La Rochere Glassware: 15 Elegant French Styles to Love

La Rochère has been hand-crafting glass in France since 1475, marrying mediaeval know-how with modern durability. Their soda-lime pieces are crystal-clear, pleasantly weighty and—yes—dishwasher-safe—so they feel as practical as they look refined. Below, we compare fifteen signature collections so you can decide which goblets, tumblers or carafes best suit your table or gift list.

Each range differs in pattern, thickness and hand-feel: some sport embossed bees, others ripple like Breton tides, while the minimalist Courbe line stacks neatly in a small kitchen. To help you shop from home, we also clear up the questions that pop up again and again:
• Is La Rochère good? The oldest glassworks in Europe still fires every piece on-site and tests for food-safe strength.
• Where is it made? Franche-Comté, eastern France.
• Dishwasher safe? Yes—use a short eco cycle and mild detergent to keep the sparkle.
Then scroll through the styles, picture them filled with Marlborough Sauvignon or a flat white, and click through when one catches your eye.

1. Bee Collection – Napoléon’s Iconic Emblem

The Bee Collection is the line most shoppers picture when they think of La Rochère: weighty goblets dotted with raised bees that march around the bowl like tiny imperial medals. Inspired by Napoléon I’s favourite emblem, these pieces strike a balance between rustic French charm and courtly grandeur, making them a versatile first foray into La Rochère glassware.

The Design Story & Imperial Heritage

The bee symbolised industry and immortality for Napoléon, who ordered it stitched onto court fabrics in the early 1800s. La Rochère first pressed the motif into glass later that century, pairing the figure with generous bowls, thick stems and slightly flared rims that feel sturdy yet elegant in the hand.

Must-Have Pieces and Typical Volumes

• Goblet – 250 ml: everyday water or breakfast juice
• Wine glass – 350 ml: Marlborough Sauvignon, rosé or even craft beer
• Tall tumbler – 470 ml: iced coffee, Pimm’s, garden-party mocktails

Styling & Care Tips

Layer the bee glasses with crumpled linen napkins, honey-coloured taper candles and simple stoneware plates for an effortlessly provincial table. All pieces are dishwasher-safe; skip citrus-based detergents to keep the relief work sparkling.

2. Dragonfly Collection – Capturing the French Countryside

One sip from a Dragonfly glass and you’re mentally picnicking beside a lily-dotted pond. Introduced during the Art Nouveau boom, the pattern wraps delicate wings around a slender silhouette, giving the glass an airy lightness compared with the stout Bee range. The result is still reassuringly robust—pressed from the same dishwasher-safe soda-lime mix—but feels a touch more lyrical in the hand.

Symbolism & Design Details

• Dragonfly motif symbolises balance, grace and a healthy respect for nature.
• Raised wings encircle the bowl, meeting beneath a fine, smooth rim.
• Slim walls keep weight down without sacrificing strength, making it a favourite for everyday pours.

Best Sellers & Functional Uses

• Wine glass 300 ml – chilled whites or fruity rosé.
• Short tumbler 290 ml – elderflower cordial, juice or a G&T.
• Carafe 1 L – table water dotted with lemon slices.

Table-Setting Inspiration

Pair Dragonfly pieces with botanical-print linens, rattan chargers and pastel napkins; their soft gleam complements fresh garden flowers and alfresco dining as naturally as wings on water.

3. Perigord Collection – Classic Bistro Ridges

If you have ever lingered over a crème brûlée in a Paris back-street brasserie, the Perigord shape will look familiar. This line channels 1920s café culture with its neat vertical ribs and satisfyingly weighty base, giving the glass a confident grip and a subtle, prismatic sparkle. Perigord is one of the most stack-friendly families in the La Rochère glassware stable—perfect for Kiwi kitchens where shelf space is tight.

Heritage & Look

Modelled on the sturdy optic tumblers that lined zinc counters between the wars, each piece features fluted sides that catch the light and hide the fingerprints of busy service. The straight rims make sipping smooth, while the base is thick enough to survive the odd clink against cast-iron pans.

Most Popular Shapes

• 160 ml espresso glass – doubles as a mini dessert cup
• 220 ml water tumbler – morning juice, table water, kids’ milk
• 650 ml pitcher – sangria, pre-mixed Negroni, or chilled tap water

Perfect Occasions & Care

Reach for Perigord when you need hard-working everyday glassware that still looks sharp for impromptu dinner parties. Stack them three high, pop them in the freezer for a ten-minute flash chill, then slide them onto the dishwasher’s gentle cycle afterward. Easy, durable, très bistro.

4. Ouessant Collection – Coastal Ribbed Elegance

Pull a chilled Ouessant tumbler from the fridge and you can almost smell sea-spray. Named after the windswept Breton island of Ouessant, this range trades royal emblems for rhythmic ribs that echo tidal ripples. The glass is thick at the base, gently curved through the body, and a touch lighter at the lip—so it feels sturdy yet easy to sip from, even with wet hands fresh from shucking oysters.

Design Inspiration

La Rochère’s designers studied the concentric rings left on sand as waves retreat, then pressed that pattern into durable soda-lime glass. The ribbing isn’t just decorative; it scatters light like sunshine on water and offers extra grip for outdoor dining or boat decks.

Go-To Pieces

• Lowball 250 ml – neat whisky or sunset negroni
• Highball 400 ml – iced latte, craft pilsner, tall G&Ts
• Jug 1 L – cucumber water or citrus-mint lemonade for the whole table

Styling & Serving Ideas

Match Ouessant with navy-striped linens, enamelware and towering seafood platters for a laid-back nautical look. Its solid build copes with ice buckets and dishwashers alike—just use a mild tablet to keep that coastal clarity gleaming.

5. Lyonnais Collection – Swirling Baroque Charm

The Lyonnais line of La Rochère glassware brings a whisper of baroque theatre to even a Tuesday night pasta. The signature swirl scatters light like a disco ball, yet the walls are everyday-sturdy—slightly lighter than Bee, slightly weightier than Courbe—comfortably ‘just right’ in the hand.

Pattern & History

Inspired by Renaissance banquet goblets, the current mould was fine-tuned in 1890. Deep S-curves spiral up the bowl, nodding to Baroque scrollwork while adding fingertip grip for buttery desserts.

Key Formats

• 150 ml flute – breakfast mimosas or Crémant
• 260 ml water glass – sparkling or still
• 300 ml dessert dish – affogato, trifle or sorbet

When to Use It

Reach for Lyonnais when the occasion calls for sparkle—weddings, anniversaries, even mid-winter Christmas. The swirling relief loves candlelight and vintage silver but also pops against matte-black plates. Eco-cycle cleaning keeps those ridges razor-sharp.

6. Versailles Collection – Palace-Worthy Detailing

Think mirrored halls, clipped parterres and candlelit banquets: Versailles is the La Rochère range that channels courtly glamour without feeling fussy. Each piece is weightier than the Dragonfly line yet slimmer than Bee, so it has that satisfying “clink” while remaining easy to lift for long toasts. If you love heritage motifs but want something more refined than overt emblems, this is your sweet spot.

Iconic Elements

• Embossed leaf-and-scroll pattern inspired by the latticework of Louis XIV’s gardens.
• Faceted stem provides a secure grip and flashes light like a cut diamond.
• Slightly flared lip aids aroma release for wine and craft cider.

Crowd-Pleasers

• Goblet – 350 ml: red, white or mulled wine.
• Stemless wine – 270 ml: water, kombucha, dessert cocktails.
• Footed ice-cream bowl – 300 ml: sorbet, eton mess, prawn cocktail entrée.

Styling Notes

Layer Versailles glasses with crisp white porcelain, gilded chargers and linen napkins edged in metallic thread. Their ornate relief bounces candle- or fairy-light beautifully, so they’re perfect for formal dinners yet robust enough for the dishwasher’s eco cycle.

7. Artois Collection – Understated Bistro Chic

Artois is the quiet achiever of the La Rochère family: no embossing, no ornate ribs—just crisp vertical panes that catch the light like the window fronts of a Paris corner bar. The glasses feel lighter than Bee yet firmer than Courbe, giving you bistro character without the bulk. If you want everyday pieces that move effortlessly from morning smoothie to evening Pinot Noir, Artois deserves a spot in the cupboard.

Design Features

• Slim, slightly tapered profile with refined vertical panels
• Narrowed “waist” provides a confident grip without handles
• Smooth rim for a clean, splash-free sip

Most-Bought Items

1. Beer glass – 500 ml: session ales or ginger beer
2. Everyday tumbler – 250 ml: sparkling water, flat whites, kids’ juice

Best Pairings

Artois shines against rustic charcuterie boards, crusty baguettes and zinc-top tables. The unfussy lines also complement modern stoneware and matte cutlery, so you can mix it with almost any dinnerware—and still pop it in the dishwasher when the guests head home.

8. Fleur de Lys Collection – Heraldic French Flair

For many Francophiles the stylised lily is shorthand for Old-World elegance, and La Rochère’s Fleur de Lys line captures that romance in glass. Each tumbler or goblet carries three embossed fleurs spaced like jewels around the bowl, lending quiet texture without the heft of the Bee range. The walls are a touch thinner, so the glass feels nimble in the hand, yet the thick base keeps it perfectly balanced during lively dinner chatter.

Motif & Significance

• The fleur de lys once adorned royal coats of arms, tapestries and iron gates across France.
• La Rochère adapted the emblem in the 1960s, pressing it into soda-lime glass that remains dishwasher-safe on a short, mild cycle.
• The repeated lily symbolises purity and light—ideal sentiments for celebratory toasts.

Signature Pieces

• 150 ml champagne coupe – vintage-style bubbles or berry sorbet
• 280 ml water goblet – still, sparkling or Provençal rosé

How to Style

Set these pieces on lavender-washed runners with Provençal pottery and linen napkins; their soft relief echoes natural textures and lets pastel glazes shine. A sprig of rosemary tied to each stem completes the understated, heraldic look.

9. Boudoir Collection – Vintage Engraved Grace

Imagine opening a 19th-century dressing case and finding crystal scent bottles that glint like diamonds—Boudoir brings that same nostalgia to the table. Each piece feels lighter than Bee yet heavier than Courbe, with a faceted pattern that refracts candlelight and instantly elevates even a midnight snack.

Inspiration

• Modelled on Victorian perfume flacons and jewellery boxes, the deep diamond-cut relief was first pressed by La Rochère in the 1930s.
• The texture looks hand-engraved but is mould-blown for durability, so it survives everyday knocks and the dishwasher’s eco cycle.

Top Formats

• 200 ml tumbler – neat whisky, fresh juice or single-serve desserts
• 150 ml cordial glass – limoncello, sherry, espresso affogato
• 750 ml decanter – water on a bedside table or small-batch gin

Usage Ideas

Boudoir glassware sparkles under dim lighting, making it perfect for after-dinner liqueurs, bridal brunches or as a glamorous toothbrush cup. Group several tumblers with tealights and watch the room shimmer.

10. Amboise Collection – Gothic Architectural Lines

Amboise channels the romance of the Loire Valley’s cliff-top château into everyday drinkware. Weightier than Courbe yet leaner than Bee, each glass feels like a miniature cathedral window—sturdy enough for family brunch, elegant enough for candle-lit dinners.

Design Story

Named after Château d’Amboise, the mould features pointed arches and faceted panels that echo the castle’s Gothic windows. When light hits those facets the glass throws tiny refractions, mimicking sun through stained glass while still retaining the durable, dishwasher-safe soda-lime formula that defines La Rochère glassware.

Hero Pieces

• 340 ml stemmed glass – bold reds, craft cider, even trifle
• 180 ml juice tumbler – breakfast orange, kids’ milk
• All pieces stack two-high, saving shelf space in city apartments

Entertaining Tips

Set Amboise against dark timber or slate cheese boards to highlight its architectural angles. The raised arches grip easily, so guests can mingle without slips, and the generous bowl suits everything from winter pinot to summer spritzes. An eco-cycle wash keeps those Gothic lines crystal clear.

11. Courbe Collection – Contemporary Curves

For fans of unfussy silhouettes, Courbe is the smooth operator of La Rochère glassware. A single sweeping line runs from its weighted base to the rim, delivering a modern look that plays nicely with Scandi benches or minimalist French country tables alike.

Modern Aesthetic

The bowl and stem merge into one continuous curve with no embossing or ribs, so light glides across the surface instead of catching. Walls are fractionally thinner than Bee or Perigord, reducing overall weight without compromising the factory-tested toughness.

Everyday Staples

• 390 ml water glass – morning smoothies or cold-brew
• 520 ml soft-drink glass – tall iced teas, craft sodas, shandies
  Both sizes nest neatly, saving precious shelf space.

Why We Love It

Courbe stacks four-high, fits the dishwasher rack like a dream and feels balanced even when filled to the brim. It’s the range we reach for when we want contemporary style with classic La Rochère strength—no fuss, just effortless curves.

12. Richelieu Collection – Regal Facets

Richelieu is the range you reach for when you want your glassware to feel as commanding as a cardinal’s cloak yet practical enough for week-night ragu. The octagonal foot flows into a faceted bowl that catches stray sparks of candle-light, giving every pour—be it Otago Pinot or sparkling water—a subtle halo. Weight-wise it sits between Versailles and Lyonnais: sturdy, but not a wrist-workout.

Historical Reference

Named for Cardinal Richelieu, Louis XIII’s formidable chief minister, the design nods to 17th-century cut crystal. La Rochère translated those hand-cut angles into pressed soda-lime glass in the 1950s, preserving the look while adding dishwasher resilience.

Key Pieces

• 250 ml goblet – ideal for structured reds or mulled cider
• 300 ml tall glass – iced americanos, kombucha, craft lager

Serving Suggestions

Richelieu’s sharp facets pop against moody linens—think charcoal or deep burgundy—and oversized pewter chargers. Pour bold Syrah, spiced toddies or even hot apple juice; the hefty base handles gentle warmth and keeps the glass upright during animated conversation.

13. Troquet Collection – Parisian Café Nostalgia

Order a noisette at any Paris troquet and it will likely arrive in a glass just like this—rounded base, gentle taper and a rim that feels made for a quick, contented slurp. La Rochère’s Troquet range bottles that zinc-counter vibe in tough, soda-lime glass that shrugs off daily knocks.

Look & Feel

• Curved silhouette echoes classic Duralex café tumblers, but with a touch more heft.
• Crystal-clear walls show off crema, bubbles or colour layers, while the rolled rim resists chipping.
• Each piece is tempered for thermal shock, so you can pour hot espresso or ice-cold lager without flinching.

Best-Selling Sizes

1. 220 ml espresso glass – single or double shots, mini affogato
2. 310 ml water tumbler – house wine, kombucha, flat white
3. 450 ml beer glass – pale ale, iced tea or milkshake

Practical Pointers

Pop Troquet in the freezer for a rapid chill, then straight into the dishwasher afterwards; stack three-high to save shelf space in a Kiwi kitchen.

14. Provence Collection – Sun-Washed Simplicity

Pull one of these tumblers from the cupboard and you can almost taste tomatoes still warm from the market. Provence pares the glass back to first principles: thick bases that hold a chill, softly tapering walls and absolutely zero ornament. The result is sturdy, unfussy drinkware made for outdoor lunches and slow evenings alike.

Regional Influence

Modelled on Provençal olive-oil jars and apothecary bottles, the design favours honest heft over decoration. The weight keeps the glass stable on breezy verandas, while the slight taper guides aromas upward—ideal for crisp rosé or homemade cordial.

Essential Forms

• 260 ml tumbler – water, table wine, gelato
• 1.3 L carafe – citrus water, chilled reds, cut flowers

Styling Advice

Team Provence with colourful ceramics, sunflower bunches and rough-sawn boards for an effortless Mediterranean vibe. Rinse salt spray away on the dishwasher’s eco cycle, and they’ll keep their crystal clarity summer after summer.

15. Côtes Collection – Rustic Ridge Cups

Côtes is the range you grab when you want your table to feel as relaxed as a French picnic but still benefit from the strength of La Rochère glassware. Short, straight sides and chunky ridges give these cups a hand-thrown look, while the weighty base keeps them upright on wobbly garden tables.

Distinctive Traits

• Horizontal “côtes” (ribs) wrap the entire body, adding grip and farmhouse charm.
• Low profile fits beneath espresso machines and picnic-basket lids.
• Pressed in the same crystal-clear, dishwasher-safe soda-lime formula as the taller ranges.

Go-To Items

Piece	Capacity	Pack
Coffee cup	130 ml	Set of 6
Wine cup	200 ml	Set of 6

Best Uses

Fill the 130 ml cup with strong short blacks, chocolate pots or even kids’ juice shots. The 200 ml size does double duty for table wine, tapas-night sangria or olive pits once the bottle is empty. Toss them in the dishwasher afterwards—those sturdy ribs shrug off daily knocks with Gallic nonchalance.

A Final Sip Before You Shop

From Napoléon’s emblematic bees to the effortless curve of Courbe, La Rochère proves that five-century heritage can still feel fresh on a 2025 kitchen bench. Every collection shares three constants: French-made quality, dishwasher-safe toughness, and clarity that lets your Pinot, cold brew, or sparkling water shine. The difference lies in the details—choose ribs for extra grip, Baroque swirls for drama, or sleek lines for everyday minimalism.

Before you click “add to cart”, run a quick checklist:

• Match capacity to your favourite pour (200 ml for espresso, 500 ml for craft beer).
• Think about stacking height if cupboards are tight.
• Picture the pattern against your existing plates; harmony beats impulse.

Ready to raise a glass? Explore the full La Rochère range stocked right here in Aotearoa at Villarosa Maison and find the style that feels like it was blown just for you. Santé!