About Laulhère

LAULHÈRE: from traditional berets to “haute couture” women hats, proudly made in France.
In 1840, LAULHÈRE began making genuine berets in the traditional Basque fashion. Today, BEATEX PROD remains the last French millinery of fashionable hats and military berets under the brand LAULHÈRE.

The Beret: History and Tradition

From the Bearn, region of France, the beret which first came into existence during the high middle ages and was traditionally worn by young children. A symbol of France, the beret has become a national fashionable accessory throughout the years…

Originally, the beret was only worn by shepherds, as a means of protecting against cold temperatures or rain. The beret has become over the years worn by many civilians as well as different military corps. Its color, different according to the period of time, has had a strong symbolic value. Originally “ecru”, it has either been white, brown, blue, or red, according to the regions and the communities in the Pyrenees. The beret was the head gear wore by high mountain guides of the Pyrenees, often with an official color (blue at Luchon). Since its expansion in the 19th century, the only color that guarantees the authenticity of the civil beret is black, although the red beret is worn during the traditional festivities and the celebrations in the French and Spanish “Pays Basque” and the “Landes” in general. Often worn by the battalion of Alps hunters (as a mean of protecting against the rain down to the feet of the soldiers), the beret has alo been adopted as the preferred military head wear the most popular worldwide, with various colors and emblems, and many codified ways to wear it.

The beret is synonymous with the strong cultural identity in the south-east of France. It remains popular in the countryside and the young generations during the traditional festivities (notably in Bayonne, Dax and Mont-de-Marsan). Considering its manufacturing method, finding two identical berets is impossible, which gives it fluidity and versatility, allowing people to express their personality.

Today, the beret has become synonymous with France. It can be revolutionary, humorous, sensual, charming, provocative or sporty according to the wearer. Reactions to it may vary, but one thing is sure: beret making is a veritable industry at Oloron-Sainte-Marie, providing work for more than 100 people yet respecting the tradition embodied in the “Basque beret” label.