Manufacture Maison Pierre Vaux and Camilla Parker Bowles

Behind the umbrella-and-umbrella site is a story and a French family that has been creating umbrellas for 100 years. Pierre Vaux went into the umbrella business and created the brand in 1920 in Saint-Claude in the Jura. After his tragic death in 1932, the activity continued thanks to his wife.

But it was in 1948, by his son René Pierre Vaux, that the production was born with the acquisition of a 250 m² workshop. This production will start with only three workers. The company continues to grow. In 1976, the company moved to new premises of 1,000 m² and it was in 1989 that a 2,700 m² factory was created in the Etables craft area in Saint-Claude. At this period, 60 employees are working for the manufacture.

Camilla Parker Bowles wears a model of Maison Pierre Vaux Sun umbrella's during her official excursions as in this photo taken in Egypt with Prince Charles. Over the years, the company continued to grow. In 1995, Maison Pierre Vaux obtained the exclusive licence and distribution of umbrellas. It already manufactures for the famous brand Longchamp. In parallel, the brand expands its production by creating anti-UV treated umbrellas.

Today, the grandson of the founder, Dominique Vaux, is the head of the company and his wife is in charge of the creation. The company has 20 employees and distributes its products in more than 16 countries.