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Why the French capital Paris is awash with knock-off berets

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Thomas Walde
October 27, 2025

Just as the baguette and red wine are associated with France and the French way of life, so is the beret. It's also very popular amongst tourists, even though many of the berets sold in Paris are actually made in China.

In Paris’ Montmartre district, tourists seek the iconic French beret—often labeled "Made in France." But many of the hats are cheap imitations from China. At Maison Laulhere in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, authentic berets have been handcrafted for nearly a century. Workers like Marie-Helene Prat preserve traditional techniques passed down through generations. Now, French manufacturers aim to protect the term "Beret Basque" to defend their work against low-quality imports.

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