A story that begins in 1832

Founded in 1832 in the foothills of the Massif Central, Chapal emerged at a time when France stood as one of the world’s leading centers for leather and fur craftsmanship. The house quickly specialized in the treatment of rabbit and sheep skins, developing innovative tanning and transformation techniques.

By the early 20th century, Chapal had become a major player in the European fur industry. Its expertise reached far beyond France, particularly in the United States, where its technical innovations attracted significant industrial interest.

But it was with the rise of aviation that Chapal truly entered legend.

The jackets that accompanied aviation pioneers

In the 1920s and 1930s, pilots flew in open cockpits, exposed to extreme temperatures. Their garments needed to withstand freezing winds while maintaining flexibility and comfort.

Chapal responded by furnishing leather and creating innovative process on shearling for flight jackets that quickly became a reference for aviators. The House notably crafted leather jackets and overalls for French aircraft pilots, combining durability with refined craftsmanship.

Among them, the iconic 1914 jacket stands as one of the very first true flight jackets in history. A now legendary piece that would go on to influence military outerwear. The A1 ; A2 and B3 are other examples of modern leather jackets available in the collection.

This aeronautical heritage remains deeply embedded in Chapal’s identity today.

A natural companion to the automobile

With the rise of the automobile Chapal naturally extended its expertise to the world of driving. Its driving and racing outfits became one of the house’s signatures.

Designed to provide both precision and comfort, they accompany classic car enthusiasts and modern collectors alike. The leather is supple, the fit exact, and the sensation behind the wheel perfectly controlled.

Those who wear Chapal

Some houses are defined not only by what they create, but by those who choose to wear them. Not through endorsement, but through affinity.

Jean-Paul Belmondo, with his effortless charisma, embodied a form of masculine elegance that felt instinctive rather than constructed. A leather jacket worn without intention, yet always with presence. In a more contemporary register, Jean Dujardin carries forward this distinctly French balance between classicism and ease.

Still made in France

At a time when much of luxury has become industrialized, Chapal continues to produce in France, in its historic manufacture in Crocq, in the Creuse region.

Each piece passes through the hands of skilled artisans specialized in tanning, cutting, assembling and finishing leather. Some skins require months of work before becoming a garment.

This artisanal approach explains the longevity of Chapal pieces. A jacket is not simply worn, it evolves. It develops a patina, a character, and often becomes something to pass on.

At the same time, the house is reconnecting with its international roots. In 2025, Chapal returns to New York City under the direction of Jean-François Bardinon, the 8th generation of Chapal family. This return is more than symbolic. It echoes a transatlantic story that began in the late 19th century, when Emile Chapal established several tanneries and factories in the United States, including one in Brooklyn. At the time, the house was producing sheepskins for flight jackets destined for the American Air Force, as well as felt hats made from rabbit hair.

The elegance of time

In a world driven by constant novelty, Chapal reminds us that true objects can transcend decades without losing relevance.

A brown flight jacket, a perfectly fitted pair of driving shoes or a handmade leather travel bag are not just elements of style. They are fragments of history.

They echo the first flights above the clouds, the winding roads driven in exceptional machines, and the enduring story of a French house that has been shaping leather with the same level of excellence for nearly two centuries.

A Legacy Shaped by European Elite

Megève’s destiny changed in the 1920s when Noémie de Rothschild envisioned it as the French answer to St. Moritz. Her ambition was clear: to create a refined destination where lifestyle mattered just as much as sport.

The vision quickly attracted aristocrats, artists, and prominent families. Yet Megève never surrendered to ostentation. Its luxury remains quiet, almost confidential.

That original DNA is still felt today, from century old chalets to iconic addresses that have shaped the village’s identity.

This architectural identity was notably shaped by Henry Jacques Le Même, a pioneering figure who reimagined the alpine chalet through a more modern and functional lens, while preserving its original spirit.

Living the Megève Experience: Between Heritage and Intimacy

There are places that define Megève not only by reputation, but by emotion.
Les Fermes de Marie is one of them.

Created from centuries old Alpine farms carefully dismantled and rebuilt, the property tells a story of preservation and reinvention. Each chalet carries its own soul, blending raw wood, antique pieces, and a deeply comforting atmosphere.

Mornings here begin slowly, with generous breakfasts that feel more like a ritual than a meal. Afternoons drift naturally toward the indoor pool and spa, where time seems to soften. It is less a hotel than a way of inhabiting the mountains.

In a different yet equally refined spirit, Four Seasons Hotel Megève offers a more contemporary vision of alpine luxury. Its Japanese restaurant brings an unexpected sharpness to the local culinary scene, while suites open onto spectacular views.

Hidden within, a discreet wine cellar hosts private tastings in an atmosphere that feels almost secret. Upstairs, the Cigar Lounge becomes a natural meeting point after sunset.

For those seeking an even more intimate retreat, Zannier Le Chalet stands apart. Its spa, carved into a hushed and mineral setting, and its rooms of rare elegance create a deeply personal experience of Megève.

A Skier’s Paradise… And Much More

With more than 400 kilometers of slopes connected to the Évasion Mont Blanc domain, Megève caters equally to leisurely skiers and lovers of vast alpine landscapes.

Skiing here is not just sport. It is perspective. Few moments rival descending a slope with the Mont Blanc rising in the distance.

But reducing Megève to skiing would miss its essence.

You can cross silent forests on snowshoes, glide across sunlit Nordic plateaus, or set off on a dog sled through untouched landscapes.

And for a truly singular experience, Aérocime Megève offers private flights over the massif. Taking off on snow and flying above the Aiguille du Midi transforms the mountains into something almost unreal.

A Destination for Taste and Elegance

Megève has established itself as one of the Alps’ leading culinary destinations, thanks in part to Emmanuel Renaut and his three Michelin starred restaurant Le Flocon de Sel.

Deeply rooted in Savoyard terroir, his cuisine elevates mountain ingredients with contemporary precision.

But gastronomy in Megève extends far beyond its starred tables.

Institutions like La Fromagerie capture the spirit of the village. Warm, authentic, and unmistakably alpine, it remains a place where evenings stretch naturally around shared dishes and conversation.

The Art of Living in the Mountains

What truly sets Megève apart may be its perfect balance between sport, elegance, and gentle living.

Visitors arrive for the skiing, certainly. But they stay for everything in between: slow walks through the village, afternoons spent in exceptional spas, late lunches turning into early evenings, and that constant presence of the mountains just beyond the windows.

Why Megève Remains Timeless

Some destinations follow trends. Others move through decades without ever losing their identity. Megève firmly belongs to the latter.

Its strength lies in a rare alchemy: authenticity, sophistication, and heritage.