I just visited a wonderful shop full of 19th century atmosphere and charm offering perfume and natural beauty treatments and accessories from its apothecary counter.

The shop L’officine Universelle Buly (situated 45, Rue de Saintonge - Paris 3rd - in the Haut Marais) is a “collection” of the best materials and craftsmanship - fine woodwork and marble married with vitrines and mirrors.

It’s the creation of Victoire de Taillac and Ramdane de Touhami, a power couple known for their creativity and reviving the Cire Trudon candles. They've also travelled the world and lived in Japan.

L’officine recently collaborated with the Musée du Louvre and created 8 perfumes inspired by 8 works of art including the Venus de Milo... which you can try in the shop by using a pump and bulbous glass vials to dispense a little scent.

You will also find scented matches, candles, creams, ointments and combs in the most beautiful packaging.

Each item you buy is beautifully wrapped and can be personalised free of charge with hand calligraphed labels.

Their shop celebrates the art of refinement and luxury and also includes a wonderful cafe reviving the “Grand cafe Tortoni” (originally Rue Taitbout) of the 19th century - a chic place where intellectuals and socialites used to mingle.

The cafe serves ice creams, coffee, pastries and madeleines (an echo to Proust) on little silver platters. Tortoni was the one who brought ice creams from Italy to Paris and people would queue for them.

« At midnight they would return to Tortoni with their dandies to savour an ice cream » Alfred de Musset.

In September, the Officine des Services will open just behind the shop. You will be able to take gifts you’ve purchased elsewhere and have them wrapped and labelled for you choosing from an array of beautiful papers and stationery.

This is a shopping experience bringing refinement, beauty and scents to your senses. It's an unforgettable place with amazing products. You'll love it!