Perfumes of Paris: a fragrance for every corner of the capital

Have you ever wondered what Parisian neighborhoods truly smell like? Imagine the delicate aroma of freshly baked baguettes wafting from corner bakeries, the subtle floral notes from hidden gardens, or the lingering scent of a nostalgic journey to Paris’s golden age. This is the essence of Paris through its most captivating scents.

Louvre district (1st arrondissement): N°5

One of Paris's oldest districts epitomizes heritage, art, and architecture, with landmarks like Palais Royal, Jardin des Tuileries, and Place Vendôme continuing to inspire. Where sophistication knows no bounds and amid royal palaces and lush gardens, Chanel fragrances have dominated the air, painting an olfactory portrait of the Louvre district elegance and a testament to Coco Chanel's legacy and her 34 years stay at The Ritz. While every Chanel scent, from the daring Coco Mademoiselle to the mysterious Coromandel, captures the spirit of this sophisticated neighborhood, none rival the timeless allure of N°5, created in 1921. Its abstract, floral richness evokes a nostalgic journey to Paris’s golden age, embodying the neighborhood’s essence of elegance and charm.

Marais district (3rd & 4th arrondissement): NOT a perfume

Imagine a fragrance as unique as the Marais district itself. While NOT a Perfume by Juliette has a gun is crafted with a single, pure ingredient (cetalox), the Marais offers thousands of vintage treasure troves, mouthwatering patisseries, and high-end concept stores waiting to be explored. Inviting to connect intimately with its every corner, each brimming with distinct character, and with the timeless elegance of Place des Vosges or the storied charm of Victor Hugo’s House, both the fragrance and the district resonate uniquely with everyone who experiences it or wears it.

Montmartre district (18th arrondissement): Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle

Marais district often conjures images of the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, the ‘I Love You’ wall, and throngs of tourists. However, the 18th arrondissement offers a more intimate and equally captivating experience blending the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from specialty cafés, the nostalgic allure of Cinéma Studio 28, innovative pop-ups and the buttery perfection of croissants from Atelier P1. Imagine the sweet scent of pastries mingling with the bold statement of Suzy Le Helley in Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle, an olfactory celebration of Acne Studios itself: eclectic, daring, and unapologetically unique. 

Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement): 1876

While the Latin Quarter brims with culture, art, history and its artistic and intellectual legacy, it offers a tapestry of secondhand bookstores, record shops, art deco cinemas, jazz clubs, and Roman ruins. Each corner seems to tell a story, much like the fragrances of Histoires de Parfums. Captured in bottles reminiscent of antique encyclopedias, each creation shares tales of characters, raw materials, and iconic years. If we were to choose one fragrance that encapsulates the essence of the Latin Quarter, it would undoubtedly be 1876, as it mirrors the soul of the Latin Quarter with its intricate blend of spicy rose, woody undertones, and fruity notes. At its heart lies the enigmatic spicy rose, much like the intellectual vibrancy that defines the Latin Quarter itself.

Opera district (9th arrondissement): Grand Soir 

When you think of Parisian landmarks like the majestic Palais Garnier or the vibrant Boulevard Haussmann, one fragrance immediately comes to mind: Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. This exquisite scent is an olfactory voyage that captures the enchanting essence of the City of Light after dusk. The amber glow of streetlights casting their warm hues over cobblestone streets, the whispers of history emanating from the grand facades, and the allure of Parisian nights filled with mystery and creativity, Grand Soir embodies this atmosphere with its rich amber and woody notes, and at the same time offers an invitation to immerse in the opulence and the freedom to create. 

Saint-Germain-des-Prés district (6th arrondissement): Terre d’Hermès Eau de Parfum Intense 

Imagine strolling Saint-Germain-des-Prés Haussmannian-lined streets, its art galleries and Jardin du Luxembourg, where creativity and inspiration flow effortlessly. Now, pair its atmosphere with Terre d'Hermès Eau de Parfum Intense, known for being a bold, woody fragrance that blends the zesty brightness of bergamot with the smoldering warmth of burning wood and the raw, mineral depth of intense lava. It’s not only a scent that mirrors the energy of the neighborhood, but one that captures the intimate charm of a haven for artists, writers, and dreamers alike. 

Champs Elysées district (8th arrondissement): Aqua Allegoria Florabloom Forte

Who could resist a squeal of delight when strolling down the Champs-Élysées and catching sight of Guerlain's iconic flagship boutique? This legendary store, beautifully reimagined by renowned architect Peter Marino, stands as a beacon of elegance amidst the Petit Palais Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Grand Palais in the Champs Elysées district. As the neighborhood exudes a distinct charm, Guerlain's fragrances feel like embarking on a sensory journey through the wonders of the world. Particularly, Aqua Allegoria Florabloom Forte: an irresistibly blend of tuberose at sunset, the sensual richness of Grasse Centifolia rose, and the warm, velvety embrace of powdery violet and iris accords. 

Popincourt district (11th arrondissement): Avec Amour 

“This scent, above all, makes you feel something, but it also serves as a gentle reminder that beauty often emerges from what we cannot see”, says Violette, the renowned make-up artist and founder of Violette_FR. Avec Amour, a sensual and daring scent designed as an oil-based roll-on, blends intimacy and much of the vibrant energy of Paris’s 11th arrondissement, where graphic designers, multimedia artists, coffee spaces, and jewelry boutiques are redefining creativity. 

Bourse district (2nd arrondissement): La Cérémonie de l’Encens

Nestled within the city’s smallest neighborhood lies a world brimming with 19th-century glass-roofed covered passages, past bustling bistros, and the iconic Rue Montorgueil. A true master of culinary artistry and vibrant market streets, this neighborhood serves as the perfect backdrop for La Cérémonie de l’Encens by L'Artisan Parfumeur, an Eau de Parfum crafted by Mathilde Bijaoui. Inspired by ancient rituals, this fragrance is an ode to the sacred and the mystical. At its heart lies olibanum incense, a material revered for its spiritual significance, delicately elevated by the harmonious interplay of cedar and pepper. Much like the neighborhood, this creation weaves a narrative that bridges the tangible and the ethereal. Mathilde Bijaoui envisioned this perfume as a symphony, where the grounding warmth of cedar and the subtle spice of pepper come together in a peaceful dialogue. Similarly, the Bourse district cultivates a harmonious relationship with its surroundings, tucked just above the 1st arrondissement on the right bank. 

Faubourg Saint-Germain district (7th arrondissement): Bois Talisman

As the Faubourg Saint-Germain district holds the iconic Pont Alexandre III, the symbol of France and the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, the district is as irresistible as Dior’s Bois Talisman fragrance. Just as Christian Dior celebrated his love for the mystical arts and hidden talismans, Bois Talisman embodies opulence and depth. An exquisite scent that unveils the richness of vanilla through extraction techniques, revealing layers that range from the softest whispers to the most powerful expressions. 

L'Entrepôt district (10th arrondissement): French Leather

This vibrant neighborhood exudes a contemporary energy, fueled by its eclectic mix of indie-run bars, innovative restaurants, and creative cultural hubs. A match fragrance is French Leather by Memo Paris, as it signifies the adventure of a French rose, with an intriguing mix of contrasts and embodying the spirit of this dynamic district.

Reuilly district (12th arrondissement and more)

Representing the 12th arrondissement and the cultural significance of Place de la Bastille, Black Opium by YSL Beauty stands as a modern symbol of freedom. This iconic coffee-floral fragrance takes on a sweet, sensual twist with an irresistible marshmallow musk accord, offering a long-lasting and unforgettable scent. For the 13th arrondissement, Paris-Montaigne by Stéphanie de Bruijn Paris encapsulates its vibrant essence. This fruity oriental fragrance opens with luscious notes of peach, blackcurrant, and apple, perfectly embodying the dynamic flavors of the district. The 14th arrondissement and the Fondation Cartier find their match in Cartier’s La Panthère Eau de Parfum. Paying homage to the maison’s iconic panther symbol and its first Panthère perfume from 1986, this fragrance unveils a captivating blend of rhubarb, strawberry, anise, and bergamot, layered with hints of musk, gardenia, patchouli, and orange blossom. Attrape-Rêves by Louis Vuitton is an ideal companion for the 15th and 16th arrondissements. Meanwhile, L'Ombre dans l'Eau by Diptyque is an undeniable match for 19th and 20th arrondissements.