Deyrolle — Attraction in Paris

I had exactly the experience I wanted, and more. There was SO MUCH there and you could get anything from a book to a plant press to an inexpensive shell to a taxidermy duckling (100 euros Nov 2022) to insects from all over. There were much larger and more expensive animals too, including an incredible black cow or bull with butterflies displayed inside. It is probably most helpful to speak at least some French there if you're wanting anything custom. I speak ok French, so I was able to ask about their available display frames, selecting my own specimens from the region I desired (and where in the shop those insects were located), and so on. You can browse and select what you like and they will handle them and place in a frame for you. I'm sure you could be as particular as you wanted with things. They also will add extra pins along the sides of each specimen to stabilize the insect bodies for travel. They provide all necessary import paperwork and certifications. I had no trouble at Customs in the US when I declared my items. My 6 year old was enthralled with the place and even my skeptical husband was impressed (this isn't his thing). I cannot recommend them enough. They are masters of their craft, recognized by the French government as such. They sell a book on the history of Deyrolle, both French and English versions, and full of beautiful photos. You cannot take photos in the shop, so this is a great souvenir. They obtain their specimens ethically (e.g. zoo deaths for many taxidermy items) and they also sell original artwork from visiting artists who have incorporated their specimens. I only wish they weren't an ocean away. I'm adding a photo of the items I selected and how they were arranged for me in the frame I purchased...

Simply incredible shop of the natural and scientific, with a touch of magic and wonder. The first floor is nice enough, with some attractive gardening accessories, but it's the second floor that's the star of the show. It's reminiscent of a natural history museum that crams its tigers in with its peacocks and porcupines and sloths -- and they're all there in taxidermied glory.. Everywhere you look, there's so much to discover. Books (mostly in French) on topics from mycology to myrmecology, posters with vintage nature illustrations, nature-inspired art -- it simply astounds. And then you reach the back room, which, for fans of invertebrates, is the most amazing. Cases and cases of carefully pinned and labeled insects, spiders, centipedes and scorpions, ranging from minute to enormous, fill the room. Nothing is cheap. In fact, several pieces are surprisingly costly. But it seems clear that anything purchased from Deyrolle will be of high quality and appealing to the nature lover (particularly the scientifically minded one) in your life. There are a few signs asking that no photographs be taken, and I'd like to honor the owners' wishes (unlike some other reviewers). Suffice it to say, you'll need to see it for yourself. You...

even if you do not plan on buying anything, there is so much to see. it was a great experience, though i do wish they were proactive in sharing information about how their products are sourced... as someone who is environmentally conscious, the question rang in the back of my mind. if you are into entomology, you'll love it -- they have huge drawers full of many species and types of insects. while a lot of the things are expensive and luxury purchases (there's a tiger that runs for 45K euros!), there will still be things priced under ~30 euros. my boyfriend and i got a trilobite for 20 euros! i took two stars away because of the ethical concern i shared above, but also the customer service. we had some questions about display options for our cheap trilobite, and the employees were rather dismissive and outright said "people we sell to just take it home as is." while our product was 20 euros and nothing fancy, i still feel as though we should have been treated respectfully. it was particularly irritating since there was a customer next to us who was selecting a large collection of butterflies, and they were quite attentive to her.

nevertheless, do visit and check it out. just don't expect warm treatment and enjoy the...