French Perfumes & Grasse in Provence

How to Choose and Wear a Luxury Fragrance, Designer Brands in France

Jul 3, 2009 Solange Hando

Subtle or powerful, French designer perfumes are elegant and refined, created to mirror the wearer's soul and personality.

Bewitching, soothing or energising, perfumes have enhanced human rituals since ancient times. They create an aura of well being and beauty, stimulate senses and imagination and exude confidence. They became popular at the French Court in the 16th century when Queen Marie de Médicis objected to the smell of leather gloves. The fashion was launched and France never looked back.

Today French perfumes are still considered the best in the world with new fragrances created every year. Chanel, Dior and Givenchy are just a few of the top designer brands where the mystique never fades.

French Perfumes, Grasse in Provence, Perfume Capital of the World

Tucked between mountains and sea in southern France, Grasse enjoys a microclimate where flowers and herbs grow in abundance. It’s no wonder the top French perfumeries set up business here. Today modern methods are used alongside traditional techniques, ensuring freshness and quality. Jasmine is hand picked, roses reach the plant within half an hour.

Perfume Houses such as Galimard and Fragonard offer free guided tours and a chance to buy at factory prices. Grasse also boasts an International Museum of Perfume.

How to Choose and Wear a Luxury Fragrance

In Grasse, London or Paris, choosing a French perfume is like choosing a dress, it should suit the wearer’s character and the occasion. Perfumes may be described as floral, spicy, wood or leather and range from light eau de toilette to expensive parfums with a high concentration of essential oils. Strength and fragrance are at their best when they match individual mood and body chemistry. Top indicator is the feel good factor.

Experts advise stronger fragrances in the winter months and for evening wear. Since luxury perfumes release three successive notes or scents, most important the last one, it makes sense to apply a fragrance in advance for maximum effect.

The ideal time to shop for perfume is late afternoon when the skin is more receptive. It’s a good idea to test just one or two on the inside of each wrist. Perfume works well when applied on pressure points such as behind the ears, throat, ankles and inside of knees, elbows and wrists.

Designer Perfumes, Top Brands in France, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy

A world best seller since 1921, Chanel Nº5 claims notes of neroli, jasmine and May rose from Grasse. Chanel luxury fragrances include Chance, described as spicy and floral, the oriental Allure Sensuelle and Christalle based on citrus fruit, jasmine and peach.

Christian Dior is well known for J’adore, a sophisticated range of products from Extrait de Parfum to Floral Cologne or Hair Mist. Among the favourite eau de toilette are Dune with a fresh subtle fragrance, and Tender Poison, an aromatic bouquet of freesia and orange blossom.

From Angel or Demon to Absolutely Irresistible, Givenchy is all about celebrating modern woman, exuberant, sensual or mysterious. For a natural organic approach, L’Occitane en Provence comes top of the list.

The copyright of the article French Perfumes & Grasse in Provence in W Europe Travel is owned by Solange Hando. Permission to republish French Perfumes & Grasse in Provence in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Flowers near Grasse in Provence