France is easily known as the home of Perfumes. If the French perfume industry is mostly located in Grasse (Provence), Paris is the world's perfume capital with most of the Famous perfume brands having their head offices, research units, and main stores. As a consequence, Paris is definitely the best place to buy Perfume in the world, and at a much reasonable price than elsewhere in the world. But if you are not much familiar with "parfums", or if you are ready to discover new fragrances, it's always better to ask advice from experienced "Parfumeries" (perfume shops) where the employees will be able to suggest the perfect perfume matching with your own personality and preferences. We suggest you visit Parfumerie Burdin Monge, an almost 90 years of history and expertise perfume shop located place Monge (Quartier Latin), to get recommendations from experienced staff and enjoy an exclusive 25% discount on some of their brands (check our coupon here for more details).
To help you discover some of the most trendy perfumes in France, we have selected a shortlist of 20 fragrances you must know. In this article, we will often refer to a perfume’s top, heart, and base notes. These notes are the building blocks of a fragrance, carefully chosen by the perfumer for their scientific properties as well as their emotional impact. Together, they create the unique beauty of a scent.
Top notes – They set the stage. Light and volatile, they form the very first impression of a fragrance. These small molecules evaporate quickly, but they immediately capture your attention.
Heart notes – Also called middle notes, they emerge once the top notes fade away. They form the true essence of the perfume, often representing 40–80% of its character. Floral, fruity, or spicy, these are the notes that linger in the memory.
Base notes – Deep and grounding, base notes provide lasting richness and complexity. Composed of heavier molecules, they anchor the fragrance with warmth and depth—often using woody or musky accords that stay on the skin for hours.
Chanel n°5 is one of the more iconic perfumes in the world and was the first perfume launched by "Coco" Chanel in 1921. “Gabrielle Chanel wanted a fragrance that was built like a dress, both artificial and abstract, which gives it a mysterious dimension,” says Olivier Polge, Chanel’s in-house perfumer. At first, the scent unfolds with a stunning surge of Ylang-Ylang and Neroli. Then, a perfect harmony of voluptuous May Rose and Jasmine from Grasse emerges, followed by a vibrant woody base of Sandalwood, Bourbon Vetiver and Vanilla. Mature women, over 50, usually like Chanel n°5 the most.
Tonic and elegant, Bleu de Chanel marries perfectly woody essences and citrus tonic aromas. Its simple and elegant blue bottle contains a fragrance created especially for the men who love freedom and refuse conformism. Top notes are Grapefruit, Lemon, Mint, and Pink Pepper, middle notes are Ginger, Nutmeg, Jasmine, base notes are Incense, Vetiver, Cedar, Sandalwood, Patchouli
The perfume line of the French fashion house Christian Dior was created in 1947, is a major brand known everywhere in the world. J'adore (which means in France "I am fond of it") is a Classic, signature scent of Dior. It is a perfumed bouquet of the most beautiful flowers from around the world with keynotes of Ylang-Ylang, Damascus Rose, and Grasse Jasmine. The J'adore bottle is as feminine as its fragrance and adorned with a feminine necklace. It is usually used by women around their 50's.
Created in 1947 by Christian Dior, Miss Dior was born of a visionary impulse: to re-enchant women’s lives, bringing back happiness, optimism, and poetry. Today, this iconic fragrance blossoms like a bouquet of a thousand flowers in dazzling colors, vibrant with freshness and femininity.
François Demachy, Dior’s Perfumer-Creator, envisioned an iridescent rose illuminated by a constellation of fresh and floral notes. Iris brings radiance to the opening, rose shapes the luminous heart, while musk and woods weave a sensual, enveloping trail.
A fragrance like a couture gown—luminous, elegant, and infinitely desirable.
La vie est belle is one of the best-selling perfumes of Lancôme. Its top notes are mainly pear and cassis. As time goes by, the scent of flowers such as jasmine, serenely spread and the fragrance of base notes with vanilla and praline remain for a long time. It has a strong floral fragrance as a whole so it is recommended for women who like floral scents. It brings a lovely and cozy atmosphere with its jasmine and iris fragrance, so it is suitable to use during autumn and winter. We recommend this product to women in their late-20s and 30s.
Yves Saint Laurent was a visionary, with a modern approach of couture, beauty, and woman which has still today an incredible resonance. This fragrance is seen as a reinvention of the floral perfume and combines lavender essence from France with the sensuality of Moroccan orange blossom, for a unique long-lasting floral fusion. Top notes are Lavender, Mandarin Orange, Black Currant, middle notes are Lavender, Orange Blossom, and Jasmine, base notes are Madagascar Vanilla, Musk, Cedar. Libre means free in French: It's the perfect fragrance for Women in their late 30's or 40's.
Who said Perfume is only for women? Well, it is true that more women are wearing perfume than men (that's why we focus mostly on women's perfume in this article) however we found it important to mention some iconic men's perfumes too. As Tom Ford said, "Good manners and good perfume is what transforms the man into a gentleman". Terre d'Hermès is a Woody Spicy fragrance launched in 2006. Top notes are Orange and Grapefruit; middle notes are Pepper and Pelargonium; base notes are Vetiver, Cedar, Patchouli
If you are looking for a perfume for the upcoming spring, Chloé Eau de Toilette is a good recommendation. The smell of rose gives a romantic and gentle feeling. The white ribbon and pinkish liquid seem to be already ladyish and elegant. The fragrance is a combination of the warm scent of soap and the sophisticated scent of flowers, which is typically loved by women. It is a perfume that can be used by everyone without any worries because top notes contain pink peony and freesia, middle notes of magnolia, lily of the valley, rose leaf, and base notes with cedarwood, amber, and honey
Bloom, created by the esteemed Italian luxury house of Gucci is a white floral created to unfold like its name. It is highlighted by a bouquet of fragrant floral, powdery and white flowers scented tones that will bring a sensual, hypnotic, and uplifting perfumed sensation. Its bottle design looking like an amethyst will emphasize your luxurious aspect. Top note is Jasmine, middle note is Tuberose, base note is Rangoon creeper. It particularly suits women between 20 to 40 years old.
Maison Margiela was founded by Martin Margiela, a Belgian fashion designer, in 1988. Replica is a cozy, time-and-place-inspired collection: each perfume of the collection is related to a memory of a specific place and time period, like Replica Lazy Sunday morning. The feeling of freshly laundered cotton sheets unfolds through delicate notes of Lily of the Valley and White Musks.
Like a morning bathed in light, this fragrance captures the pure joy of the sun’s first rays brushing against the skin, enhanced by the powdery softness of Iris and the comforting warmth of Ambrette seeds.
Serge Lutens is a French photographer, filmmaker, perfume creator, and fashion designer. Fleurs d'Oranger is a Floral fragrance for both women and men. It offers a very French and sophisticated take on orange blossom, with an air of elegance. This is not an overly sweet or cloying perfume by any means.
To say Sì is to embrace life’s infinite possibilities. With this Eau de Parfum, Giorgio Armani reimagines an icon of modern femininity in a jewel-like, refillable bottle.
The luscious depth of blackcurrant nectar merges with the delicate grace of May rose, illuminated by freesia and grounded by the strength of woody patchouli. An ode to elegance and empowerment.
A fragrance that dares to cross forbidden lines, L’Interdit Eau de Toilette is luminous yet intoxicating. Citrus notes of orange, mandarin and bergamot open with radiance, before unfolding into a white floral heart of orange blossom, jasmine and tuberose. The base smolders with patchouli, vetiver and sandalwood.
A magnetic duality that invites women to embrace their uniqueness and defy convention.
With Pure Musc, Narciso Rodriguez distills the essence of his for her collection into a fragrance of striking simplicity.
Musk reigns at the heart, embraced by delicate jasmine and orange blossom, and softened by the warmth of cashmeran. Worn alone, it is pure addiction. Layered, it becomes a refined canvas upon which every scent in the collection may unfold.
Bubble Bath Eau de Toilette revives the comforting, sweet memories of a soothing bath, drawing inspiration from Beverly Hills in 2005. Guided by its distinctive Replica philosophy, Maison Margiela captures moments in time and place, bottling them into scent so that each spritz feels like a return to that cherished instant. Gentle and effortlessly charming, this fragrance is perfect for women who adore delicate floral sweetness and an easygoing everyday elegance. Whether you’re relaxing at home or enjoying a casual date, it wraps you in a cocoon of comfort and quiet joy.
A sensorial escape to the heart of the Amalfi Coast. Fico di Amalfi opens with the radiant freshness of sun-drenched citrus—Italian bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit—enhanced by the refined elegance of cedarwood.
At its heart, the juicy sweetness of fig nectar entwines with the spicy brightness of pink pepper and the delicacy of jasmine petals. Finally, a harmonious base of fig wood, cedarwood, and benzoin prolongs the trail with Mediterranean sensuality.
Presented in Acqua di Parma’s iconic Art Deco bottle, its deep blue glass reflects the crystalline transparency of the sea and the timeless Italian dolce vita. The Top notes are Italian Lemon and Bergamot, Grapefruit; the Heart notes are Fig Nectar, Pink Pepper, Jasmine Petals and the Base: Fig Wood, Cedarwood, Benzoin.
Created by YSL, Mon Paris was born from a bold reinterpretation of modern femininity, celebrating independence, confidence, and the rebellious spirit of Parisian women. It breaks conventions, blending strength and softness in perfect harmony.
The fragrance opens with bright, sparkling fruity notes of citrus and blackcurrant, followed by a luminous heart of white flowers and jasmine that exudes elegance and confidence. The base of musk and woods leaves a warm, lingering trail, enveloping the wearer in subtle sensuality.
This is Givenchy's first aroma in its fragrance series. Like its name 'Irresistible', it intends to offer you an irresistible, sweet, and fascinating fragrance. Its base notes and middle notes have a variety of rose scents that contribute to its feminine, fantastic, and rosy vibe. Centifolia rose, passion rose, peony rose, emotion rose, fantasia rose take up 35% of the whole fragrance. The first impression is fresh and intense and the reverberation is more soft and sophisticated. The pink gradation of the bottle enhances the elegant image. And this gradation symbolizes roses on the earth and stars in the sky.
Created by Jacques Polge for Chanel, Chance Eau Tendre was born from a desire to capture the playful and tender moments of life, celebrating femininity with grace, optimism, and charm. Today, this iconic fragrance unfolds like a delicate bouquet in soft, radiant hues, brimming with freshness and light-hearted elegance.
Jacques Polge envisioned a luminous harmony of fruity and floral notes. Grapefruit sparkles at the opening, while jasmine and hyacinth compose a tender, luminous heart. White musk and iris leave a subtle, enveloping trail, evoking softness and sensuality.
A fragrance like a silk scarf—light, radiant, and irresistibly charming.
Van Cleef & Arpels is a French luxury jewelry company, founded in 1896. Inspired by the Californian landscapes that weave the backdrop to the American dream, this fragrance evokes a luxuriant paradise where nature is full of endless wonders and every inch is bathed in glorious sunlight. Top notes are neroli, mandarin, Middle notes are jasmine, frangipani flower and Base notes are beeswax, vanilla.
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Article & Photos by O'bon Paris
Parfumerie Burdin Monge
Address: 79 Rue Monge, 75005, Paris
Transport: Metro line 7, Place Monge
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 10:00-13:30, 14:30-19:00
Parfumerie Burdin Gare du Nord
Address: 7 Boulevard de Denain, 75010, Paris
Transport: Metro line 2, 4, 5, Gare du Nord station
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-19:00