Caressa & Français was a distinguished firm in Paris that specialized in fine musical instruments and bows. It was founded in 1901 by Albert Caressa and Henri Français, both of whom had worked for Gand-Bernardel of Paris (founded in 1866), when they had succeeded (and purchased) the House of Gand et Bernardel, Luthiers du Conservatoire de musique (Luthiers of the Music Conservatory). Over the course of its lifetime this shop became a leading international centre for rare string instruments and was patronized by many of the preeminent names in the concert world. The "Caressa" firm eventually was taken over by Emile Français (son of Henri Francais) in 1938 and stayed in business until 1981.