Last week, I found myself wandering through the Galeries Lafayette in Bordeaux, drawn by the desire for a new fragrance, one that would welcome the arrival of spring. Those fleeting days of sunshine we had in early February, a brief yet tantalizing glimpse of warmer times ahead, had left me longing for change. I wanted a new perfume as if it could somehow summon the season itself, soft breezes and blossoms unfurling in the morning light.
Before setting out on my search, I had spent some time imagining the perfect fragrance. I envisioned something floral, like an armful of freshly gathered blooms. Romantic, yet airy. Delicate, yet radiant. A scent that felt like morning dew, fresh and luminous, never too heavy, never overwhelming. But translating this vision into words for the perfume consultants at Galeries Lafayette proved to be an amusing challenge ;)!
To me, nothing captures the essence of spring quite like the scent of flowers. Perhaps it’s because it reminds me of that magical season in Amsterdam when the tulips, crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths burst into bloom, painting the fields in vibrant hues. I have a particular fondness for white florals; jasmine, my absolute favorite, along with tuberose, magnolia, gardenia, osmanthus, lily of the valley, neroli, and orange blossom, the latter always evoking fond memories of sun-drenched afternoons in Seville and long, languid walks through the Parque de María Luisa. But I also love more classically romantic flowers: the softness of roses, the freshness of peonies, the delicacy of cherry blossoms, and the light sweetness of freesia.
After testing dozens upon dozens of perfumes, breathing in their stories, and letting their notes settle on my skin, I finally curated a selection of floral fragrances that truly embody the spirit of spring. These are the ones that enchanted me, the ones that lingered in my mind long after I left.
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1. Chanel Gardénia
Jasmine, orange blossom, gardenia. Chanel Gardénia is a beautifully feminine fragrance, soft and rounded, exuding the delicate scent of flowers. The orange blossom adds a warm, enveloping touch, yet the scent remains fresh and luminous. A perfect floral perfume for spring.
2. Guerlain Jardins de Bagatelle
Neroli, jasmine, gardenia, tuberose, woody notes. Sublime! Guerlain Jardins de Bagatelle is a white floral fragrance with an elegant allure, but greener and fresher than Chanel Gardénia, likely due to the bright neroli and subtle woody notes.
3. Guerlain Jasmin Bonheur
Jasmine, apricot, iris, rose. I absolutely love this fragrance! My only hesitation is its price… but I know that one day, I’ll give in. Guerlain Jasmin Bonheur is a joyful and luminous floral scent, rounded and radiant, with the delicate sweetness of apricot giving it a soft, sun-kissed warmth.
4. Diptyque Do Son
Tuberose, jasmine, orange blossom, iris. This is one of the first Diptyque fragrances I ever purchased, and I still adore it. To me, it belongs to spring—the only season I truly love wearing it. Diptyque Do Son is a heady, enveloping white floral, yet incredibly fresh. Every year, as winter fades, I find myself reaching for it, longing for the scent of the first blossoms of the season.
5. L’Occitane Cherry Blossom
Cherry, freesia, cherry blossom, lily of the valley, rosewood, musk. L’Occitane Cherry Blossom is a delicate, floral-fruity fragrance with a soft musky touch—one I’ve loved since I was 20!
6. Forever And Ever Dior
Freesia, jasmine, rose. Forever And Ever Dior is a revelation from the very first spritz! This was exactly the perfume I had been searching for this season—a delicate floral bouquet, romantic, fresh, and soft. A light and discreet eau de toilette, like a whisper of spring in the air.
7. Goutal Rose Pompon
Raspberry, Taïf rose, Bulgarian rose, violet, patchouli, vanilla. Goutal Rose Pompon is a romantic floral scent centered around the rose, with a hint of fruitiness. I’ve already written about this fragrance in my last article—it’s a perfume of femininity and love, tender and joyful.
Hi Leonce, these sound really amazing. I’m looking forward to try Goutal Rose Pompon and the Dior one. The picture you chose for this post is also so beautiful – may I ask who the artist is?