Cire Trudon, the oldest and most prestigious wax manufacturer still in active business in the world, was founded in France in 1643, on the eve of Louis XIV’s reign. A salesman named Claude Trudon began a small, family-run business and went on to supply not only the kingdom’s most glorious cathedrals but also the royal court of Versailles — through to the end of the monarchy. Napoleon’s wax producer of choice during the Empire period, Cire Trudon never stopped innovating or prospering to present day. (less)