Did you know that? At the Tortues, why does the Paul Haussmann have an unusual façade?

La Maison Aux Tortues, on the corner of boulevard Haussmann and rue Tronchet, is a historic store founded by Léonidas Garland between 1861 and 1864. Specializing in the sale of ivory and tortoiseshell objects, it has now been replaced by a branch of the well-known bakery chain, Paul. The storefront, dating from 1910, has been listed as a Monument Historique since August 6, 1975 and classified on May 23, 1984.

Under the Second Empire, elites and artists were fascinated by objects of Asian and African inspiration. The Garland brothers, who ran an import business, traded with the French colonies and selected a variety of artifacts for the Maison Aux Tortues. The boutique offered decorative items, brushes, combs, fans and other accessories likely to please the elegant ladies of the Belle Epoque.

In 1910, the façade of the Maison Aux Tortues took on its current appearance, with a highly elaborate bronze decorative program featuring abundant garlands, elephant heads and turtle shells. Painted and engraved glass decorations echo this bestiary evocative of the merchandise on offer.

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However, elephant ivory and Caret tortoise shell, the products of the hunting of endangered protected species, were gradually banned from trade from the 1960s onwards. European regulations are being tightened to combat illegal trade and preserve wildlife.

The Aux Tortues store closed in the 1990s, and a branch of Paul' s bakeries took up residence there, preserving and restoring the intriguing façade. Thus, the historic Maison Aux Tortues storefront continues to attract the attention of passers-by and history buffs, while housing a branch of Paul's bakery.

In short, the Maison Aux Tortues is a testament to Paris's past and history. Although the original store has disappeared, Paul's bakery has managed to preserve the memory of this place by preserving its historic storefront and integrating it harmoniously into its signage. So, the next time you pass this Paul branch, don't forget to look up.