White from the Vosges ... This name alone sums up a centuries-old history, made up of a unique textile know-how rooted in a region full of resources. White is a profession, that of beautiful linen, of precious openwork sheets, marvels of fine linen or delicate cotton.

The Vosges is a territory of character, where the water of the mountains combines its strength with the talent of men to create a perennial and virtuous textile industry, which has been our pride for almost two centuries. Discover the wonderful history of Vosges linen!

 1843: The François Hans company is born.

Nicolas Gérard, only 14 years old, had the brilliant idea of creating a trading house where he sells the linen fabrics woven during the winter by the peasants of the Gérardmer region in the Vosges.  

1865: Nicolas Gérard was a merchant who quickly became a manufacturer and, inspired by the cotton industry,

he created the very first mechanical weaving of linen in the Vosges and then installed bleaching on the meadow.

1933: Messrs. François Hans and François Lambert join forces at the head of Établissements François Hans and give a new impetus to the company. They focus on training an elite workforce that specializes in quality linen items.

1934: Creation of the "Trois Sapins" brand. The union of fabric manufacturers of Gérardmer filed a collective trademark. This brand was created with the aim of protecting the manufacture of Gérardmer weavings, but also to ensure  that products of ever improved quality were presented to customers.

1946: The François Hans company rebuilds the weaving mill following the bombings of the Second World War. François Lambert took advantage of this project to expand and modernize the infrastructure and weaving machines. He wants to become the all-round champion of made in the Vosges and high French quality.

1960: Claude Lambert and Jean Birac, respectively son and son-in-law of François Lambert, develop the clothing workshops.

The Bas Beillard and Rue de Lorraine workshops already have more than a hundred cutters, seamstresses and packers, talented women and men whose know-how, quality requirements and passion contribute to the radiance of Vosges household linen.

1961: The first printed collection of bed linen is released clothing workshops. It was the beginning of an endless epic.

1998: Jean-François Birac, son of Jean Birac; the fifth generation takes the helm of the company.

2000: François Hans moves to 12,000 m² in  the heart of Gérardmer. A major location for an outstanding activity: the manufacture of high-quality Vosges household linen!

2005: Opening of the first Blanc des Vosges boutique in Paris, rue Saint Dominique. 

2007: Jean-François Birac decides to reposition the company and give it a new impetus of modernity by launching  the Blanc des Vosges brand and concept, which continues to develop.

2011: Blanc des Vosges is rewarded for its know-how and French heritage by obtaining the Vosges Terre Textile label. A few months later, as a result of this exceptional talent, the brand was awarded the Living Heritage Company label.  

2013: Blanc des Vosges celebrates 170 years of excellence in French manufacturing since 1843, and launches an  exceptional Prestige collection honored by Princess Tania of Bourbon Parma.

2015: Blanc des Vosges affirms its positioning and image, with a new logo that anchors it in its history as a

manufacturer of high-end household linen, its region of the Vosges and its originality with the creative curve.

2017: Blanc des Vosges opens its twelfth store in France and a first space in HONG KONG.

2020: Blanc des Vosges confirms its ambition and is sold in 36 countries.

2022: Blanc des Vosges is voted best bed linen brand by Capital Magazine, a strong symbol of recognition for the brand.

2023: Blanc des Vosges celebrates its 180th anniversary and retraces its incredible history since 1843 in a book with a preface by the host and writer Stéphane Bern. There are in-depth texts, anecdotes and beautiful illustrations.