One of my favorite parts of traveling is discovering heritage brands that have deep ties to the country I’m visiting—think Hermes in Paris, Burberry in London, or Tiffany’s in New York City. These classic brands inspire a loyal following with their deep sense of history. They offer desirable, high-quality items that are instantly recognizable by those in-the-know. 

Paris is home to many of my favorite heritage brands, to include the usual suspects, such as the aforementioned Hermes. But there are several lesser known brands I’ve discovered over the years, including tea ateliers, chocolatiers, candlemakers and more. Bringing home a little treat from one of these shops allows me to fill my home with beautiful things, with the added benefit of allowing me to re-create an element of my trip. 

On a recent trip to Paris, I spent a sunny afternoon wondering through St. Germain des Pres, one of Paris’s finest neighborhoods, and home to some spectacular boutiques. One of my favorites was Buly 1803, a heritage brand founded more than 200 years ago, and specializing in bath and body products.

Like so many places in Paris, the exterior of the store was tasteful, elegant and understated; though I was looking for it, I almost passed it by. But I’m so glad I stopped in, because as lovely as the outside is, the inside is truly extraordinary.

The brand has taken great care in replicating a classic, old-world apothecary feel inside the shop, making the relatively small space feel warm, inviting and special, as if you are going back in time and entering an almost sacred space. The floor-to-ceiling fixtures are crafted of hand-carved wood, dark stone and ornate brass. These classic, natural finishes serve as the perfect backdrop for their tasteful products.

As someone who has a great appreciation for excellent design, I’ve always been drawn to beautiful packaging, and Buly 1803 did not disappoint. The scented soaps, lotions, toothpaste and matches were adorned in the most gorgeous, vintage-inspired labels, each featuring the signature Buly logo, French text explaining the contents and charming illustrations. The color palette is classic and sophisticated–ebony and ivory with pops of chartreuse, French blue, scarlet and emerald.

I ended up purchasing a variety of items, including lotion, hand cream, toothpaste and little boxes of scented matches that smell amazing when you light them, their scent instantly transporting me back to the shop.

Upon returning home, I worked to incorporate these lovely items into our décor. I put one of the boxes of scented matches in a glass box on the end table next to the sofa, so that I could use them to light candles I purchased from another favorite French heritage brand, Cire Trudon. I displayed another box in a set of wall cubbies where I house cards and other small, tasteful souvenirs I pick up on my travels.

Incorporating these little treasures into my decor always reminds me of the wonderful trips I’ve taken. The fact that these items are practical as well as beautiful means that I actually use them. I find this so much better than purchasing the typical souvenirs, which tend to be poorly made and quickly discarded.

What are your favorite souvenirs? And how do you incorporate them into your home?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Until next time!

Stephanie