French luxury skincare brand EviDenS de Beaute recently opened its first  store in Asia, with a look inspired by an ancient castle and located in the Zhangyuan — a historic and cultural area on West Nanjing Road in Shanghai's Jing'an district.

The grand opening featured a special moment when spring waters from southern France were combined with the waters of the Huangpu River in a fountain — symbolizing the cultural exchanges between China and France.

Occupying over 300 square meters, the store was designed by brand founder Charles-Edouard Barthes and designer Philippe Courtois, inspired by the 13th-century Montfort Castle in southern France.

The store beautifully blends the artistic heritage of southern France with the century-old Shikumen architecture of Zhangyuan. The jasmine-filled courtyard echoes the traditional Shikumen style, while a La Foux fountain stone sculpture — a French national heritage piece — complements the local design.

On the second floor, four art-themed beauty rooms are inspired by southern French masters Raoul Dufy, Pierre Bonnard and others. The rooms offer luxurious SAHO facial and body treatments, available only in Paris and Shanghai.

Brand founder Charles-Edouard Barthes explained that the store marked an important step in EviDenS's expansion in China. Since its founding in 1997, the brand has partnered with top global department stores, like Harrods and held pop-up events in China, as well as debuted at the 2024 China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

According to officials from Jing'an district, 234 flagship stores opened in the area last year, with more than 60 percent situated on West Nanjing Road. By the end of 2025, the district aims to strengthen its position as a global consumer hub, with the goal to create a shopping area generating 100 billion yuan ($13.79 billion) in retail sales.

Address: Building 17, Alley 188, North Maoming Road

Business hours: Daily, 10 am to 10 pm

Sources: Shanghai Observer, WeChat account of Shanghai Jing'an Media Center at "jaxwzx"