Au Touriste depuis 1847

Since 1847

The origin

Maison Au Touriste was founded in 1847 by Léon Piault, C. Flandin's son-in-law and successor. It quickly became a leading Parisian house, specializing in leather trunks and hunting goods until the end of the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the manufacturer developed luggage (toiletries) and automobile trunks. As with Moynat, there are many small items related to camping, exploration or travel in general, but in a more accessible way than with Louis Vuitton or Goyard

The shop at 36bis Boulevard de l’Opéra

In addition to offering a range of products very similar to Moynat's, Au Touriste also shared the same sidewalk with a store at 36bis boulevard de l'Opéra (Moynat was located on the 1st)

You could see a large storefront filled with trunks, bags, suitcases, blankets and travel items of all kinds, constantly renewed. Once out of the store, you'd find the grand Opéra Garnier on your right, just a few metres from the store.

The travel bags

Au Touriste was known for its travel bags, Chasse, Anglais or valises Garnies pour Homme models. These bags were often covered in pigskin or morocco. The interior was either empty or fitted with all the bottles and utensils used at the time (soap boxes, powder boxes, toothbrushes, hat brushes, clothes brushes, razors, etc.).

Patterned canvas

At Au Touriste, we find a rather interesting monogram canvas from the early 20th century, in 2 different shades: green and brown. This canvas was presented in jacquard weave, like the first Louis Vuitton monogram canvas. The result was very pleasing, but these coverings are difficult to photograph today and age very badly over time. Au Touriste also presented jacquard Damier fabrics, as well as a plain green canvas. This English green is the brand's main color.

Un logo moderne

To create this monogram canvas, it was necessary to design a logo with interesting graphics. The result of this study is a logo in the shape of an arrow, still very modern today and surprisingly close to the logo of the American car manufacturer. TESLA, a brand that was obviously unknown at the time.

This logo is engraved on the brass locks and toggles attached to the luggage, as well as woven into the monogram. We don't know exactly when the motif was created, but generally speaking, all trunk-makers sought a personalized motif between 1900 and 1915 (Goyard, Moynat, Au Depart, Aux Etats Unis, etc.).

Models in the 1905 catalog

A large number of the company's models were presented in this 1905 catalog. They include chest of drawers, hat trunks, basket trunks, camphor trunks, wardrobe trunks, shoe trunks and shirt trunks.

Models we've seen

We've been lucky enough to acquire or restore several interesting models from the brand. Shirt trunks, shoe trunks or cabin trunks in monogrammed finishes, leather or traditional green canvas. Discover the brand's models still on sale with us.

The "Tourist" trunk

Probably one of the brand's most legendary models at the turn of the century, the "Touriste" trunk, like Louis Vuitton's ideal trunk, was fully equipped to hold all your travel essentials. Depending on the gender of the traveler, compartments were adapted to hold hats, umbrellas, blouses, shoes, pants and more. Everything could travel in the same trunk, without getting mixed up. Model often covered with waterproof canvas and zinc bottom.

Brand authentication

The usual central locks

The Car Trunks

The picnic trunks

Today

The brand is now extinct, but like the Moynat house, which bears a striking resemblance to it, it's not impossible that an investor or enthusiast will decide to bring it back to life. One thing is certain: the history of this house is a superb testimony to the greatest trunk makers of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Source : https://bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr + private collection