Faverolles were originally bred in France as a utility fowl, used for both eggs and meat but are now primarily raised for exhibition.

[4]: 46 Faverolles are classified as a heavy breed and have a beard, muffs, feathered feet and five toes per foot, rather than the usual four.

When battery cages began to be used at the very beginning of the twentieth century, Faverolles tolerated the close confinement better than the Houdan breed.

Although primarily kept today as an ornamental and exhibition breed, it remains an excellent layer, as well as a fine meat chicken.

They are also enjoying increasing popularity with people who keep small home flocks, who favor dual purpose breeds which are well suited to both egg production and use as meat.