Since 1643, the Maison Trudon has had a motto: "Deo regique laborant" or “(The bees) work for God and the King”. That is why this traditional house dedicated to artisan candles puts its efforts into preserve the life of this species threatened by intensive agriculture and industrial beekeeping practices, in Mortagne-au-Perche, an idyllic setting in Normandy.
Over there, since 1901, stands the 20th century Cire Trudon candle factory, which is part of the regional network of the Natural Park of Perche, with which it has maintained an economic commitment since 2018. In addition, 4% of the sales of the Cire candle – a delight with bergamot, honey and waxed wood, cinnamon heart, beeswax absolute, essential oil of sandalwood and musk base, essential oil of patchouli, vanilla and tonka bean, which lasts from 55 to 65 hours – are allocated to the project.
La Ferté-Vidame, in the Perche Natural Park, France.
This protected area includes 88 municipalities, and It extends over almost 195,000 hectares in the districts of Orne and Eure-et-Loir, in the French region of Centre-Val de Loire. The mission of this natural park? Protect the environment, heritage and ecology through actions that help preserve biodiversity and water resources, promoting sustainable development.
In collaboration with the Orne Dark Bee Conservatory, Trudon helps protect the European black bee (Apis mellifera mellifera), an endemic species and an essential link in the chain of biodiversity in the region, key to the survival of all species. Located next to the magnificent Courboyer Mansion, a jewel of architectural heritage of Perche County dating back to the 15th century, the park's main grounds are home to the heart of the conservation program with 12 hives.
Trudon's scented candle comes in a glass jar containing beeswax absolute.
“Beekeepers have always protected the black bee. It is a heritage that we must preserve and maintain today for the future, in the name of biodiversity. Facing challenges such as climate change and globalization, beekeepers need this exceptional genetic heritage." Guillemin says.
The main activity of Orne Dark Bee Conservatory is to monitor the gene pool of local black bee populations, under conditions that are as similar as possible to life in nature. A) Yes, it seeks to guarantee the presence of the bee as an essential pollinator –a presence that is greatly diminishing– and the gradual reintroduction of this resistant species.
Craft detail at the Trudon candle factory in Normandy.
The framework of the Cire Trudon factory combines Wild natural spaces with the traditional agricultural landscape of Normandy, charming houses and villages. "Its small industrial areas obey strict environmental regulations and put artisanal knowledge into practice," he explains. Julien Pruvost, creative director of Trudon and Carrière Frères, to Condé Nast Traveler, with whom we chatted about these and other issues (female travelers, of course).
Portrait of Julien Pruvost, creative director of Trudon and Carrière Frères.
CONDE NAST TRAVELER. What are the brand values with which you most identify?
JULIEN PRUVOST. The craftsmanship, the relentless will to innovate and the love for perfume.
CNT. How does a brand like Trudon fit into today's consumer landscape?
J.P. There are probably several ways to answer this question, so I'll try to keep it concise. Due to its authentic historical roots, which are also rooted in craftsmanship, Trudon is a name that inspires confidence. The sophisticated simplicity of its products makes them attractive to the most demanding customers. that embellish their interiors in multiple ways, but also for those who want to give an item that will surely be received with appreciation.
Before Covid it already existed a deep tendency focused within oneself, and candles are a fantastic way to decorate the home in a visual, emotional and olfactory way. The pandemic has finished accentuating this trend for obvious reasons.
Trudon candles are made by hand in this factory in Normandy.
CNT. How has the sustainable aspect of your factory evolved in recent years?
J.P. We strive to reduce our carbon footprint in several ways: controlling our waste, sourcing almost all of our components from France or nearby European countries, including Spain (for alabasters) and Italy (for all our glassware). In addition, we actively contribute to the best of our ability, collaborating since 2018 with the Orne Dark Bee.
CNT. Could you recommend four or five places in the area that are worth visiting?
JP The city of Mortagne au Perche and its Carrière Frères garden, that will soon open its doors, Courboyer and the castle of Nogent-le-Rotrou. The Basilica and the town of Montligeon (recently an audio guide has been proposed for the visit). The Collège Royal Militaire, in Thiron-Gardais, which is a museum, garden and tea room.
Medieval castle at Nogent-le-Rotrou, in the Perche region, Normandy.
Also the Saint-Simon museum in La Ferté-Vidame, and its park, the Château du Tertre, in Serigny, or the towns of Bellême, La Perrière and Longny. And the fabulous gardens de Chemilli (Montperthuis), Rémalard (La petite Rochelle), La Lande sur Eure (Coudray garden). Laëtitia is almost always at the Fresnaye house (in Saint Germain de la Coudre) and she loves visits (Tel. 069 561 8366).
Trudon candle boxes are also real gems.
CNT. How did the collaboration with the Orne Black Bee Conservatory come about?
J.P. I heard about them in 2016 and in 2018 I offered them our support. We are now their main sponsor. They had a goal of 200 hives, which we helped them achieve in the first year of our collaboration. The local black bee gene pool is now stabilized, but preserving it is a long-term battle.
One way to do this is to encourage local beekeepers to use local black bees and not genetically modified bees, which contribute to the problem. Soon, the Conservatory will have its offices and workshop in the Trudon factory. It is something we are very proud of.
Trudon Sails, at the Normandy factory.
CNT. What kind of traveler are you? What are his favorite destinations and why?
J.P. This may sound chauvinistic, but I love my country. There are very beautiful places all over France, some famous but very crowded, others still little known and visited, such as the regions of Perche, Béarn, Cévennes… with its streams of pure water that seep between the rocks. And Paris is always a sight for sore eyes.
Every morning and afternoon I cycle along the Seine between Concorde and Bastille on my way to and from the office: it's the best view in the world. Though, if i could go anywhere right now i would love to visit Scotland during spring, to smell the ocean air and the rich notes of the green earth.