A Treasure Trove of Inspiration

Big surprises in Paris are par for the course.
Arguably, the City of Light offers more marvels per
square mile than just about anywhere on earth.
Alluring, artistic and unforgettable, Paris is at its best
as it melts your heart with its unparalleled charisma.

Cross the threshold of Maison Deyrolle in the heart of
Paris' 7th district and you'll initially think you're in
just another lovely interior design boutique.
Home and garden inspirations pack the pretty shelves
to tempt you to explore the Martha Stewart side of your brain. 

But before long, you'll realize the real party is upstairs.
And goodness, what a spectacle!
Deyrolle is a miracle -- a cross between a taxidermy store,
a natural history museum and a home design shop.
  It's chock full of what you see on the pages of
​ National Geographic Magazine, brimming with exotic marvels that help illuminate and protect the wonders of our world.

If you think you might be "grossed out" by animals stuffed
and displayed, I think you'll be surprised and gladdened
​ by the tenderness of this rare operation.

  Every centerpiece is designed and curated with care,
creating a world of exquisite specialty. 
Sure, we come to Paris to revel in the city's architecture, glorious cuisine and historic acquisitions. 
​ But then there's Deyrolle, a mansion/museum/shop that enlightens our nurturing side and inquisitive nature.

There are no raindrops on roses nor whiskers on kittens
nor will you find snowflakes that stay on your nose and eyelashes -- but I promise, you will discover a few of
YOUR FAVORITE THINGS.*
*apologies to Oscar Hammerstein and Richard Rodgers

Collectors love this place. 
You can orchestrate a beautiful butterfly display or whip up
an unconventional bug collection.
Movie producers/curators flock to Maison Deyrolle to purchase exotic animals for their cinematic masterpieces.
High end decorators come here for that "perfect" rhinoceros head or colorful parrot in hopes to add that perfect
"je ne sais quoi" to their high rolling clients' theatre room. Woody Allen chose the store to stage a scene in film favorite "Midnight in Paris" while Picasso and Salvadore Dali 
​came here for artistic inspiration.

 It feels very personal -- for me, it was a bird and butterfly heaven -- yet the vast assortment of books, mammals, insects and minerals assure there is something for everyone.

"Until one has loved an animal,
a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
Anatole France, french poet, novelist, & Nobel Prize winner

Creative shop experts will help design your own masterpiece with these curious treasures.

Maison Deyrolle, first opened in 1831 by founder
Jean-Baptise Deyrolle, is a Paris institution.

  To some, a shop dedicated to the art of taxidermy and entomology must have seemed like a surefire strategy to fail.
  Nearly two hundred years later, Maison Deyrolle is firmly planted on the wish list of many Paris fans.

Emille Deyrolle, grandson of founder Jean-Baptiste,
created many posters and charts to help educate
French school children.
  Countless posters and charts detailing the miracles
of natural history made their way around the world
and into the hands of curious children. 

"No matter how few possessions you own or
how little money you have, loving wildlife and nature
will make you rich beyond measure."
Paul Oxton, wildlife photographer and author

Deyrolle posters are very familiar to french schoolchildren.

Paris enjoys a stellar reputation for many things.
I hope you'll make time for Maison Deyrolle
the next time you visit. 

Somewhere in-between hunting down the glamorous
must-sees of Paris, discover the mysteries of the
natural world and browse this urban jungle.
At the historic little store on rue du Bac in the 7th arrondissement, you'll first satisfy your curiosity;
but looking back, I think you'll realize this is yet
another magical layer of Paris just being itself.

 It's an experience you'll never forget.
​And while you're there, please say bonjour
​ to the birds & butterflies for me.