The on-the-go essentials of the très chic revealed.

If a Frenchman didn’t invent the man bag, then I’ll be damned! Surely when all “Anglo-Saxons” (the ultimate French insult) were all stuffing wallets, keys and phones into line-killing trouser pockets or filling backpacks to straining-point with laptops and gym kit (most still are), it was the Frenchman who first dared to walk around with his belongings tucked away neatly in a chic leather bag. Bags like the hand-cut and stitched beauties that are crafted at French brand Bleu De Chauffe’s artisanal workshop in Aveyron. They’re made from thick, full-grain leather, boast luxuriously sturdy hardware and even come with the maker’s credentials on the inside so you know exactly who made it and when. These are just some of the reasons we asked BDC to make us an exclusive bag as part of the Vive Le France collection – which you can shop below.

But, besides a demi-baguette and a bottle of pastis, what do the owners of such exceptional backpacks keep inside? Bleu de Chauffe reassure us that the contents match up to the promise of the product, so here we present the three things you now know every stylish man is carrying round town, from Paris to Toulouse.

“To draw a sketch wherever you are or to write down your thoughts, feelings and experiences.”

“To have easy access to all Paris’ museums and to be the first to discover new exhibitions.”

“This ‘gastronomic bible on eating well’ gathers France’s 800 best restaurants. It is an essential guide on where you can the eat the ‘best of the best’ food across France.”