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Le Coq Sportif

Le Coq Sportif is a French sportswear and sports equipment company founded in 1882 by Émile Camuset.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Le Coq Sportif is a French sportswear and sports equipment company founded in 1882 by Émile Camuset. Based in Entzheim, France, it is known for its clothing, footwear, and accessories, and for using the Gallic rooster as its trademark. The brand has long been associated with French sport, especially cycling and major national teams.

History

Le Coq Sportif began in 1882 as a clothing workshop founded by Émile Camuset in Romilly-sur-Seine, France. It later developed into a sportswear brand and introduced its rooster trademark in 1948.

Products and branding

The company produces sportswear, clothing, footwear, and accessories. Its identity is built around the Gallic rooster emblem, which reflects French national symbolism.

Sports associations

Le Coq Sportif has been linked to French sport for decades, particularly cycling, and has outfitted athletes, clubs, and federations. The brand is widely recognized in France for its sporting heritage.

Corporate status

Public reporting in 2025 described the company as facing serious financial difficulty and a judicial recovery process in France. The brand remained active and continued to attract investor interest.

Key facts

  • Le Coq Sportif was founded in 1882 by Émile Camuset in Romilly-sur-Seine, France.
  • The brand's trademark is the Gallic rooster, first used on products in 1948.
  • It has been closely associated with French sport, especially cycling.
  • The company is headquartered in Entzheim, France.
  • In 2025, the company faced serious financial difficulty and judicial recovery.

Frequently asked questions

What is Le Coq Sportif?
Le Coq Sportif is a French sportswear and sports equipment company known for clothing, footwear, and accessories.
Who founded Le Coq Sportif?
It was founded by Émile Camuset in 1882.
Where is Le Coq Sportif based?
The company is based in Entzheim, France.
What does the name mean?
The name refers to the Gallic rooster, a French national symbol.
When was the rooster logo first used?
The rooster trademark was first used on branded items in 1948.
What is Le Coq Sportif best known for?
It is best known for its sportswear and its historical association with French sport, especially cycling.

References

  1. French Wikipediahttps://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Coq_sportif
    Supports: Founding date, founder, French sportswear company description
  2. English Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Coq_Sportif
    Supports: Headquarters, products, founding date, rooster trademark origin
  3. La Croixhttps://www.la-croix.com/economie/le-coq-sportif-apres-140-ans-d-histoire-une-grave-crise-et-un-espoir-de-rebond-20250514
    Supports: 2024-2025 financial difficulty and judicial recovery context
  4. Le Coq Sportifhttps://www.lecoqsportif.com/en/pages/our-history
    Supports: Brand history and expertise in sportswear, footwear, and accessories