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Category: French Culture
This episode features our frequent and very popular guest Elyse Rivin. If you enjoy her episodes, please consider supporting her on Patreon.
Do you love perfume? Do you wear perfume?
Have you ever wondered about the Story of Perfume in France? Why do we think of France when we think of beautiful scents? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin of Toulouse Guided Walks, dive into the fascinating Story of Perfume and how it became part of France’s luxurious identity.
If you are interested in French history, Grasse, perfume museums in Paris, or want to plan a perfume-making workshop, you will love this conversation.
Listen to the episode ad-free to travel back in time through the scents of France!
Why France Smells So Good
The Story of Perfume in France begins with ancient rituals and smoky incense. Elyse explains how perfumes were once used in religious ceremonies before becoming a part of daily life. The Romans loved scented oils, and when they arrived in France, they brought their love of perfumes with them.
Later, the city of Grasse near Nice became the perfume capital. Why Grasse? Because the region was full of flowers like lavender, rose, mimosa, and orange blossom—perfect for perfume making.
Perfume and French Royalty
Did you know that the French royal court used perfume to cover up bad smells? Annie and Elyse share stories about how Louis XIV and Louis XV's courts at Versailles were full of unwashed nobles who relied on heavy scents and perfumed wigs. It’s a funny and shocking part of the Story of Perfume in France.
Elyse also tells us how Catherine de’ Medici brought her personal perfumer, René le Florentin, to France when she married Henry II, sparking the trend of perfumed gloves and clothing. This set the stage for France’s rise as the leader in luxury perfume.
The Rise of French Perfume Houses
During the episode, Annie and Elyse talk about Chanel No. 5, Shalimar by Guerlain, Poison by Dior, and other famous French perfumes. These are not just fragrances but pieces of history. The Story of Perfume includes innovators like François Coty, who popularized beautiful perfume bottles, and Coco Chanel, who launched Chanel No. 5 in 1921, revolutionizing perfume marketing.
They also discuss how eau de cologne was created in Cologne, Germany, and how it found its place in French perfume culture.
Where to Experience Perfume in France
Are you planning a trip to France? Annie and Elyse suggest visiting:
✅ Fragonard Perfume Museum in Paris near the Opéra Garnier
✅ Perfume workshops in Nice, in Grasse, and Candora in Paris to make your own fragrance
✅ Fragonard stores in Paris and Grasse for a hands-on perfume sniffing adventure
If you are looking for things to do in Paris, adding a perfume workshop can be a unique experience. If you are planning a day trip from Nice, a visit to Grasse for a perfume workshpop is a must. Or you could have your perfume workshop in Nice as well!
The Lasting Allure of Perfume
Perfume is more than a luxury product. It is a memory. Annie shares how scents like Poison take her back to her younger days. Elyse talks about how perfume lasts on your skin if it is the right match, making it personal and timeless.
The Story of Perfume shows how scents tell stories about French culture, history, and innovation.
Listen to the Episode
If you love French culture, travel, and stories that bring history to life, you will enjoy this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast. Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin’s conversation about the Story of Perfume is fun, informative, and full of insights that will make your next visit to France richer.
Table of Contents for this Episode
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TranscriptCategory: French Culture