French-style is coveted for more reasons than we can count. However, that effortlessly chic ‘Je nais se quois’ aesthetic is hard to recreate, so where do you start? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that French perfume exudes the elegant appeal the French are so well associated with! So, whether you’re looking for a perfume to wear on the National Day of France, known as Bastille Day, or you want to tie your look together in seconds, there’s nothing better than a French perfume.
To inspire your decision, here’s our edit of timeless French classics and new-age icons (with a quick history lesson thrown in for good measure!)
The History of French Perfume
While the origin of perfume goes back to the dawn of time, it wasn’t until 1370, when knights returned from the Crusades with spices and a newfound fondness for hygiene, that the first perfume was made in France with an alcoholate of rosemary. Fast forward to the 16th century, and French perfumery is thrust into the spotlight by Catherine of Medicis, who bought aromatic plants and essences to the attention of the French court. From here, French perfume and its popularity went from strength to strength and thanks to Louis XIV and his adoration for fragrances, perfume became a symbol of wealth worldwide.
Demand for fragranced products surged well into the late 17th century, and in 1774, the first-ever perfumery was opened in Paris. However, despite its bourgeoisie clientele, the French Revolution temporarily halted the development of French perfume, not to be revived again until the end of the 19th century. But not all was lost; from here, France became the world centre of fragrance production, led and greatly supported by the Guerlain family. In 1989,Guerlain released their first modern perfume – Jicky – and as they say, the rest is history!
Now you know a little more about French perfumes, here are our top recommendations for you to discover.
Top French Perfumes
L’air du temps by Nina Ricci
This French perfume had big ambitions when it launched back in 1948. With a promise to capture the ‘mood of the times’ (or ‘L’air du temps’), it celebrated the post-war era with blooming buds of carnation, jasmine, rose, with a twist of musk, iris, and sandalwood at the base. What the brand didn’t know then (which we do now!) is that the time capsule scent will transcend trends and become one of the most iconic scents in history – time to revisit a classic?
If you love all things whimsy, floral, and romantic, then Cacherel’s debut scent Anais Anais will be right up your street. Blending refreshing top notes of orange blossom, blackcurrant, and lily of the valley with delicate florals, it’s endlessly fresh and perfect for day-to-day wear.
A chart-topping scent since its launch, some fragrance lovers say Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel is to millennials what No.5 is to boomers – a distinct classic that will never let you down. From the burst of citrus courtesy of mandarin orange and bergamot to the floral heart of Turkish rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang, it tells the world you have impeccable taste without you having to utter a word.
We couldn’t have a rundown of the best French perfumes without including our forever favourite, La Vie Est Belle. Taking its name from the French expression meaning ‘life is beautiful’, it evokes a sense of joy and happiness with every spritz. Combining a beautiful bouquet with so-good-I-can-taste-it gourmand notes, it will leave a lasting impression on its wearer and everyone they pass.
A modern, feminine French perfume, fronted (and inspired) by A-lister Angelina Jolie, means one thing – Guerlain is onto a new winner. Accords of bergamot, lavender, iris and vanilla are combined to create this genuinely memorable fragrance, housed in an elegant bottle (topped with a four-leaf-clover cap, no less – for luck!). Truly exquisite.
If you haven’t realised by now, the French do whimsical florals like no other. But what if that isn’t your vibe? Enter Alien, a powerful woody and amber creation released by French fashion designer and icon Thierry Mugler. Mugler was well known for his spectacular fashion shows and unique perfume collections, but unlike the man himself, who preferred life out of the limelight in the latter years of his life, his fearless approach to fashion and beauty was dramatic – and everyone loved him for it.
A city of glamour, romance, and endless sophistication, Paris is a bucket-list destination for good reason. Bottling the essence and the promise of love, Mon Paris by Yves Saint Laurent looks to sweet pear, heady patchouli, and sensual musk to tease the senses with every spritz. Did someone say, date-night worthy?
The newest recruit to the iconic Givenchy Gentleman collection, Gentleman Reserve Privee combines the refinement of French perfume with the sophistication of a master distillery. Infused with notes of whisky absolute, bergamot, chestnut and vetiver, it makes for an unforgettable woody scent.
Drawing inspiration from nature – from bamboo to a refreshing sea breeze – Homme Intense by Kenzowill help you stay grounded. We love the play of contrasts within the notes, from the freshness of pink peppercorn to the warmth of fig wood. It’s said to evoke the feeling “like salty skin warmed by the sun”, perfect for channeling that holiday vibe season after season
Your guide to French perfumes
French-style is coveted for more reasons than we can count. However, that effortlessly chic ‘Je nais se quois’ aesthetic is hard to recreate, so where do you start? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that French perfume exudes the elegant appeal the French are so well associated with! So, whether you’re looking for a perfume to wear on the National Day of France, known as Bastille Day, or you want to tie your look together in seconds, there’s nothing better than a French perfume.
To inspire your decision, here’s our edit of timeless French classics and new-age icons (with a quick history lesson thrown in for good measure!)
The History of French Perfume
While the origin of perfume goes back to the dawn of time, it wasn’t until 1370, when knights returned from the Crusades with spices and a newfound fondness for hygiene, that the first perfume was made in France with an alcoholate of rosemary. Fast forward to the 16th century, and French perfumery is thrust into the spotlight by Catherine of Medicis, who bought aromatic plants and essences to the attention of the French court. From here, French perfume and its popularity went from strength to strength and thanks to Louis XIV and his adoration for fragrances, perfume became a symbol of wealth worldwide.
Demand for fragranced products surged well into the late 17th century, and in 1774, the first-ever perfumery was opened in Paris. However, despite its bourgeoisie clientele, the French Revolution temporarily halted the development of French perfume, not to be revived again until the end of the 19th century. But not all was lost; from here, France became the world centre of fragrance production, led and greatly supported by the Guerlain family. In 1989, Guerlain released their first modern perfume – Jicky – and as they say, the rest is history!
Now you know a little more about French perfumes, here are our top recommendations for you to discover.
Top French Perfumes
L’air du temps by Nina Ricci
This French perfume had big ambitions when it launched back in 1948. With a promise to capture the ‘mood of the times’ (or ‘L’air du temps’), it celebrated the post-war era with blooming buds of carnation, jasmine, rose, with a twist of musk, iris, and sandalwood at the base. What the brand didn’t know then (which we do now!) is that the time capsule scent will transcend trends and become one of the most iconic scents in history – time to revisit a classic?
Nina Ricci
L'air du Temps
Eau de Toilette Spray
30ML – £44.00
Nina Ricci
L'air du Temps
Eau de Toilette Spray
50ML – £65.00
Nina Ricci
L'air du Temps
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – £87.00
Anais Anais by Cacharel
If you love all things whimsy, floral, and romantic, then Cacherel’s debut scent Anais Anais will be right up your street. Blending refreshing top notes of orange blossom, blackcurrant, and lily of the valley with delicate florals, it’s endlessly fresh and perfect for day-to-day wear.
Cacharel
Anais Anais
Eau de Toilette Spray
30ML – £22.99
Cacharel
Anais Anais
Eau de Toilette Spray
50ML – £32.99
Cacharel
Anais Anais
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – £42.50
Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel
A chart-topping scent since its launch, some fragrance lovers say Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel is to millennials what No.5 is to boomers – a distinct classic that will never let you down. From the burst of citrus courtesy of mandarin orange and bergamot to the floral heart of Turkish rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang, it tells the world you have impeccable taste without you having to utter a word.
CHANEL
COCO MADEMOISELLE
Eau de Parfum Spray
35ML – £78.00
CHANEL
COCO MADEMOISELLE
Eau de Parfum Spray
50ML – £112.00
CHANEL
COCO MADEMOISELLE
Eau de Parfum Spray
100ML – £152.00
La Vie Est Belle by Lancôme
We couldn’t have a rundown of the best French perfumes without including our forever favourite, La Vie Est Belle. Taking its name from the French expression meaning ‘life is beautiful’, it evokes a sense of joy and happiness with every spritz. Combining a beautiful bouquet with so-good-I-can-taste-it gourmand notes, it will leave a lasting impression on its wearer and everyone they pass.
Lancôme
La Vie Est Belle
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
30ML – £69.00
Lancôme
La Vie Est Belle
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
50ML – £97.00
Lancôme
La Vie Est Belle
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
75ML – £112.00
Mon Guerlain by Guerlain
A modern, feminine French perfume, fronted (and inspired) by A-lister Angelina Jolie, means one thing – Guerlain is onto a new winner. Accords of bergamot, lavender, iris and vanilla are combined to create this genuinely memorable fragrance, housed in an elegant bottle (topped with a four-leaf-clover cap, no less – for luck!). Truly exquisite.
–
Guerlain
Mon Guerlain
Eau de Parfum Spray
50ML – £109.00
Guerlain
Mon Guerlain
Eau de Parfum Spray
100ML – £149.00
Alien by Mugler
If you haven’t realised by now, the French do whimsical florals like no other. But what if that isn’t your vibe? Enter Alien, a powerful woody and amber creation released by French fashion designer and icon Thierry Mugler. Mugler was well known for his spectacular fashion shows and unique perfume collections, but unlike the man himself, who preferred life out of the limelight in the latter years of his life, his fearless approach to fashion and beauty was dramatic – and everyone loved him for it.
Mugler
Alien
Eau de Parfum for her
30ML – £69.00
Mugler
Alien
Eau de Parfum for her
60ML – £99.00
Mugler
Alien
Eau de Parfum for her
90ML – £127.00
Mon Paris by Yves Saint Laurent
A city of glamour, romance, and endless sophistication, Paris is a bucket-list destination for good reason. Bottling the essence and the promise of love, Mon Paris by Yves Saint Laurent looks to sweet pear, heady patchouli, and sensual musk to tease the senses with every spritz. Did someone say, date-night worthy?
Yves Saint Laurent
Mon Paris
Eau de Parfum Spray
30ML – £72.00
Yves Saint Laurent
Mon Paris
Eau de Parfum Spray
50ML – £77.50
Yves Saint Laurent
Mon Paris
Eau de Parfum Spray
90ML – £109.50
Gentleman Reserve Privee by Givenchy
The newest recruit to the iconic Givenchy Gentleman collection, Gentleman Reserve Privee combines the refinement of French perfume with the sophistication of a master distillery. Infused with notes of whisky absolute, bergamot, chestnut and vetiver, it makes for an unforgettable woody scent.
Givenchy
Gentleman Reserve Privee
Eau de Parfum Spray
60ML – £79.00
Givenchy
Gentleman Reserve Privee
Eau de Parfum Spray
100ML – £103.00
Homme Intense by Kenzo
Drawing inspiration from nature – from bamboo to a refreshing sea breeze – Homme Intense by Kenzo will help you stay grounded. We love the play of contrasts within the notes, from the freshness of pink peppercorn to the warmth of fig wood. It’s said to evoke the feeling “like salty skin warmed by the sun”, perfect for channeling that holiday vibe season after season
–
KENZO
Homme Intense
Eau de Toilette Spray
110ML – £88.00
Feeling inspired and looking to explore the world?
Don’t leave without packing one of our holiday recommended scents!
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