The Heart of French Glassmaking
Before Duralex® became a staple on family tables and in bustling French cafés around the world, it started with a single, revolutionary idea in the heart of France. In 1945, in our historic factory in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, we invented the glass tempering process—heating glass to 1292°F and cooling it instantly to make it three times stronger than standard glass. What began as a breakthrough in everyday durability soon became a timeless design icon.
Discover how a pioneer in French craftsmanship became a household name.
Discover the story behind the brand
Where It All Began
In 1945, in our historic factory in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, France, Duralex® pioneered a breakthrough that changed tableware forever. By blending functional everyday elegance with industrial-grade strength, we built a legacy that has earned worldwide recognition, creating iconic, comfortable-to-hold pieces that get passed down through generations.
How It’s Made to Last
We invented the tempering process, and we still perfect it today. By super-heating our glass to 700°C / 1292°F and rapidly cooling it with cold air, we alter the internal structure of the glass. The result? Glassware that is 3x more resilient than ordinary glass, completely resistant to hot-to-cold thermal shock, and built to survive busy kitchens and dishwashers without chipping or fading.

The Original French Tumbler
Originally crafted in 1954, The tempered Le Picardie® glasses are produced in France and are known as the “original French tumblers”. Le Picardie® glass is functional yet stylish and feels extremely comfortable in the hand. With the help of continuous investments and commitment to quality, Duralex® has reached a level of excellence that makes its products recognized throughout the world.
Discover Now
Originally crafted in 1954, The tempered Le Picardie® glasses are produced in France and are known as the “original French tumblers”. Le Picardie® glass is functional yet stylish and feels extremely comfortable in the hand. With the help of continuous investments and commitment to quality, Duralex® has reached a level of excellence that makes its products recognized throughout the world.

Vibrant Colors
Colored tempered glasses add a touch of sophistication and modernity to any table setting. They create a unique ambiance, whether it's a cozy atmosphere for a brewpub, a bright, spacious ambience for a family restaurant or simply illuminating the table at home.
Duralex® manufactures a panel of 7 vibrant colors. The minerals are incorporated directly into the liquid glass during production, ensuring that the color remains vibrant even after years of use. This process guarantees that the hue won't fade, even with frequent dishwasher cycles or exposure to sunlight.
Shop Colors
Colored tempered glasses add a touch of sophistication and modernity to any table setting. They create a unique ambiance, whether it's a cozy atmosphere for a brewpub, a bright, spacious ambience for a family restaurant or simply illuminating the table at home.
Duralex® manufactures a panel of 7 vibrant colors. The minerals are incorporated directly into the liquid glass during production, ensuring that the color remains vibrant even after years of use. This process guarantees that the hue won't fade, even with frequent dishwasher cycles or exposure to sunlight.
A Closer Look at Duralex® Manufacturing Process
