The best french market totes and where to find them
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Bonjour, cheris! If you’ve been paying attention, I took a petit pause from the blog in order to get my business up and running locally. Selling my French macarons at my local farmers markets has been so exciting and rewarding. I’ve been wanting to build a business for myself for quite some time, and I finally feel like I am getting there… But that’s a topic for a different post.
Being at all these farmers markets has me reminiscing about les marchés en France, and how even a trip au marché is cause for a fashionable appearance. And the must-have accessory when visiting the marché, of course, is a traditional French market tote.
Summer time is perfect for cultivating your own French inspired life, and the market tote is an essential piece of that. Pair your bag with 8 Parisian Summer Staples You Already Have in Your Closet, and you’ll be a juilletiste or aoütienne in your own city.
No matter where you are in the world, you can look your best French self with one of these beautiful bags. Working at the markets has led me to observe all of the carrying accessories market-goers bring with them. My favorite are always the traditional rope or rattan shoulder baskets, big enough to put even a small dog in (though don’t actually do that).
Sure, using your reusable grocery bag from Whole Foods gets the job done, and you’re saving the Earth at the same time. But why not make an occasion of the outing, and invest in an eco-friendly bag that can be used for many different types of outings? And, bonus, it makes you look effortlessly chic and well styled. Even market grocery bags are stylish in France, and I am here for it.
Save your Whole Foods bag for, well, Whole Foods. French market totes are a seasonal staple on Instagram, and are also quite affordable. I’ve even done the leg work of rounding up my favorites for you to shop straight from this page. (Je t’en prie).
Which French Market Tote are you?
Take us back to horses pulling carriages, long flowing dresses, and sun bonnets. These basket styles have been used for centuries and make one feel a sense of belonging in a different time. Their practicality, beautiful craftsmanship, and iconic style have lasted this long – why fix it if it isn’t broken?
I love everything about them: their understated, natural color and fibers, texture, practicality, and sense of tradition. I’ll take one in every style, s’il vous plait.
Hint: click the images to shop the bags!
Slightly more practical, in my mind. This is the style for me (in fact, I’ve already placed an order!). A long enough strap to sling over my shoulder to keep my hands free, but with the traditional look and craftsmanship that I love. Perfect for markets, beach outings, and stuffing full of snacks for my kids. This will be my summer bag all season long.
More traditional in that one must hold the basket together or sling it onto the crook of one’s arm. This creates a lovely and quintessential look, but doesn’t leave your hands free to taking photos of the beautiful produce and cheeses throughout the market. If you have kids, you probably know that having your hands free is a necessity, not a luxury.
Even more mom-friendly. Both hands free and no large bag swinging from side to side when you bend over to examine those beautiful endives. These bags are beautiful for sticking to tradition yet keeping function a priority over form. Throw everything you need in it for the day, put it on your back, and forget about it.
These are a trendy take on the traditional French market bag. I’ve seen many women bring these to the beach for personal items. These cute bags are not totally practical for the market, as the opening is not wide enough to fit one’s market shopping finds. But they do bring the style into this decade with a new shape and purpose.
Less basket-like and more tote bag like, these are a great option for keeping a firm shape and sitting more comfortably on your shoulder.
Have it all with the option of short handles or long. Totally versatile, traditionally beautiful. Parfait.
These versions of the French market bag give a nod to the straw bag style while staying in their “purse” category. You won’t be fitting any crates of strawberries in it, but you will look breezy and chic while strolling around this summer. Even better when you know it’s from Sézane.
French market totes for "toutes"
Have you seen any other unique styles of the French market tote? I would love to hear of them. If you’re lucky enough to FINALLY visit France again this summer, you simply won’t fit in without a straw market tote. They’ll also double as a great carryon for the trip over.
Personally I may have to wait until next year to bring mine across the pond. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be living my best French inspired life with my own market tote on this side of the Atlantic. Regardless, you can find me strolling along the boardwalk in my own little town in a linen striped sundress and rattan market bag all summer long.
Now, the only thing left is to figure out which one to order…
