Deyrolle, natural curiosities

In Paris, in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés, the near 200 year old shop called Deyrolle is something of an institution. This may well be the last cabinet of curiosities still open to the public; a place where you can go to look, explore, and satisfy your curiosity, or to purchase an exceptional piece. In this huge ark, beautiful birds, exquisite shells and exotic wild mammals from all continents are arranged in splendid profusion throughout the rooms. More like a museum than a taxidermy shop, it boasts multi-hued butterflies, beetles, black widows and other bugs galore, carefully arranged in hundreds of drawers. There are also wonderful botanical prints that make perfect wall charts for the home or classroom. A great place to take a singular walk off the beaten track, or in the words of the writer, Louise de Villemorin, "to make a trip to paradise."  JR.

Deyrolle, 46 Rue du Bac, Paris 6th

Open Monday from 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 19:00 and Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00

www.deyrolle.com

Photo: Deyrolle - Marc Dantan