The Paris Traveler

58 opinions for Lancel Paris

• Mary Jo
  Jul 23, 2007 at 11:13 am

  Ahhh, the touch and smell of fine leather. . . . !

• SP @ Southern Byways
  Jul 23, 2007 at 11:48 am

  And you simply can’t have too many handbags.

• Clara
  Jul 23, 2007 at 3:24 pm

  When I was young I’ve always thought someday I would want to own something Lancel and that was merely because I saw some empty Lancel paper carriers that my dad had brought back from I don’t know where. But well, that someday hasn’t come and LOL I still have to save up for it!

• Lynn
  Jul 24, 2007 at 8:38 pm

  I love fine leather and Shirley it’s so true, you simply can’t have too many handbags or shoes!

• Lynn
  Jul 24, 2007 at 8:52 pm

  Clara, isn’t it funny how things stay with us throughout our youth. A younger cousin of mine told me not that long ago that when I came from Paris for a visit, I gave her Chanel eye shadow. She was 13 yrs. old at the time and she kept that compact for twenty years, using it only on special occasions! I was surprised!

  I’m sure you’ll get that Lancel bag soon enough!

• kristen
  Sep 3, 2007 at 2:58 pm

  I just was in Paris for my sixteenth birthday and in that exact same store above I bought (well my mom bought) my first nice bag. I cant say I’d ever heard of Lancel prior but I love the bag and upon entering the store it was clear that it was a nice designer.

• Lynn
  Sep 3, 2007 at 11:06 pm

  Kristen, your mom sure knows how to give great birthday gifts!

• Celia Black
  Nov 30, 2007 at 12:19 am

  I bought a Lancel suitcase in Paris in 2000. The bag has probably flown 100,000 miles and it shows. I’m ready for a new one but can’t find a place in the US to buy one. Do you know where I can buy Lancel online or in person in the US?

• Lynn
  Dec 1, 2007 at 3:34 pm

  Celia, you can buy Lancel at the airport in New York (JFK), Chicago (O’Hare), Detroit (Northwest Terminal) and in Washington D.C. at the Diplomatic Duty Free. There’s a website that sells French leathergoods online, but I don’t know how reputable they are, so I’m not endorsing them. They have a number of Lancel bags for sale. http://www.noixdarec.com

  I hope that helps!

• James
  Dec 8, 2007 at 3:11 pm

  I was too looking for one. Thanks for US addresses Lynn.

• Lynn
  Dec 9, 2007 at 2:21 am

  James, if you, or Celia, try the website I gave, please let us know how it went and what you think! I’m sure other readers would be interested.

• Anna
  Dec 10, 2007 at 4:53 am

  Is there any shops in Sydney Australia

• Lynn
  Dec 10, 2007 at 7:28 pm

  Anna, unfortunately I couldn’t find a store anywhere in Australia. The nearest to you is in New Caledonia!

  Lancel
  33 bis Rue Jeaqn Jaurès
  98800 Noumea, New Caledonia
  Tél. 678.27.23.20

  Just a tad expensive to go shopping for a handbag!

• miranda
  Dec 11, 2007 at 11:15 am

  I found Lancel in 2005 when I traveled to Paris on business. I found a shoulder bag with a small wallet tucked in the front and loved it! The purse was stolen when I returned to the US and have not been able to find this same style again. Does anyone know what the style name of this purse is?

• Lynn
  Dec 11, 2007 at 11:29 pm

  Miranda, both “Premier Flirt” and “Easy Flirt” are handbags with a small wallet tucked in front and tassles on the sides. Their “Miss Lancel” line has a small pocketbook in front, but is somewhat larger than a wallet. I hope that helps.

• miranda
  Dec 12, 2007 at 9:50 am

  That really helps my Internet search! Thanks Lynn!

• Lily
  Jan 8, 2008 at 7:28 pm

  First I got red lancel wallet from my sister in 1993 from Paris, I love so much….and now I got a handbag, thank sister.

• Gina
  Jan 21, 2008 at 6:31 pm

  I too had never heard of Lancel until my husband got me one a year ago in Paris. I live in South Florida where all of the wannabes swear by Coach, Fendi and Prada, the only names they know. My Lancel was a star. Everyone complimented me on it.Unfortunately just a few days before Christmas it was taken from my car. I am truly heartbroken.

• Lynn
  Jan 23, 2008 at 2:37 pm

  Gina, I’m so sorry to hear about your bag, but maybe it’ll be a good reason for your husband to whisk you off to Paris to buy a new one?!

• Kristin
  Feb 15, 2008 at 11:01 am

  I just bought my first Lancel bag, I was just looking for a nice bag in Paris. I LOVE it, I don’t think I will ever buy a brand again (which will just mean more trips to Paris)!

  If you ever get the opportunity to buy one you should take it! They are beautiful bags…

• Natalie
  Feb 18, 2008 at 1:29 pm

  I just returned from Paris with a new Lancel bag in tow. It is my first bag of the brand and something about one of their ads brought me into the store. Of course the quality of the bag is top tier and the design makes it unique. However, what I like most is that Lancel seems “undiscovered” by many of the bag hounds who covet brands that have their logo plastered all over their products. My preference is for the subtle chicness that is Lancel.

• Monica
  Feb 28, 2008 at 6:47 am

  I have two Lancel Premier Flirt. One is made of brandy colored deer skin and warm brown leather and the other is the sold- out-in-a-flash black croc embossed leather. I LOVE THESE BAGS. They are so versatile. Living in Paris, I need an over the body bag for all the walking I do. I just tuck the handles inside the bag to get them out of the way and then when I step into a restaurant or a nice shop, I tuck the sturdy shoulder strap into the bag and carry it by the handles. The Premier Flirt has simple and practical elegance. Couldn’t be happier with the choice and this bag is for under 600 euros.

• Lou
  Mar 2, 2008 at 12:47 pm

  I purchased a Lancel suitcase during the early 1980’s. It seems to be a tan nylon type outer covering and is lined on the inside in a dark material. A couple of years ago after not having been used for 3 years I took it on a trip to San Francisco and some kind of sandlike black powder got all over the contents of the bag. Recently I vacuumed the inside of the bag as completely as possible but the same thing happened on another trip. I love this bag and cannot go to Paris now to replace it. Is there anything I can do or have done to stop this inner shedding of I don’t know what? I will be very unhappy if I have to discard this old friend.

• carmen baker
  Mar 5, 2008 at 12:04 pm

  I need to know if Lancel has a store in New York city. I remember many years ago you had one. Do you still have a Lancel store in New york? Please let me know as soon as possible.

• Kim
  Mar 5, 2008 at 8:48 pm

  Carmen
  it looks to me as though the only place you can get them in new york is in the duty free shops at jfk airport, terminal 3 & 7 or their international shops in terminal 1&8.
  Phone 718-425-5633

• Lynn
  Mar 9, 2008 at 11:35 pm

  Lily, now that’s what I call a great sister!

  Kristin, Natalie, and Monica, I couldn’t agree with you ladies more! I love their bags! And I think you hit the nail right on the head Natalie when you describe Lancel as “subtle chicness”! So true!

• Lynn
  Mar 9, 2008 at 11:56 pm

  Lou, I find what you say intriguing! “Sandlike black powder….” hmm! I have no idea what is shedding! I have both leather purses and larger canvas bags, and I’ve never encountered the problem you describe. Then again, I’ve never purchased a Lancel suitcase so I’m really at a loss about what could be happening. You say it’s the inner lining that’s doing it….perhaps another reader might be able to shed (no pun) some light on what’s going on!

• SueMona
  Mar 19, 2008 at 5:06 pm

  I’m so glad to know there are ladies out there that LOVE Lancel bags as much as I do. I think Lancel’s are underrated and yet I feel it’s better that they’re some what of a secret as I dont want those LV, B&D, Coach, Gucci girls to know! Lancel,and Lanvin are truly classic and timeless.
  Hubby got me the primer flirt bag in Ivory. I’m a happy camper.

• jane
  Apr 8, 2008 at 6:41 am

  Does anyone know how to tell if a bag is crocodile or mock croc-real leather made to look like croc?I have an old lancel bag and I wanted to know when it was made-how do I contact Lancel-their website only gives a snail mail address-thank you

• Lynn
  Apr 12, 2008 at 10:53 pm

  SueMona, I’m with you! Those other girls can have their designer bags and like you, I would rather have a Lanvin scarf (or should I say scarves!) than one from Hermès or Chanel.

• Lynn
  Apr 12, 2008 at 10:54 pm

  Jane, you can fax or call one of their stores and they may be able to help you. Perhaps one of their smaller stores like the one on Rue de Rennes might be more helpful. Their #’s are: tél. 01.42.22.94.73 fax: 01.42.22.17.53

  I hope that helps!

• clare
  May 11, 2008 at 12:06 pm

  I got my first lancel back in 2006. Good thing we have a store in the Philippines. Now, I got another one and am very happy with it.

• Lauren
  May 20, 2008 at 1:05 pm

  Hi Lynn, I purchased a Lancel bag from the duty free shop at JFK on a trip to Paris last year. This bag is very “different” looking, it’s a satin or silk body with a white leather handle and the whole bag is a rectangular shape. The bottom half is what looks to be satin or a silk material in a champagne color and the top handle part is white leather. The tag inside says 100% Lancel and Lancel is stamped on the white leather top part but underneath the 100% Lancel tag it says “Made in… China??!!” I find it hard to believe that the Lancel shop at JFK would sell fakes… but I am also under the impression that Lancel is only made in France, no? Is it possible that the store at JFK is selling fakes? I am also curious about the style name of the bag; if I take a picture of it can I e-mail it to you, Lynn, as you seem to be an authority on Lancel bags. I would love to get to the bottom of this once and for all just for my own curiosity. I love the bag regardless but I am so curious about it.

• Lynn
  May 21, 2008 at 3:38 am

  Hi Lauren,

  When I read your comment, I decided to take a look at all my bags, since all of them were bought in Paris. They do say, Made in France except for one black leather purse that says Made in Italy. I can’t imagine a boutique at JFK selling fake Lancel handbags! I know they have four locations at the airport - T1, T3, T7, and T8.

  I’m wondering, however, if the purses that they send to the US are made especially for the American market and are actually made in China! The item you describe does sound unusual. What I have seen and have bought are usually leather or canvas and leather bags. I’ve not really noticed satin or silk purses, but then again maybe I just wasn’t paying attention to that style.

  I must admit though, I am far from an expert; I just happen to like their products. Still, you’ve piqued my curiosity and I will go to one of their stores and have a look around soon! You can send me an e-mail with your photo at contact@mayamuses.com.

• Lynn
  May 21, 2008 at 3:42 am

  Clare, where does your handbag say it’s from? I’m curious because of what Lauren wrote and since you bought yours in the Philippines, I was wondering if it was made in France or China!

• Monica
  May 21, 2008 at 7:23 am

  Let me help clear this “where are Lancel bags made” issue up. I live in the Paris area and own two Lancel bags, both the “Premier Flirt”, bought in September and December last year. Both are GORGEOUS, bought at the Champs Elysee flagship store and both Made in China. It says so right on the tag in the interior of the bag. I think the majority of the middle range European handbag houses are made in China. The quality is impeccable. However, I was in the Lancel store recently and asked them about the newest, real crocodile, version that costs 5000 euros. I was told that it is made in Italy. I recently received a very glossy Lancel magazine that shows all the steps of the production of the crocodile Premier Flirt and it is an Italian craftsman photographed. I personally believe that talented craftsmen come from many places on the globe. I have bought gorgeous runway Prada shoes only to find them not well sewn, and they do say Made In Italy….This is issue is often discussed on http://www.bagsnob.com and http://www.purseblog.com The purseblog forum has discussed it a lot. Enjoy your Lancel bags!

• Lynn
  May 21, 2008 at 12:16 pm

  Thanks Monica for answering our questions! I’m sure Lauren is reassured about having an authentic Lancel bag. I never really paid much attention to what it said on my purses because I also purchased mine on the Champs and their Saint-Germain boutique on the Rue de Rennes.

• Clara
  May 21, 2008 at 1:54 pm

  I’m glad that this country of origin topic has been touched on. I would now be more prepared to see some MIC and not assume everything is MIF when I get the opportunity to shop in their boutiques.

• Lauren
  May 22, 2008 at 11:46 am

  Girls: Thanks for all your wonderful responses! I am glad to hear that it is an authentic bag despite having MIC on the label. I am in agreement that there are gifted artisans everywhere and just because something says MIC we shouldn’t automatically think it’s of lesser quality. I am just glad to know that simply because it says it’s made somewhere other than France that it doesn’t mean it’s a fake, which is what I was worried about because I just assumed all Lancel’s were MIF. I couldn’t dream that the JFK stores would sell non-authentic items but I was beginning to think my husband bought it from Chinatown in Manhattan where you can get just about any knockoff, rather than from the Lancel in JFK like he swore ;} Lynn, I’ll take a picture of the bag tonight or tomorrow and send it to you anyway, just so that you can see the bag in question since it’s different from most Lancel’s I’ve seen.

• Lynn
  May 22, 2008 at 12:34 pm

  Happy shopping, Clare!

• Lynn
  May 22, 2008 at 12:41 pm

  It’s not always the brand name that counts as Monique mentioned about her Prada shoes.
  The best shoes that I have, however, are made in Italy, Spain, and Brazil. I’ve never bought shoes made in China because I prefer leather shoes than man-made. Perhaps I should try a pair - MIC.

• Lynn
  May 22, 2008 at 12:42 pm

  Opps! Happy Shopping Clara!!!

• Lynn
  May 22, 2008 at 12:45 pm

  LOL!!! Thanks for the good laugh Lauren! I’m glad your hubby is no longer under suspicion!

• millie
  May 25, 2008 at 11:19 pm

  Hi all, just got my Lancel monogram. It’s a beauty - blue and shiny and perfect. Actually, my brother got my mum her first Lancel in Paris. We (My sisters nad I) are so in love with my mum’s bag. When Lancel opens its boutique in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), it’s a blessing. So, I don’t have to travel to other parts of the world to get best handbags in the world. Many of my friends do not know this brand though.

• Lynn
  May 27, 2008 at 12:24 pm

  Millie, it is nice and convenient to be able to buy your bags where you live, but don’t you think it’s a wonderful excuse to take a trip to Paris, or somewhere else in the world! “Sorry Darling I have to go to Paris to buy a new purse. You know that don’t sell Lancel here!”

• millie
  May 27, 2008 at 9:15 pm

  Mmmm……that would be wonderful !! But, Lynn, the fact is I would get response like “Why do you need so many bags ????”, “Why does it have to be LANCEL ???” In fact, last Friday, when I got myself two bags (one from Lancel, and one from Coach), I had to keep one in the car until my dearest went outstation. Can you believe that ????

• Lynn
  May 28, 2008 at 12:51 am

  LOL! Millie you did make me laugh! I guess there’s really two ways of looking at your situation; sort of the glass being half empty or half full.

  Half empty: You bought two bags and had to hide one of them from your husband.

  Half full: You bought two bags and only had to hide one of them from your husband.

  The best way of looking at things is you now have two new bags…..enjoy them!

• liezel
  Jun 1, 2008 at 8:51 am

  i got my first lancel bag last year when my boyfriend went to paris. I really feel classy everytime i use it.

• arissa
  Jun 5, 2008 at 2:22 am

  i finally got my first Lancel today. did my homework yesterday & marched to the store today. lo & behold..they were having a relocation sale so got mine for a steal! it was between the espiegle leather in black & the easy flirt in pink. i decided on the pink one. too many black bags! i am a very happy camper :)

  prob i should get the espiegle leather too..hmm, that’s a thought.

• millie
  Jun 5, 2008 at 9:04 pm

  Hi arissa, congratulations. Relocation sale ?? I bought one of mine last month when they’re having a relocation sale too. The best deal I’ve got so far in my bags collection. Bought it @ 40% discount. Apparently, this relocation sale means they’re moving to a new building or new shop or new location. How often could this be happening ???!!!

• arissa
  Jun 6, 2008 at 4:31 am

  hi millie! the sales guy said the sale has been going on for a month already so it must be the same one that you went to. they are moving to their own store, besides anya hindmarch in klcc. moving there soon, so he claimed. got mine for 60% less. great deal indeed esp when hubby is willing to pay for it too :)

  i fell in love with the serment leather but not in stock. was told that it was from the old collection but still available on the website though.

• millie
  Jun 9, 2008 at 2:12 am

  Arissa, maybe during the opening of the new store we would be able to view a bigger collection. Let’s wait for that and we’d get discounts too….I’m a sucker for that!!

• angelmama
  Jun 22, 2008 at 2:58 am

  hi millie hi arissa
  u guys must be malaysian coz I got my first lancel (KLCC) last tuesday (french flirt) at 40% off and am in love with it irregardless of what my “bag snobs” colleagues say about it.. all they can think of is ferragamo, burberry, gucci and LV… and its not even full leather !! i adore coach for their leather but even that is considered “cheap”… heck, its affordable luxury i must say. best part is it looks like a work bag but can do double duty as a weekend bag coz i can stuff all my baby’s supplies when we go shopping :)

• millie
  Jun 22, 2008 at 9:47 pm

  Hi Angelmama,

  Yeah, I’m here..in KL..or Shah Alam to be exact. Congratulations on your new Lancel. Best bargain I’ve to say. I agree with u about Coach bags. I adore them too coz they’re so practical. I have my day to day bags (and weekend bags too!!) of mostly Coach or E Aigner. They are heavy duty, versatile, practical and fashionable too. I keep my Lancel and LV for occassional wear only. No doubt Lancel is heavy duty too, but like u said, it is not a luxury as affordable as Coaches!! (at least for me)

• angelmama
  Jun 22, 2008 at 10:29 pm

  good morning all

  hey millie, i work in shah alam too.:) cool wat a small wired world we all live in.. hmm.. was thinking about aigner. somehow i like those bags with “old world charm”. Maybe coz i use to see my uncles carrying the old aigner paper bags home from paris and use to dream of exotic holidays when I was still a kid. ALthough they are not the “IT brands” I think they have a great quality and aura about them :) I dare not step into LV coz I might bomb my budget and not to mention hubby staring dangerously at me each time I mention the words bags and watches !! but if i really want to get an LV, i would reserve for my trip to london or italy (its much cheaper there) till later, have a good day :)

• Beth
  Jun 24, 2008 at 7:57 am

  My daughter is in Paris and has just purchased a bag from the Lancel Champe Elysee store. She bought the messenger bag, with the signature fabric and dark brown leather trim and a long flap–it holds a lot (12″ x 9″) I saw a picture on Skype and loved it–it has a long shoulder strap. Today she called and liked a new bag–same fabric/brown leather trim in the bucket style–also long shoulder strap. Do any of you have either of these bags–and what to you think of them? I advised her to keep the messenger bag, as it holds more, less expensive and is more tailored. SHe will only be in Paris until Saturday—any thoughts??

• arissa
  Jun 25, 2008 at 1:27 am

  hi millie & angelmama,

  great to hear there are other lancel admirers like me in kl :) i agree that not many people are aware of the brand. i like coach bags too, before it was such a big thing here. they had a shop in kl hilton previously (now the hotel is known as crowne plaza). that was more than 5 yrs ago. got my first coach bag there. and yes, coach is affordable luxury.

  but now i’ve been using the lancel daily :) like you angelmama, my lancel is big enough to carry around my little daughter’s stuff & trust me, she wants to carry a lot of her things around. very pleased with my buy indeed.

  i’m looking forward to the shop opening in klcc. like what millie said, hope they’ll have a bigger collection. still eyeing the espiegle leather :)

• Lynn
  Jun 27, 2008 at 11:11 am

  Liezel, I agree you can’t help but feel great with a Lancel bag!

  Beth, not sure exactly which bags you’re talking about…. do you have a link to the photos?

  Arissa, I’m with you! I was in the store on the Champs-Elysées two days ago and I love the Espiegle Leather and the Fr. Flirt Suede Leather!

  Great bags and the luggage….well, I better stop until I win the lottery or something!!!

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