The 5 Eaux Fraîches I Always Take on Vacation

You probably know all about eaux de parfum, eaux de toilette, and eaux de cologne, but have you heard about eaux fraîches (fragrant waters)? These are my go-to scents for the hottest summer days and vacations. Now that summer has finally arrived in Bordeaux, I’m naturally leaning more towards eaux fraîches instead of eaux de parfum. They have a lower alcohol concentration (between 1 and 3%) compared to eaux de parfum and are incredibly fresh and sparkling, making them perfect for summer.

Eaux fraîches took inspiration from eaux de cologne in the latter half of the 20th century. They typically have slightly chypre and woody base notes (like vetiver, cedar, or benzoin) and top notes that are citrusy (grapefruit, lemon, mandarin), green, or vegetal (like freshly cut grass), marine, fresh floral (think neroli, peony, freesia, sweet pea, lily of the valley, lilac), fresh fruity (fig), or aromatic (such as mint, anise, or lavender).

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Some of the most iconic eaux fraîches include Dior’s Eau Sauvage, Eau de Guerlain, Eau de Rochas, Ô de Lancôme, Eau d’Orange Verte Hermès (one of my personal favorites), Eau Fraîche Dior, and Les Eaux Fraîches by Roger & Gallet. Plus, fragrances like Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria, Clarins’ Eau Dynamisante, Dior’s Les Escales, and Hermès’ Les Jardins can also be considered eaux fraîches.

Personally, my favorite eaux fraîches come from a few French brands: Caudalie, Hermès, and Roger & Gallet. You probably already know Caudalie and Hermès, but Roger & Gallet is a bit of a hidden gem, especially outside of France. This brand is really special to me because it reminds me of my grandparents, who always had Roger & Gallet scented soaps and eaux fraîches in their bathroom.

Roger & Gallet has an amazing history that goes back to 1693 when Giovanni Paolo Feminis created Aqua Mirabilis in Italy, a miraculous remedy made from 18 medicinal plants. This magical water, known for its healing properties, eventually made its way to Cologne, where Jean Marie Farina patented it as Eau de Cologne. He brought this refreshing fragrance to Paris in 1806, winning over the royal courts with its invigorating bergamot and orange blossom scents.

In 1862, Armand Roger and Charles Gallet took over the precious Eau de Cologne and founded the Roger & Gallet house. They changed the fragrance game with their innovative products, including the first round soap in 1879, famous for its long-lasting scent. I absolutely adore Roger & Gallet, especially their range of well-being shower gels, adorable little round soaps (which smell amazing!), and, of course, their eaux fraîches (well-being fragrant waters).

1. Roger & Gallet Fleur d’Osmanthus

I’m absolutely in love with this Osmanthus Flower fragrance from Roger & Gallet! Think of a delightful mix of mandarin, apricot, and osmanthus (the “Flower of Happiness”) with a hint of benzoin. It’s enriched with natural osmanthus absolute, which has stimulating properties for your body and mind. It’s fresh, cheerful, and sweet—perfect for those sunny summer days!

2. Roger & Gallet Néroli

Since my trip to Sevilla, Spain, I’ve been obsessed with orange blossoms and neroli. This Roger & Gallet Néroli fragrance is a dream! Imagine neroli blended with orange blossom and immortelle. It’s super fresh and radiant, enriched with natural neroli essence known for its relaxing and calming effects.

3. Caudalie Thé des Vignes

I can’t get enough of this Thé des Vignes fresh fragrance! It’s soft and comforting with notes of bergamot, mandarin, ginger, jasmine, neroli, white musk, and soft woods. It’s perfect for summer evenings. Created by Jacques Cavallier (now at Louis Vuitton), it’s simply beautiful.

4. Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier

This Fig Blossom fragrance is absolutely sublime! Created by Master Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, it features notes of grapefruit, fig, and musk. Enriched with natural fig extract for its relaxing properties, this scent is fresh, warm, and relaxing all at once. It brings to mind ripe figs, a lazy siesta in the warm hours, and the cool shade of the foliage—just perfect!

5. Hermès Un Jardin sur le Nil

I absolutely adore this fragrance! Un Jardin sur le Nil is fresh, green, and vegetal, making it an excellent eau fraîche. It’s perfect for those hot summer days and always gets me compliments. This scent combines tangy green mango with delicate lotus and elegant sycamore—absolutely delightful.

Et voilà! I hope this helps you find your favorite eau fraîche to enjoy all summer long or on every vacation ;). Bonnes vacances!