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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Aux Turtles Store, located at 55 Boulevard Haussmann in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, is a historical monument linked to 19th century luxury crafts. Founded in 1864 by Léonidas Garland, he specialized in the sale of objects in scale and ivory, materials that were then very popular for their rarity and elegance. This type of trade reflected the taste of the time for exotic products and exceptional craftsmanship, often intended for an easy customer base.

The current façade of the store, inspired by Louis XVI, dates back to 1910 and is distinguished by its marble decoration and bronze elements, including two elephant heads and two turtles. These motifs probably symbolized the relationship with animal raw materials used in sales. The building, whose fronts have been protected since 1984, illustrates the evolution of Parisian commercial signs between the Second Empire and the Belle Époque, a period marked by a major urban and architectural transformation under the impetus of Baron Haussmann.

Listed as a Historic Monument for its fronts, the Aux Tortues Store bears witness to the history of the Parisian luxury trade and its architectural heritage. Although owned by a private company, its registration in 1984 underlines its heritage importance. The location on Haussmann Boulevard, the capital's emblematic artery, strengthens its anchoring in a neighbourhood dedicated to prestige and elegance since the 19th century.

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