The aroma of baguettes, history-laden monuments, and haute couture in the shop windows. There are some things that you’re sure to encounter during your trip to France. But one that you might not anticipate – but certainly shouldn’t overlook – is a small green cross. This seemingly insignificant symbol represents a pharmacy. Most tourists just move along with their itinerary or make a pit stop for over-the-counter medicine for a cough. But for tourists and locals alike, French pharmacies are a destination in and of themselves. Much more than just remedies for health problems, French pharmacies offer an extensive range of cosmetics and beauty products. Here’s a look at the French beauty scene that has dominated the global market as well as several French beauty brands to know.
5 French Beauty Brands to Know (And Love!)
Overview of French Beauty Market
France is arguably best known for its landmarks, art and gastronomy. But its beauty brands and cosmetics have dominated global markets for years. Strolling through any typical beauty aisle, you’re sure to stumble upon a plethora of French cosmetics brands. From L’Oréal to Guerlain, France has become an industry leader. With a revenue of more than $44 billion in 2023, L’Oréal takes the cake for the leading beauty manufacturer, per Statista.
A 2023 Statista report found France to be the second leading European cosmetics market with a market value of almost 14 billion euros.
And it’s not just the mega businesses populating the cosmetics industry. In 2023, France had the most small- and medium-sized cosmetics manufacturing enterprises in Europe with nearly 2000 companies, per Statista. “Beauty products and routines are very dear to French consumers, as well as to the many tourists who visit the country also to test and purchase some of the most famous French brands,” according to Dominque Petruzzi in a Statista report.
French pharmacies have also taken over social media. In a 2023 TimeOut article, Liv Kelly writes that the hashtag #frenchpharmacy had more than 130 million views.
You’ve probably heard of the French giants L’Oréal and Sephora, but here are some other French beauty brands to know.
Caudalie
Paris tends to take center stage when it comes to fashion and beauty. But for Caudalie, the story begins in Bordeaux – and its product lines are proof of that. Grapes aren’t just harvested for wine; they’re a major part of Caudalie’s DNA with some of their products including grape seed polyphenols. Its name means “a wine term that refers to the unit of measurement for the time the flavors of a wine linger on the palate after tasting it,” according to Caudalie’s site. In 1999, they opened Les Sources de Caudalie, a “Vinotherapy spa.” Caudalie also has another vinotherapy spa in the Loire Valley at Les Sources de Cheverny.
Clarins
Boasting more than 70 years of experience, Clarins was founded by Jacques Courtin-Clarins in 1954, according to its website. This French family-owned business has expanded into nearly 150 countries. Try out their iconic Double Serum or their Tonic Treatment Oil, which is completely made of plant extracts. Book a treatment at The Glow House Spa by Clarins, which is housed in Le Mas Candille just north of Cannes.
You can also indulge in Clarins products with a trip to one of its spas: at Brach hotel in Paris; Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa; and Intercontinental in Marseille among many others.
Looking to find a Clarins spa for your trip to France? Contact one of our travel specialists for the perfect itinerary.
Guerlain
One essential French beauty brand to know is Guerlain. Nearly 200 years ago, Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain opened his boutique on the iconic Rue de Rivoli, just steps from the Louvre, per Guerlain. You may have seen one of its esteemed Bee Bottles made by Guerlain. In 1853, this incontournable was created and gifted to Empress Eugenie for her marriage to Napoléon III. This elegant bottle was decorated with nearly 70 bees, an imperial emblem, according to Guerlain. Today you can customize your own Bee Bottle.
If you’re looking to indulge in the centuries-old luxury of Guerlain, book a treatment at one of its spas: Relais Christine in Paris; Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz; or at the Airelles Spa in Gordes.
Interested in learning about Guerlain and other names who have shaped French beauty and fashion? Read our article on these haute couture icons.
Nuxe
A much younger yet vital French beauty brand, Nuxe is a fan favorite at French pharmacies and beyond. Not even 30 years ago, Aliza Jabès started the Nuxe brand. Be sure to get a whiff of its signature fragrance and product Huile Prodigieuse. In 2002, the brand opened its first spa in Paris at Spa NUXE Montorgueil.
Discover Nuxe’s fragrances and products at Hostellerie Cèdre and Spa in the region of Burgundy.
L’Occitane
It’s hard to miss the bright signature yellow of L’Occitane, a brand born in southern France. In 1976, Olivier Baussan founded the brand centered on his beloved region of Provence. Fall in love with its tantalizing Cherry Blossom scent or opt for a more neutral fragrance with shea butter. It’s possible to even visit their factory in Manosque in southern France.
Unwind with a visit to Le Couvent des Minimes nestled in the Luberon with its spa featuring l’Occitane products.
Where to Stay in France
Les Sources de Caudalie
Just south of Bordeaux, les Sources de Caudalie is a five-star palace hotel nestled in the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards. Escape from the city center with a stay in one of these 61 rooms and suites in Martillac. Don’t overlook its Vinothérapie Spa where you can enjoy a Crushed Cabernet scrub. Not only will you drink well, but you’ll also dine well at its Michelin-starred restaurant La Grand’Vigne.
Hostellerie Cèdre and Spa
During your visit to Burgundy, rest your head with a stay in one of five-star hotel’s 40 bedrooms in Beaune. Nosh on a meal at its Michelin-starred restaurant Clos du Cèdre or sip on something tasty near the cozy fireplace at its lounge The Library. Treat yourself to a trip to its Nuxe Spa after a full day of exploration.
You might make a quick trip to a French pharmacy for a bandage or over-the-counter medicine. But we promise that you’ll become enamored with its aisles of different beauty products and cosmetics. Keep your eyes peeled for a neon green cross sign, which is your signal to discover the many French beauty brands. At French Side Travel, we’re experts on all things French culture and luxury. Let us help you plan a seamless trip. You might also like: Relaxing French Coastal Escape or Bordeaux to Basque: A Luxury Wellness Journey.
