DEYROLLE | A PARISIAN CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

If you are fortunate enough to visit Paris, then a trip to the famed LA MAISON DEYROLLE might be a welcome relief from the usual museum tours. Located in the 7th Arrondissement at 46, Rue du Bac, Deyrolle was created in 1831 by Jean-Baptiste Deyrolle as a center for education, research, and preservation of the natural world. The Victorian's passion for all things natural made Deyrolle the hub of encounters and exchanges among scientists, artists, and budding entomologists. Deyrolle fostered early education about nature and the environment. With its "Musée Scolaire Deyrolle", educational models, anatomical models, mounted animals and colored wall charts were produced for France's schools and universities. Deyrolle flourished under the nineteenth-century passion for natural history, garnering celebrity devotees from Dalí to Nabokov to Damien Hirst. Now owned by Prince Louis Albert de Broglie, the bottom floor of the shop is dedicated to luxury gardening equipment, designed by Prince Albert. {He is known as the gardener prince, he grows 650 varieties of tomatoes at his estate in the Loire Valley, Château de la Bourdaisière.} With an abundance of preserved flora and fauna, and taxidermy, the Deyrolle boutique is dedicated to showcasing the beauty of nature. Deyrolle works only with creatures that have expired from natural causes, and is a vocal advocate of sustainability and responsible business practices in the fields of taxidermy and entomology. Deyrolle is considered one of France's national treasures. When a devastating fire nearly destroyed Deyrolle in 2008, everyone came to its rescue. Christie’s held a fund-raising auction; Hermes reissued their “Plume” scarf to raise funds; and clients and devotees from all around the world rallied to support the rebuilding of Deyrolle. The company is dedicated to raising awareness for environmental and wildlife causes, and is an official partner of UNESCO and the UN Climate Change Conference. Deyrolle is considered one of France's national treasures. When a devastating fire nearly destroyed Deyrolle in 2008, everyone came to its rescue. Christie’s held a fund-raising auction; Hermes reissued their “Plume” scarf to raise funds; and clients and devotees from all around the world rallied to support the rebuilding of Deyrolle. If you won't have a chance to visit Deyrolle in person anytime soon, Prince Louis Albert has just written a beautiful book, A PARISIAN CABINET OF CURIOSITIES. Not just a beautiful, colorful book filled with animals, shells and minerals, it is a fascinating read! This book provides insight into the history and day-to-day workings of this unique Parisian institution. Filled with glorious photographs by Francis Hammond, it comes with a beautiful slip case. A perfect gift for those on your holiday list who are avid collectors of everything pertaining to animals and the natural world. Published by Rizzoli. You can buy a copy here. All images:Francis Hammond c. Flammarion. Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com.