Woven in Time: The Story Behind Garnier Thiebaut's French Linens

As France celebrates Bastille Day this July, we’re reminded that true craftsmanship is a kind of freedom: the freedom to create with care, to honor tradition, and to bring beauty into everyday life. At Garnier Thiebaut, that spirit has been part of our story since 1833, and it lives on in every thread we weave.

When you bring Garnier Thiebaut linens into your home, you're welcoming nearly 200 years of French textile tradition. From the quiet mountain town of Gérardmer in the Vosges region of France to fine hotels and dining rooms around the world, our linens have long been trusted for their artistry, performance, and timeless design.

Garnier Thiebaut family portrait and factory in Gérardmer, 1870Garnier Thiebaut family portrait and factory in Gérardmer, 1870
(Left:) The Garnier Thiebaut family portrait. The company has been based in the Vosges region in Gérardmer since 1833. (Right:) Garnier Thiebaut factory in Kichompré circa 1870

 

Our story began with the marriage of two linen merchants, Virginie Thiébaut and Jean-Baptiste Garnier, who set out to build something lasting. Gérardmer, known as one of the world’s great textile capitals, offered the perfect setting. There, they developed expertise in jacquard weaving that quickly earned the company a reputation for elegance and precision, qualities still present in every piece we create today.

Though our collections now appear in luxury hotels across the globe, our heart remains in France. The original mills in Gérardmer are still active, now powered in part by solar energy and supported by water recycling systems. Inside, skilled artisans continue to craft everything from tablecloths and napkins to bedding and bath linens using techniques passed down through generations. Each piece is woven with the same thoughtful attention that first defined our name.

Exterior view of Garnier Thiebaut's textile mill in the Vosges region of France with 575 solar panels on the roof. Exterior view of Garnier Thiebaut's textile mill in the Vosges region of France with 575 solar panels on the roof.
The exterior of our mill in the heart of the Vosges, France, outfitted with 575 solar panels.

 

What makes Garnier Thiebaut’s home linens special is not just the color or the pattern. It’s the story behind them. Our commitment to excellence has earned two of France’s highest honors in craftsmanship: the France Terre Textile label, which confirms that over 75 percent of our production takes place in France, and the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) distinction, which celebrates exceptional artisanal and industrial skill. These recognitions are not just awards; they are symbols of authenticity, proof that your linens are made where the craft began and by those who carry it forward.

So this Bastille Day, as France honors freedom, creativity, and heritage, we invite you to bring that spirit into your home. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering, refreshing your guest room, or simply setting the table with intention, every Garnier Thiebaut linen tells a story of resilience, beauty, and care.

 

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