The story of Maison Empereur
Since 1827... Marseille institution, museum-shop, house of historic manufactures, family-run store, a true "Ali Baba's cave" of sometimes unexpected objects: discover the oldest hardware store in France.
Founded in 1827, Maison Empereur has become the emblematic house of generations of Marseillais, now listed as part of the City's heritage. A true family story spanning the ages: today the 7th generation carries on the renown of this two-hundred-year-old institution.
Hardware, household goods, culinary and domestic arts, cutlery, traditional toys, the art of living, traditional clothing and Provence: such are the worlds you wander through across the 1,300 m² of the Maison. Very different worlds, which appeared spontaneously over the generations of the Empereur family and the passions of each one, and which today make Maison Empereur a general store in the grand tradition.
Sober and authentic, our "Ali Baba's cave", as our customers call it, offers more than 50,000 items — for professionals after a specific tool, for the curious hunting the "rare" object, or for wanderers looking for a gift, for whom Maison Empereur is a perfect source of inspiration.
90% of France's Living Heritage Companies are represented here. They keep the tradition and excellence of French production alive; some have had a place on our shelves since the store was founded. We also work with manufacturers from all over the world with proven know-how, who share our concern for excellence.
The symbolism of the Maison Empereur coat of arms
- The three wolves: Directly inspired by the sculptures supporting the balcony of our historic building, they have watched over Maison Empereur for nearly two centuries.
- The olive tree and the Virginia creeper: One embodies the abundance and longevity of our family adventure; the other celebrates life and perpetual renewal.
- The crown: A vibrant tribute to Marseille, the city of our heart.
A house of historic manufactures
Artisans before shopkeepers, the Empereur family has had, from the very start, a passion for historic manufactures — keepers of century-old know-how and of human history. Maison Empereur presents more than 200 of them, French and European, all sharing the same constants: quality, the passing on of traditional craft, and a taste for work well done.
Products from these houses are recognisable on our e-shop by the M.H. stamp. By buying them, you help these heritage companies keep their craft alive — and you choose the original edition, well made and built to last.
The team
More than an employee, each newcomer is a new member joining the Empereur family. Coming from different backgrounds, many from the arts, they are chosen for their human qualities and their skills. Each with their own personality, which we make a point of never reining in: listening, advising and sharing what they know.
Shopkeeping, the Maison Empereur way
The work jacket
Sturdy and protective, the blue work jacket has been the manual worker's garment since the 19th century. Worn by all our staff, its Prussian blue is easy to spot in the aisles. A word of advice: don't wear yours when you visit!
The chair
Present in every aisle, it is the symbol of the exchanges between our customers and the team. A place for conversation — about know-how, technique, and often the emotions stirred by our visitors' memories, some of whom came here as children with their grandparents.
The little cards
Always in the pockets of our work jackets, small cards let us note down the things you want that are still missing from our catalogue. This is how, quite naturally, Maison Empereur's range has been built for nearly 200 years — as close as possible to its customers.
The long-service medal
Some of our staff have almost as many as a retired general… It is this rare loyalty that lets us offer real expertise in every aisle. Knowledge gained through experience is passed on to new recruits over time, keeping the memory of the house alive. In short, a shared passion measured in years of commitment!
A piece of Marseille heritage
Those who have visited our store know its unique atmosphere, full of objects and stories. To carry the discovery further, we invite you to explore our museum space, on the two floors above the Espace Gourmandise.
This intimate museum pays tribute to the oldest French manufactures, some present on our shelves for two centuries. Each has provided one or more objects emblematic of its craft, to share a fragment of its history with you.
Maison Empereur also celebrates its own heritage through period documents, old work jackets and a collection of unusual objects stamped with the store's name in the 19th century.
The museum space is free to visit. Come and discover this little piece of French and Provençal heritage!