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The history of Fauchon, known the world over for its tea and gastronomy, begins with its founder, Auguste Fauchon in 1856.

Auguste, a young man from Normandy, arrived in Paris in 1881. He had an idea to begin selling the best fruits and vegetables from around the country, on the Place de la Madeleine from a street cart.

Auguste made quite a reputation for himself with his cart on the Madeleine and was known throughout the district for his high-quality produce.

By 1886, Auguste and his cart were so well known and sought after that he opened his first store at 26 Place de la Madeleine. Once the store was opened, Auguste became interested in a much wider range of products from around the world that he could procure and sell at his store.

Originally from Calvados, Auguste Fauchon had always been interested in fine wines and spirits. Auguste's next move was to open a pastry shop and bakery in 1895 and then the Grande Salon de Thé in 1898. Auguste Fauchon only hired and worked with the best chefs and pastry chefs in Paris for this venture.

Among the ten hundreds of products available for sale at his store, Auguste Fauchon placed a significant amount of importance on spices and teas.

In the Grand Salon de Thé, Auguste Fauchon introduced the 'French Afternoon Tea', inspired by the already famous 'Five O'Clock Tea' tradition. This Grande Salon de Thé at Fauchon became an institution in Paris and proudly wore the sign 'Five O'Clock Tea' on its store front.

In 1923, Fauchon expanded its store to 28 Place de la Madeleine. Here, a large pastry shop, bakery and a confectionery boutique were opened.

Fauchon's fame and renown have expanded to countries all around the world. In 1952, Fauchon signed an exclusive import contract with Air France. The contract enabled Fauchon to garner more and more exotic and high-quality products and ingredients for the store.

In 1960, Fauchon created another 'first' with fruit-flavoured teas. Apple tea was the first and has been very well received, especially in Japan. In 1972, Fauchon introduced its entire line of teas to Japan and remains to this day the largest importer of gastronomy and tea to the country.