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PAUL Bakery
A Century-Old French Bakery Legacy
A Classic French Bakery for 136 Years
1889
The Foundation of PAUL
Coming from a long line of farmers, Charlemagne Mayot opened a bakery on rue de la Mackellerie in Croix, Northern France (near Lille). It is from this origin that PAUL draws its deep connection to Flanders.
1908
The Second Generation Takes
Over the Family Business
Edmond Charlemagne Mayot, who was also born in 1889, took over his father's business together with his wife, Victorine. They had a daughter named Suzanne.
1935
Continuing the Tradition
Suzanne Mayot married Julien Holder. They opened their own bakery on rue des Sarrazins in Lille. A few years later, their son Francis was born.
1953
The First PAUL Was Born
Francis had long been involved in the family business before eventually taking over a well-known local bakery in Lille, which he named "PAUL." This very first PAUL bakery is still in operation in Lille today.
1972
A Groundbreaking
Renovation of The Store
Francis installed a wood-fired oven in the kitchen of the Lille store and transformed it so that the bread-making process could be viewed from the outside. This was a groundbreaking initiative at the time, allowing people to closely observe the traditional bread-making process—from kneading and shaping to fermentation and baking.
1985
The Beginning of The Brand’s International Expansion
PAUL opened its first bakery outside of France, in Barcelona. This marked the beginning of the brand’s international development. Two years later, some PAUL locations inaugurated their tea rooms and began offering on-site dining.
1993
More Elegant
Francis introduced a new concept to revitalize the brand: the chic black storefront has now become a signature of PAUL. These timeless boutiques are decorated with antique objects collected by Francis Holder.
2007
Fifth Generation of Bread Lovers
For several years, Francis Holder’s three children — the “fifth generation of bread lovers” — have been carrying on the PAUL adventure. In 2007, Maxime Holder became President of PAUL International and has strengthened the brand’s development beyond France’s borders.
2008
PAUL Taiwan
PAUL officially entered the Taiwanese market in 2008, becoming one of the first brands to introduce authentic French bread culture to Taiwan. The first store opened in Taipei, followed by the company’s nationwide expansion.
2012
PAUL Hsinchu Big City Store
PAUL Taiwan opened a branch at Big City Mall in Hsinchu in December 2012.
2013
PAUL Taipei Neihu Store
PAUL Taiwan continued its expansion by opening a branch in Neihu, Taipei, in September 2013.
2016
PAUL Linkou Outlet Park Store
PAUL Taiwan opened a branch at MITSUI OUTLET PARK Linkou, New Taipei, in January 2016.
2017
PAUL Taipei Tianmu Dayeh Takashimaya Store
PAUL opened a counter-style location in September 2017 at Taipei’s Dayeh Takashimaya Department Store, offering customers a convenient and quick way to enjoy its products.
2019
130th Anniversary
In this milestone year celebrating the 130th anniversary of the company, Maxime Holder — who has spent the past 10 years focusing on international development — will take over as President of the PAUL Group. Did you know? The Eiffel Tower is also 130 years old!
2024
Taichung Shizheng Store
PAUL Taiwan continues to expand across the country, opening its sixth store in December 2024 at Eslite Life 480 in Taichung.
And Now
PAUL Continues to Be Loved Around the World
For five generations, PAUL has upheld a passion for traditional craftsmanship, a legacy that continues to be passed on across the world. Today, PAUL has over 375 shops throughout France, and its bakeries can be found in more than 30 countries, including international cities such as London, Washington, Dubai, and Tokyo.
Passion for Bread
Family-owned Company Established Since 1889
Quality at Heart
French Tradition
Passion for bread
Family-owned company established since 1889
Quality at Heart
French tradition
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