THE BASQUE BERET

For centuries the Basque beret has been synonymous not just with the Basque region but with France. Adopted by the armed forces of France and many other countries, the beret in all its forms is an icon recognised throughout the world.

Curiously the famous beret is mainly made in the neighbouring Béarn area. We have chosen one of the finest French manufacturers of berets, who has succeeded in marrying the age-old traditions of beret-making with modern technology to create an excellent product.

The traditional Basque beret is made from the finest quality weather-proofed wool, partially lined and has a real leather band inside. It is available in black and marine (a very dark navy blue). When ordering your beret you also need to specify your head size and the size of the beret. You can have a small beret on a large head or a large beret on a small head! It is entirely a matter of taste. The price of the beret depends on the quality and the outside dimensions, not the head size. Here is an explication of the various possibilities:

• COLOUR: Black or marine.
• QUALITY: There are two choices:
• The Bakarra Excellence is a superb beret made with the finest weather-proofed wool which has been felted for longer than usual to give it extra weight and density. It is partially lined with satin and has a real leather headband, which can be worn in all weathers and will last for years.
• The Sancho is a beret for the connoisseur specially made for us and not readily available elsewhere. It is made with the same wool as the Bakarra Excellence but is fully lined with satin. It has a real leather headband.
• HEAD SIZE: This is in centimetres and represents the circumference of the head. Our berets are available from 53cms to 64 cms. The average head size of an adult is between 55 cms and 60 cms.
• BERET SIZE: This is the diameter in inches (that's the way they do it here!) of the OUTSIDE of the beret. There are three possible sizes: 10, 10.5 and 11. Which you choose, as we said, is just a matter of personal choice. However if you are not sure here what size beret you want, here are our recommendations:
• Head size 55 to 58 Beret 10 ins
• Head size 59 to 61 Beret 10.5 ins
• Head size 62 to 64 Beret 11 ins

These berets are usually made to order, so allow about a month for dispatch. We have a very limited stock so if your need is urgent please contact us. CHRISTMAS ORDERING: Make sure that your order is in by December 1.

The same manufacturer also has a range of ordinary berets in bright and fashionable colours, including berets for children, and casquette style berets; we can also offer military berets in traditional colours.

HEAD SIZES

Below is a table giving approximate equivalents for European head sizes. The circumferance - in centimetres - can be measured by putting a tape measure round where the sweat band of a hat normally fits. The approximate equivalent cap size used in the US is also given.

EXCHANGE POLICY: please note that these berets are made to order. We do not hold stock. This means that we can keep our prices low, but it also means that we are unable to exchange berets unless there is a defect in manufacture.

Order now or go to Secure ordering form

We can offer these berets NOW direct from the manufacturer. Use the form below to order or send us a comment. You can use the form below to order or, if you know what you want, you can go to our secure ordering form. The prices are EXCLUSIVE of post and packaging. P&P to, for example, the United States will be around 5 euros for one beret, plus insurance if you want it.

POSTAGE & INSURANCE: Postage is calculated by weight. Items will be sent by airmail unless you specify otherwise. NB: express/Fedex is very expensive.If your package comes to more than 2 kilos it is automatically insured. Tick the insurance box for items less than 2 kilos for insurance. The extra charge is 5 euros. We no longer offer dispatch by Fedex as we have found them unreliable. If you choose Express it will go by Chronopost, the French express service.

PAYMENT: The easiest way to pay is by credit card: we accept VISA and MASTERCARD. You can Email us your credit card number or, if you prefer, fax us on: +33 (0) 5 59 38 99 11. Another way is to send French euro or sterling equivalent cheques to: 123Voyage, c/o Williams, Bourg, 64190 Rivehaute, France. Sadly we cannot normally accept euro cheques from other European countries - it may be one currency but the bank charges are still extortionate! Our phone number for inquiries is: +33 (0) 5 59 38 99 00. (Callers from outside France use the international code of 33 and do NOT put in the 0)

Customers are responsible for settling their own custom charges where they apply.

© 123Voyage. 123Voyage, Treasures of the SW, Tresors du SO, are trading names of Sauveterre Ltd, company registered in the UK.
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