Ten Years of Extraordinary Journeys

Ten Years of Extraordinary Journeys

When Jules Hetzel created the famous “Extraordinary Journeys” collection for Jules Verne, he could never have imagined that he would ignite, generation after generation, dreams of adventure in children’s minds. These magnificent books, often received at Christmas or gifted as end-of-year rewards, were much more than just books: they were windows into the unknown, invitations to curiosity, boldness, science, imagination and above all, creativity.
This visionary collection made history by planting a deep desire for exploration in the hearts of young readers.

This is the inspiration we pay tribute to today as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Caramel & cie. Ten years of an equally extraordinary journey. A human, sensitive, joyful adventure carried out alongside children, centered on beauty, elegance, and creativity.

With the hope that our schoolbags, like those books of old, awaken in them a love for beauty, a thirst for learning, and maybe even the desire to help shape a world that is more sensitive, more free, more magical.

Schoolbags Designed for Kids, Made to Last

For the past 10 years, we’ve poured all our care and high standards into crafting schoolbags that are beautiful, sturdy, and respectful of children. Every detail matters:

Comfort first: our schoolbags feature adjustable, padded straps, a cushioned back panel, and an ultra-lightweight design (under 850 g for the 38 cm model) to support children’s posture and well-being. This isn’t just a detail  it’s a public health commitment.

A responsible approach: our entire collection is eco-designed using 100% recycled polyester. And because we believe in durability, we offer free clasp repairs in our Paris showroom or make replacement parts easy to order online.

In-house design: all our prints are created in our Paris studio. This year’s inner lining has been redesigned in an elegant graphic style with brand colors, reflecting our attention to aesthetics in even the smallest corners.

A touch of childhood: this season, founder Rafaela Garcia channeled her inner explorer to create a collection that is both creative, elegant, and full of character.

Schoolbags that Spark Children’s Imaginations

This year, our kids hit the road on Route 66 with their Rally Explorer schoolbag! Helmet on, hair in the wind, they ride through the great American plains on a vintage motorbike. Among cacti and neon motels, adventure awaits. And their World Map schoolbag acts as their compass! It’s a ticket to explore the world. Every walk to school becomes an expedition: learning the continents, dreaming of far-off lands, tracing imaginary routes on the embroidered map on the back.

For the more poetic, a breeze of British elegance sweeps through this school year. With its refined little bow and soft color palette, the Lady Blue schoolbag evokes London’s cozy parlors and picnics in the English countryside  for a stylish return to school.

Then there are those heading off each morning to study on a New England campus with a tiger as their mascot: here’s the schoolbag that makes kids want to join a university team! You can feel the energy of the bleachers, American football games, and felt Teddies.

At 5 p.m., it’s time to head to horseback riding class with the Manège schoolbag. This chic and refined model transports kids to an imaginary stable. Galloping between jumping fences and forest rides, every day becomes a joyful equestrian escape.

And why not go around the world in a hot air balloon? A nod to Around the World in 80 Days, the Hot Air Balloon schoolbag sparks the desire to lift off at dawn in a wicker basket, admire rooftops from above, float among clouds and come back just in time… 80 days later!

Backpacks Made for Movement (and Dreaming)

Designed for schoolkids starting from CE1 (2nd grade), our backpacks combine functionality, comfort, and design. They retain the ergonomic structure and practical format of a schoolbag, while embracing the freedom of a hiking pack.

Exterior features:

Adjustable, comfortable S-shaped straps

Interior features:

A well-organized main compartment

A padded section for a tablet or correspondence notebook

Stylish checkered lining, a Caramel & cie signature

Same prints as the schoolbags, with elegant variations

These backpacks are also perfect for weekend getaways or outings with friends. Their look and practicality make them faithful daily companions.

A Soft and Gentle Range for the Little Ones

Our models for preschool (and up to 1st grade) are designed for first adventures. Whether it’s a small backpack or a mini schoolbag, they’re made for A5 and A4 formats — ideal for carrying a comfort toy, snack, and first notebook.

They feature:

Soft, adjustable straps

A chest strap for better support

Reflective strips

And of course, the 2025 collection prints, in adorable mini sizes.

Because even preschool deserves a schoolbag full of stories.