Private tour of Officine Universelle Buly

We took advantage of our two-month stay in Paris to continue benefiting from our LVMH shareholder perks. Two years ago, we had already enjoyed tours of the cellars of Veuve Cliquot and Moët Chandon. In November and December, we were able to visit the Moynat brand, the Asnières workshops of Louis Vuitton and the Officine Universelle Buly on Rue de Saintonge in the 3rd arrondissement.

To be honest, I had never heard of this brand until it was acquired by LVMH in October 2021. I had then seen a few photos of the brand’s boutiques and was struck by their very distinctive design. It should be noted that the Buly pharmacies were created in 1803 before the brand was taken over and dusted off by a French couple, lovers of design and fragrances, in 2014.

The 19th-century design and the principle of counter sales were revived, creating a unique atmosphere.

The Officine on Rue de Saintonge is even more original because it houses a café. The sales counter and the café counter face each other. So it’s a great way to discover this place even if you don’t want to buy a perfume or a beauty product. Come and have a drink or a pastry to soak up the atmosphere.

We were invited at 9:30 a.m. before the store opened to the public (at 11 a.m.). There were about fifteen of us, and we were welcomed with pastries (it’s been a long time since I had chouquettes!), fresh juice, and hot drinks.

Several Buly team members (including Victoire de Taillac, who took over the brand in 2014) presented the brand’s history with great enthusiasm and humor.

Even though I’m not very (not at all!) into the world of perfumes and beauty, it’s really enjoyable to discover a brand with such a strong identity and bold choices.

• The perfumes are water-based, not alcohol-based.
• Products are not self-service; you must absolutely go through a salesperson at the counter (by the way, they don’t say salesperson but “officinaire”).
• The best products are sourced from around the world; the brand has several hundred combs, dozens of toothbrushes, etc., and the sales staff are trained to know their characteristics inside out.
• Very original products are available, such as tongue scrapers, dental floss in its marble container, or facial massage cups.

Last but not least, purchases are wrapped in front of customers, and every salesperson is trained in calligraphy to personalize the label. If that’s not French luxury!

The calligraphy trainer was even there to talk about his art and give us a demonstration.

I had a great time in a world I wouldn’t have gone to on my own, and I recommend you pop in for a trip back in time.