As you said the “made in France” makes it automatically more expensive than “made in china”. Anything made in Europe is usually quite a lot more expensive as people get fair salaries and good working conditions (both with exception of course). Then as you also mentioned, warranty. Now many here aren’t very pleased with the customer service of Le Creuset, but getting lifetime warranty will mean you pay upfront for future services. Just like free healthcare makes you pay upfront in taxes. And then brand, which you also mentioned. I think however, that most people just see the brand as a logo or text on their pot when it is so much more. It is the reason that they can charge so much, meaning that people find value in Le Creuset that is more than just the value of a French oven. You can take another brands French oven and it will cook to the same standard, but people will choose a Le Creuset, and even pay much more. And that reason for why they are willing to pay more, is why they are so expensive. So yes, I believe much of the price is brand, but brand is more than just a stamp on the product.