As a faithful reader of Leonce Chenal, you’re likely familiar with my passion for perfumes! Amidst the slow arrival of spring here in Amsterdam, where it remains a chilly 10°C/50°F with a persistently grey sky, I found myself yearning for an escape. With no travel plans on the horizon, I sought out perfumes that could lift my spirits and offer a brief respite from reality. Being French, I naturally gravitate towards French perfumes, firmly believing that we create the finest fragrances in the world (a dash of patriotism, I admit ;)). For this blog post, I embarked on an extensive search, tried numerous fragrances, and visited various boutiques to discover the perfumes that remind me of the South of France—a region deeply intertwined with my childhood memories of summers spent in Les Issambres, a charming town near Saint-Tropez.
But how does one capture the essence of the South of France in scent? Which notes should one seek in a perfume? Closing my eyes and conjuring the Côte d’Azur, I’m greeted by a marine freshness, a salty breeze that carries the endless blue horizons of the Mediterranean. I recall the soothing aroma of lavender, complemented by the sweetness of jasmine and the powdery touch of mimosa, evoking the sun’s warmth. The earthy and herbal aromas of thyme, rosemary, and sage of the rugged, herbaceous wildness of the garrigue landscapes. Meanwhile, the deeper tones of amber, musk, and woods remind me of the Provençal landscape, with its ancient olive groves.
When thinking of the South of France, Grasse immediately comes to mind with its long history of perfume-making, dating back to the 18th century. Grasse has long been famous for its cultivation of emblematic blooms such as Grandiflorum Jasmine, Centifolia Rose (also known as “la Rose de Mai” or “rose of one hundred petals”), tuberose, orange blossom, iris, mimosa, and violet. So, with these aromatic notes in mind, I’ve curated a selection of five perfumes that, with just a spritz, take me back to the South of France. Bon voyage!
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1. L’Artisan Parfumeur Soleil de Provence
L’Artisan Parfumeur Soleil de Provence, which I stumbled upon in Le Printemps during a Paris visit, is a gorgeous fragrance! Its homage to the mimosa flower, combined with the vibrant notes of lemon and bergamot and the warmth of ylang-ylang, benzoin, and vanilla, mirrors the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence. This scent, with its bright, green, floral, and honeyed notes, is like carrying a piece of Provencal sunshine with me.
2. Fragonard Soleil Eau de Parfum
Fragonard’s Soleil Eau de Parfum is a treasure I found while exploring Nice in the Fragonard boutique on the Cours Seleya. This fragrance, with its intoxicating mix of jasmine, orange blossom, lily, rose, iris, and wisteria, balanced with warm amber, sandalwood, and musk, embodies the vibrant intensity of the southern sun at noon. Its classic, radiant composition makes it the perfect expression of the region’s floral abundance and sun-kissed charm.
3. Reminiscence Rem Eau de Toilette
Reminiscence Rem Eau de Toilette is a fragrance I fell in love with ten years ago, thanks to a friend who spent every summer in Sainte-Maxime or Saint-Raphaël. I recently rediscovered this beautiful fragrance, having purchased it last month and worn it on repeat since then. Its blend of sea notes, lilac, jasmine, patchouli, fenugreek, vanilla, tonka bean, and white musk beautifully instantly transports me to the sun-drenched beaches of Juan Les Pins or Saint-Tropez. I absolutely love it!
4. Hermès Un Jardin en Méditerranée
Hermès Un Jardin en Méditerranée, created by my all-time favorite perfumer, Jean-Claude Ellena, is a masterpiece that beautifully captures the South of France. Its blend of sweet fig tree, green lentisk, and delicate pink laurel creates a unique, fruity, and woody scent that evokes the lush, vibrant gardens of the Mediterranean. A must-have!
5. Chanel Jersey
Chanel Jersey, a sublime fragrance that’s high on my wishlist, beautifully marries delicate lavender with creamy bourbon vanilla and white musk, which evokes the comforting scent of Provence’s countryside. Its vintage aura, highlighted by a powdery floral reminiscent of violet and iris, makes it a perfect representation of the South of France’s timeless serenity.
Et voilà! I hope you delight in exploring my selection of perfumes. If a trip to the South of France isn’t on your agenda this summer, may these fragrances transport you to its sun-drenched shores and fragrant fields :).
