It is reasonable to have a business agenda there as the setup was basically totally funded by them. However, while it is okay to avoid issues that may not be advantageous to their business, it is another thing to propagate wrong concepts of things. Coming from a people whose history has been seriously manipulated and re-appropriated by Western powers, I am particularly strong view about institutions misrepresenting things. I see deliberate misrepresentations worse than the absence of representation. If I sound too aggressive, please bear with me.
Paris: Le Palais des Thés, Dammann Freres & Maison des Trois Thés
In France, I think Dammann Freres has a stronger collection of traditional quality tea as a larger business, and so is le Palais des Thés. And if you’d like a bit of adventure, a small shop in Paris which I have not been, but was introduced by a reader — Maison des Trois Thés seem to carry a fresh and boutique collection.
Outside of France, the Swiss and the English are also quite good in trying to provide quality traditional ranges comparable or better than Mariage. Though few businesses have grown as profitable as Mariage Freres to be able to host a small museum.
