French perfumes are some of the most sought-after in the world. And for good reason, France started adopting this trade during the 14th century, particularly in the Southern part of the country Grasse. Perfume is the cultivation of flowers for their perfume essence to curate an irresistible scent. Grasse still remains the world capital for perfume. And you can add it to your South of France bucket list – here is our trip to Grasse.
Now, for all my lovelies who are traveling to Paris, you must make your way through the city smelling one perfume at a time to find a scent that speaks to you. This is the way to find your own unique perfume. We have lots of stores like Geurlan, Molinard, Frederic Maille, L”artisan Parfumeur, Annick Goutal, Diptyque ….
So continue on reading to discover the 7 spectacular perfumeries that I adore and that fill the city of Paris. You might even find your signature scent along the way.
Guerlain
Guerlain, the mother of all perfumeries in France. Guerlain was established in 1828 and quickly became the official perfumery of the Royal Courts. If you are looking for a classic sophisticated scent that utilizes natural ingredients such as French vanilla and ylang-ylang, then Guerlain is your perfume destination.
Once you step into the Guerlain atelier you feel the heritage of the brand. Everything from the design of the glass perfume bottle, the presentation of each perfume, and the educated specialists that are there to assist you in finding “your signature scent”. If on your perfume journey through Paris, you are looking for a special gift for someone
Guerlain has even been named a historic site in Paris, showcasing various different designs of marqueterie de paille wall art, made entirely out of straw. While you’re strolling along the Champs Elysees on your next trip to Paris make sure to visit Guerlain and take a trip back in time.
Guerlain (Guerlain Boutique 68 Champs-Elysées)
Address: 68 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Fragonard
The oldest perfumery in France has been family owned and run since 1926 and has been named one of the best perfumeries in France to date. If you are someone who enjoys discovering and learning the origins of the perfume itself and seeing the creative process of making each one, then Fragonard is a beautiful perfume shop to visit while in Paris, France.
There is a Fragonard museum and shop located in the second arrondissement of Paris. This is where you are able to see firsthand how each perfume is given and time to become a Fragonard perfume. The museum houses artifacts depicting the history of perfume over 5,000 years, and you can even request a free guided walking tour to learn more fun facts.
Fragonard offers an abundance of different scents in their perfume range that they are certain you will be able to find your “signature scent”. Scents include violet, bergamot, sandalwood, and almond, and they are each packaged in a lovely whimsical bottle that represents the Fragonard brand. If you’re heading towards the second arrondissement, stop by the Fragonard shop and museum!
here is their Marais Location – that I love because its more discrete and has a great staff
Fragonard Boutique Francs Bourgeois
Address: 51 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75004 Paris
Annick Goutal
Annick Goutal is a perfume brand that was started by the famous pianist and model herself, Ms. Goutal. She launched her first line of perfumes in 1980 and she quickly became the most niche perfumery in France. Annick Goutal describes her perfumes as “ stories that one can experience on the skin”.
Her mission when creating each perfume was to create distinct smells that transported people to a specific time and place. While Annick was alive she developed 25 delicate fresh scents that were popular for the time. Annick’s daughter Camille runs the business today. Camille finds inspiration for new perfume scents from “the joyful moments in her life”.
Since the establishment of Goutal perfumes in 1980 they have maintained their reputation as being elegant, sophisticated, unisex scents packaged in a reusable and recyclable glass bottle. Her perfumes celebrate the cherished memories of life. While visiting the Galeries Lafayette stop by the beautiful Annick Goutal Shop, and experience the beautiful scents of life!
my fave location is the one at Saint Germain des Pres
Goutal
Address: 12 Pl. Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris
L’artisan Parfumeur
L’artisan Parfumeur opened its doors in 1976 in France and was one of the first niche perfume brands. Jean Laporte was a chemist by trade, and only found interest in creating scented perfumes from the fruit as a little “side project”. After doing this for so long Mr. Laporte realized he had found his passion for the fragrance world.
The mission of L’artisan Parfumeur scents is to celebrate the beautiful essence of nature through scent. When launching his perfumes he wanted people to have knowledge of how the fragrance reached the point of becoming a fragrance. That is why the brand has a very descriptive ingredient list to inform you of its emotional association rather than just the smell.
When you’re browsing in one of the L’artisan Parfumeur shops, pay close attention to the bottles and you will see a number before the name of the perfume. That represents the amount of time it took to get the concoction of the perfume perfect!
L’Artisan Parfumeur St Honoré
Address: 209 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Diptyque
Opening its doors on 34 Boulevard Rue Saint Germain, Paris in 1961, Diptyque has created such a worldwide presence. Diptyque is like no other perfume brand you will see in Paris. As you enter the shop you are surrounded by handcrafted candles, incense, and irresistible perfumes.
At Diptyque the scents of their perfume range depict the Avant-garde era in history. Every perfume has a substantial body of scents that will follow you wherever you go. Diptyque perfumes are meant to take you on a journey through your wildest dreams via their one-of-a-kind scents.
After you’ve stopped by the famous Cafe de Flore or Le Deux Magots, pay a visit to the first Diptyque store in Paris and experience this for yourself
Diptyque Saint-Germain
Address: 34 Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris
Le Labo
Le Labo is one of the younger perfume brands in Paris. Opening in 2006 this is a perfumery that specializes in cruelty-free/ vegan unisex perfumes. If you have always wanted to witness the science that goes behind making a perfume then Le Labo is the perfume shop for you!
At Le Labo storefronts they have an in-store lab. That is where you select the scent you wish to buy and they will gather all the ingredients to make it right in front of you. If you’re looking for a gift you can even customize the bottle to say something special.
They even started a sustainable program. When you finish a bottle don’t throw it away. Bring it to your local Le Labo store and receive a discount on your next refill. Not only are you saving money but the planet too! Make sure after stopping by the famous Merci store in Le Marais that you walk just a short distance to Le Labo, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss while in Paris!
Le Labo
Address: 203 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
NB – Also inside the department store Galeries Lafayette you can find a counter of the best French brands loved also by locals. so this could be a great place to visit if you’re short on time in Paris and shopping for perfumes.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris
COMING TO PARIS?
Join Yanique for a fun semi-customizable tour of Paris! Get the lay of the land and dive into your passions at your own pace. You hang out and she shows you the best of what to do around your hotel and other areas of Paris so you can navigate Paris the other days confidently.