Apoticari has opened its first Parisian herbal tea house in Le Marais. Combining infusions, loose herbs, beauty products and architecture inspired by the Auvergne region, the new address offers a different way to explore the benefits of plants.
Located on Rue des Gravilliers, Apoticari has recently opened its doors. Founded by artist Elsa Snakers, the Auvergne based brand brings its plant and wellbeing focused universe to Paris. We visited the new address.
An herbal tea house rooted in Auvergne know how
Before arriving in Paris, Apoticari opened its first shop in Le Puy en Velay. The brand draws on the history of the former apothecary at the Hôtel Dieu in Le Puy en Velay. This heritage can be found throughout its approach to plants.
Verbena, nettle, chamomile, cornflower and sage are at the heart of its offering. Apoticari also works with hydrosols and nourishing plant oils.
In Paris, this heritage takes on a new form. “It is a brand dedicated to plants and their benefits, like a contemporary herbalist,” explains Elsa Snakers.
The brand also aims to highlight local resources. Apoticari promotes the use of French and Auvergne plants rather than systematically relying on ingredients sourced from the other side of the world.
Three spaces for discovering plants in a different way
The shop at 39 Rue des Gravilliers is divided into three spaces. The first houses the herbal tea counter. The second features skincare and home products. The final space is dedicated to plants and herbalism.
In the herbal tea area, infusions are developed as carefully considered creations. Working with phytotherapist Eva Bonandrini, Apoticari has created a selection of twelve plants. These form the basis of several signature drinks.
The plants can be combined with plant based milk, hydrosols or spices. They are therefore treated as ingredients in their own right.
The herbalism corner offers another way to discover plants. Some are available loose, while the team can also advise visitors on how to use them. Nettle powder, for example, is presented as an alternative to matcha.
An interior inspired by heritage and contemporary design
The experience is not limited to what is served in the cup. The interior designed by architect Paul de Saint Maur directly reflects the history of the brand.
Furniture inspired by the Hôtel Dieu in Le Puy en Velay, small drawers reminiscent of those used by apothecaries, copper elements recalling the stills used to produce hydrosols, and lace sourced from Le Puy en Velay all reference the heritage of the Auvergne region.
The architect also worked with niches and alcoves. “I thought it worked well with Apoticari,” says Elsa Snakers, referring in particular to an aesthetic inspired by the atmosphere and heritage of Le Puy en Velay.
A large resin table incorporating dried plants completes the space. The interior therefore brings together several functions, combining a shop, herbalist space and place for tasting.
Why Apoticari chose Paris ?
For Elsa Snakers, opening in Paris was first and foremost a personal choice. Living in the capital, she was also looking for a place where she could enjoy herbal infusions in a setting dedicated to them.
The choice of Rue des Gravilliers was also intended to attract different audiences. “It is great to be able to reach both the Parisians who live here and people passing through,” she explains.
The project took a year and a half to develop. After choosing the location and architect, the renovation work brought the concept to life.
Apoticari’s Parisian story may not stop with the herbal tea house. The next planned step is the opening of a spa in Paris. The brand already has three spas, one in Le Puy en Velay, one at the Zannier Hotel on Bendor Island and another at Villa Florentine in Lyon.
The ambition would be to eventually bring together the herbal tea house, shop, herbalism corner and treatments within the same experience.
Apoticari, a new Parisian destination centred around plants
With its first Parisian herbal tea house, Apoticari brings its Auvergne inspired universe to Le Marais. The space combines tasting, plant discovery, beauty products and architecture.
The address offers an opportunity to understand the brand’s approach to plants while discovering another way of experiencing herbal infusions.
Above all, the concept remains connected to its origins: a brand founded in Le Puy en Velay and now established in the heart of Paris.
Apoticari : 39 Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris
Open Wednesday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm.
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