France

Stained glass. France has been known for making stained glass since the early Middle Ages. Currently stained glass production is undergoing a revival thanks to the Centre International du Vitrail in Chartres. Three famous master craftsmen work in town, and there are a host of other studios to peruse.

Cotton prints. These block-printed, deep-colored fabrics instantly make you think of the south of France. The best-known brand is Souleïado, founded in Tarascon in 1938. The museum next to the shop in Tarascon has a fascinating collection of 18th-century wooden blocks that are the basis of the designs.

Knives. Some of the finest knives are made by Laguiole in the town of the same name. Philippe Starck designed the new factory, Forge de Laguiole, and you can visit to see the knives being handcrafted and branded to guarantee authenticity. Laguiole is also famous for its cheese.

Watches. Founded in 1613, Mellerio dits Meller (9 Rue de la Paix, Paris; tel. +33 [0] 1 42 61 57 53) is one of the oldest family companies in France. It once supplied gems to Marie-Antoinette. Personalized designs, exquisite watches.

Watchbands. Available in an astonishing array of leathers (anaconda, toad, camel) and colors, A.B.P. watchbands are made to order in Paris at thee Atelier du Bracelet Parisien (28 Place du Marché Saint Honoré; tel. +33 [0] 1 42 86 13 70).

Designer Clothing. From the city that invented fashion. Paris-only designers include Jérôme L'Huillier (women's wear; 138/139 Galerie de Valois; tel. +33 (0) 1 49 26 07 07), and Eglé Bespoke (hand-tailored men's shirts; 26 Rue du Mont Thabor, tel. +33 [0] 1 44 15 98 31).

Bronze fittings. Locks, door handles, window fittings, and more for the home in over a thousand historical styles made by skilled Parisian craftsmen are available from Rémy Garnier (30 bis Boulevard de la Bastille, Paris; tel. +33 [0] 1 43 43 84 85). Founded in 1831, it supplied these items to the chateau in Versailles during restoration.

Perfume. From Paris, the world capital of perfume, master perfumer Serge Lutens creates two magnificent, sensuous scents each year, sold exclusively at Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido (142 Galerie de Valois, Paris; tel. +33 [0] 1 49 27 09 09). Since specializing in perfumed gloves in the 16th century, the French Riviera's Grasse has been known for its fragrant perfume and talented perfumers, called "noses." Fragonard, one of the town's most renowned perfume designers, has combined craft methods with modern production techniques since 1926 in a favorite scent in a lavish gift shop. Or, dabble with the craft of perfume-mixing in the test labs at the 1747-established Parfumerie Galimard's Le Studio de Frangrance (tel. +33 [0] 4 93 09 20 00, Route de Pégomas).