blown away by what you find!
e-français: 1,001 reasons to buy French
Ethical fashion based on organic materials and recycled cotton, zero-waste natural cosmetics, wooden toys and local products without additives... e-français brings together over 50 brands and 1,000 items made in France. It's a great place to do your Christmas shopping responsibly: each item is accompanied by a detailed guide, ranging from eco-knitted sneakers to wellness baskets for getting in shape before (or after) the holidays!
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Petit Mousse from Australia
Petit Mousse is a French brand based in Australia dedicated to kids, babies and women. Dainty, classy, funky and colorful, the inspiration just flows through the e-store, on the theme of the ocean. It offers an interesting mix of offer, ranging from women jewellery, to prints via kids accessories.
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
