When in Paris ..... Astier de Villatte

Today I am going to bombard you with pictures again, because this is my favourite shop in Paris. It is located in Rue du Saint-Honoré, one of Paris’ most fashionable streets. When you walk into the shop you are already charmed by the décor. The dark-wood floorboards, the old wooden cabinets, the walls either covered with glamorous wallpaper or old paint peeling off – it all seems perfect to display the wares of the delightful shop.

The shop is perhaps best known for its 18th- and 19th-century inspired handmade ceramics. They use black terracotta to make the tableware and finish it with a milky glaze. The pieces are thin and appear to be quite delicate, but are actually known for being extremely durable and they are also microwave and dishwasher safe. The organic shapes add to that earthly, elegant feel.

Somehow you sense that there is more to this shop than just beautiful pieces well displayed. The answer is tradition, although the shop was only founded in 1996. A team of twenty ceramicists makes pottery in the very same way that one of the owners, Benoît Astier de Villatte, was taught by his father. All their products are created in a Bastille workshop that used to house Napoleon’s silversmith.

  

Astier de Villatte is also making a name for themselves with their high-end scented candles named after cities and interesting sites around the world. With their own range of beauty products, including eau de parfums, and few pieces of antique furniture, silverware and glassware, you might as well move in!

Astier de Villatte
173 Rue Saint-Honoré
75001
Paris

The shop and their perfumed candles feature on one of the charming Louis Vuitton Paris city guides. To see the video, click here. You can visit their website or like their Facebook page.

Image credits: All photography by me