Eyestylist

The French optical and accessories store by Margaux Darrigade and Sophie Mailles brings fun, flair and personal sparkle to optical retailing 

At La Belle Vue, choosing frames is an experience that is pleasurable, interactive and perfectly lovely. Here, you enter a pastel-toned world that the owners describe as inspired by California, “a mix of chill, lifestyle, and fashion under the South Western French sun”. Disco balls, pretty neon lights, quirky tubular seats and soft white swivel armchairs all come together in a fresh pastel-toned interior trimmed with light green and black leopard print drawers and soft, elegant satin curtains.

“We opened the store in May 2021, in the Pédebert park in Soorts-Hossegor,” says Margaux and Sophie with pride and excitement. “We have been opticians for 16 and 14 years respectively. We worked together in an optical shop for 8 years before becoming partners. Fun fact: Many people think we are sisters or even twins because we have a funny habit of dressing the same way – without meaning to!” Above: The co-owners, Margaux and Sophie – “La Belle Vue is our dream store. It’s just like us: sparkling, colourful, and whimsical!”

The store majors in eyewear, but also sells other items by local producers and creatives including clothing, bags, flowers, jewellery and vases. With a passion for really well-made eyewear, Margaux and Sophie have committed to the quality of the glasses they sell. “We have selected primarily eyewear brands which are crafted in France. Independent manufacturers have opened the doors of their factories to us in the Oyonnax region,” they told Eyestylist. “To complete our range and offer affordable options, we also partner with Spanish, Italian, and eco-responsible brands using innovative materials. Our favourite brands include Life Loft for its unique style, JPlus for its Italian design, and Albert I’mStein for its interplay of materials. We typically mix all brands in our displays, showcasing them according to their colour, shape, or style. We don’t sell a pair of glasses for its brand, but for the product itself.”

“Our penchant for the whimsical is reflected in our frame selection too,” explain the owners, “but we haven’t forgotten timeless styles. Our strength lies in helping our clients discover new horizons while respecting their individuality.” The selection of frames is described as truly eclectic, so that everyone can find something they love at La Belle Vue.

Since Spring 2025, in collaboration with Demain, Sophie’s partner and a master eyewear maker, Margaux and Sophie have also designed their own eyewear collection. “Our frames are handcrafted just 3km from our store. We are committed to personally selecting our acetate sheets in the Jura region, the cradle of French eyewear. As you can imagine, our shapes and colours break the mold!”

82, avenue des couteliers, 40150 Soorts-Hossegor – France