Whether you’re heading to Paris or just browsing for a new French fragrance, you need to know about the best Hermès perfumes for women as you build your perfume collection.
Hermès, a French luxury goods brand established in 1837, is renowned for its leather goods, accessories, and apparel. However, the company’s history with perfume dates back to 1951, when it introduced its first fragrance, Eau d’Hermès.
The brand’s first fragrance, created by perfumer Edmond Roudnitska, was a unisex scent that combined citrus and spice notes with a hint of leather. Eau d’Hermès was an important step for the company as it marked its official glamorous entry into the world of perfume.
Hermès launched their first fragrance for women, Calèche, a decade after Eau d’Hermès. Guy Robert, the perfumer behind this elegant, floral, and woody scent, helped establish the brand’s reputation for crafting sophisticated fragrances.
In 2004, Hermès appointed Jean-Claude Ellena as their in-house perfumer. Ellena brought a minimalist and refined approach to fragrance creation, resulting in iconic scents like Terre d’Hermès (2006) and Jour d’Hermès (2013). His tenure at the company saw the introduction of the Hermessence line of exclusive fragrances, as well as the Les Jardins and Les Colognes collections.
Following Ellena’s retirement, Christine Nagel took over as the in-house perfumer for Hermès. Nagel has since developed a number of successful fragrances for the brand, such as Twilly d’Hermès (2017), Eau de Citron Noir (2018), and L’Ombre des Merveilles (2020). Nagel continues to contribute to Hermès’ perfume legacy with her unique style and innovative approach.
Where to Buy Hermès Perfumes in the US
Where can you buy Hermès perfumes in the US? Hermès fragrances are available at high-end retailers such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman in the US.
Select European perfumes are available for import from Selfridges and Harrods. Keep in mind there could be duties or import fees on these purchases from the UK.
If you’re looking to make your first Hermès fragrance purchase, or you want to expand your French perfume collection, these are the best Hermès perfumes for women to consider!
Calèche
Calèche, introduced in 1961, is the first women’s fragrance by Hermès. The perfume was created by renowned perfumer Guy Robert, who skillfully crafted a scent that captured the essence of the brand’s elegance and sophistication. It’s easily noted as one of the most iconic Hermès perfumes ever developed.
The name “Calèche” is French for a horse-drawn carriage, which symbolizes the company’s origins as a harness and saddle maker in the 19th century. The perfume’s name and design evoke the brand’s heritage, luxury, and graceful motion of a carriage ride.
Calèche is a classic aldehyde floral fragrance, featuring top notes of aldehydes, lemon, and bergamot, which give way to a heart of rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, and iris. The base notes include sandalwood, oakmoss, cedar, and vetiver, which provide a warm, woody finish to the composition.
The scent has been honored for its charming character and timeless allure. Calèche is certainly the most iconic fragrance within the Hermès perfume collection.
24 Faubourg
24 Faubourg is a classic Hermès perfume that was first introduced in 1995. Named after the brand’s flagship store’s address in Paris, 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the fragrance was created by the talented perfumer Maurice Roucel.
The scent is a warm, elegant, and sophisticated floral-oriental composition that embodies the luxury and timelessness of the Hermès brand. The fragrance features top notes of orange, peach, bergamot, and hyacinth, followed by a heart of jasmine, gardenia, ylang-ylang, and iris. The base notes consist of amber, sandalwood, patchouli, and vanilla, which give the perfume its rich and long-lasting character.
24 Faubourg has been loved by the likes of Princess Diana for its cultivated and feminine qualities, further increasing its popularity among sophisticated women. Its timeless appeal and unmistakable elegance continue to keep it as one of the best Hermès perfumes in the Hermès collection.
Twilly d’Hermès
Twilly d’Hermès is a relatively recent addition to the Hermès fragrance collection, having been launched in 2017. The perfume was created by Christine Nagel, who took over as the in-house perfumer at Hermès following the retirement of Jean-Claude Ellena in 2016.
Twilly d’Hermès is a youthful, vibrant, and contemporary fragrance that targets a younger audience. The perfume is inspired by the brand’s iconic Twilly accessory, a slim silk scarf often used as a versatile fashion accent by Hermès women. The fragrance’s name and concept reflect the spirit of freedom, creativity, and self-expression associated with the Twilly scarf.
The scent is a unique, spicy floral composition featuring key notes of ginger, tuberose, and sandalwood. The bold combination of ginger and tuberose gives the fragrance a fresh, modern twist, while the sandalwood provides a warm and sensual undertone.
The bottle design for Twilly d’Hermès is also distinctive, with its cylindrical shape and a small silk Twilly scarf tied around the neck. This design element emphasizes the connection between the fragrance and the coveted accessory it’s named after.
Twilly d’Hermès has been praised for its clever and playful character, and it’s a popular choice among Hermès’ younger customers.
Terre d’Hermès
Terre d’Hermès is a highly acclaimed men’s fragrance devised by Hermès in 2006 that is surprisingly popular among Parisian women. Created by Jean-Claude Ellena, who served as the brand’s in-house perfumer from 2004 to 2016, Terre d’Hermès has become one of Hermès’ most iconic and successful unisex scents.
The name Terre d’Hermès translates to “Earth of Hermès,” reflecting the fragrance’s inspiration drawn from the elements of earth and nature. The perfume aims to capture the heart of the brand’s connection to nature, the passage of time, and the transformative power of the earth. Terre d’Hermès is characterized by a unique combination of simplicity and complexity.
Terre d’Hermès is a woody, mineral, and citrus scent featuring top notes of grapefruit and orange, a heart of flint and pepper, and a base of cedar, vetiver, and benzoin. The fragrance is celebrated for its earthy, masculine, and sophisticated qualities, which have made it a popular choice for men around the world.
The success of Terre d’Hermès led to the creation of derived flankers, including Terre d’Hermès Eau Très Fraîche (2014) and Terre d’Hermès Eau Intense Vétiver (2018), which offer different variations of the original scent.
Terre d’Hermès has received numerous awards and accolades since its launch, solidifying its status as a modern classic within the Hermès fragrance collection.
Un Jardin sur le Nil
Un Jardin sur le Nil, which translates to “A Garden on the Nile,” is a fragrance launched by Hermès in 2005, inspired by a visit to the garden islands in Aswan, Egypt. It’s generally regarded as one of the best Hermès perfumes of all time.
It is part of the brand’s “Les Jardins” series, a collection of fragrances inspired by different gardens from around the world. This series was concocted under the direction of Jean-Claude Ellena.
Un Jardin sur le Nil was created by Ellena and inspired by the lush, fertile gardens on the Nile River’s islands in Egypt. Ellena sought to capture the soul of the unique and contrasting landscape, a place where the arid desert meets the verdant oasis of life along the legendary Nile.
The fragrance is a fresh, green, and fruity composition that features top notes of green mango, grapefruit, and calamus, a heart of lotus, hyacinth, and peony, and a base of sycamore wood, frankincense, and cinnamon. Un Jardin sur le Nil is known for its vibrant, refreshing, and slightly exotic character, which transports the wearer to the Nile’s enchanting gardens.
Un Jardin sur le Nil has been widely appreciated for its refreshing and evocative qualities. The success of Un Jardin sur le Nil led to the creation of other fragrances within the “Les Jardins” series, showcasing Jean-Claude Ellena’s masterful ability to translate nature into olfactory experiences.
Jour d’Hermès
Jour d’Hermès is a fragrance introduced by Hermès in 2013. Created by Jean-Claude Ellena, Jour d’Hermès is a luminous and sophisticated scent that captures the spirit of femininity and the beauty of a new day.
The name Jour d’Hermès translates to “Day of Hermès,” reflecting the inspiration behind the perfume, which aims to celebrate the promise and renewal of each new day. Jour d’Hermès is a scent characterized by its elegance and simplicity.
Jour d’Hermès is a floral composition that features an abundance of white flowers, including jasmine, gardenia, and sweet pea, complemented by green and citrus notes. The fragrance is designed to be an abstract portrayal of femininity, and Ellena has intentionally left the specific notes and structure somewhat elusive. This approach allows the scent to evoke the idea of a bouquet of flowers without highlighting any single flower in particular.
The bottle design for Jour d’Hermès is also noteworthy, with its elegant curves and transparent glass, evoking the concept of light and the dawn of a new day. The overall presentation of the fragrance aligns perfectly with its inspiration and olfactory character.
Since its introduction, Jour d’Hermès has been applauded for its refined, radiant, and feminine qualities, excellent for women seeking a modern and sophisticated fragrance. The success of the original scent has led to the creation of flankers such as Jour d’Hermès Absolu (2014) and Jour d’Hermès Gardénia (2015), which offer different interpretations of the original Jour d’Hermès fragrance.
Eau des Merveilles
Eau des Merveilles, introduced by Hermès in 2004, is a unique and enchanting fragrance. Created by perfumers Ralf Schwieger and Nathalie Feisthauer, Eau des Merveilles offers an unconventional and captivating olfactory experience.
The name Eau des Merveilles translates to “Water of Wonders” or “Fountain of Marvels,” reflecting the magical and mysterious qualities of the fragrance. The perfume was designed to evoke a sense of wonder, transporting the wearer to a world of dreams and imagination.
Eau des Merveilles is characterized by its woody, amber, and mineral notes, which create an intriguing and almost otherworldly scent. The composition features top notes of citrus, including orange and lemon; a heart of elemi, pink pepper, and ambergris; and a base of cedar, vetiver, and oakmoss. One of the most notable aspects of Eau des Merveilles is the absence of any distinct floral notes, which sets it apart from many other women’s fragrances.
The bottle design for Eau des Merveilles is also distinctive, featuring a round, pebble-like shape with a whimsical pattern of stars and constellations. The design adds to the overall enchanting and magical aura of the fragrance.
Since its launch, Eau des Merveilles has gained a loyal following and has been lauded for its unique and mesmerizing character. The success of the original scent led to the creation of sister scents like Eau Claire des Merveilles (2010), L’Ambre des Merveilles (2012), and Eau des Merveilles Bleue (2016), each offering a different interpretation of the original fragrance while maintaining its captivating essence.
Kelly Calèche
Kelly Calèche, introduced by Hermès in 2007, is a fragrance that pays homage to the brand’s equestrian heritage and combines it with a modern, feminine touch. The perfume was created by Jean-Claude Ellena.
The name Kelly Calèche is inspired by two iconic Hermès symbols. The first is the “Kelly” bag, named after actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, who famously used it to shield her pregnancy from the paparazzi in the 1950s. The second inspiration comes from the word “Calèche,” meaning horse-drawn carriage in French, and is a nod to Hermès’ beginnings as a maker of harnesses and saddles in the 19th century.
Kelly Calèche is a floral-leather fragrance, a unique combination that links the worlds of fashion and equestrianism. The scent features top notes of grapefruit, lily of the valley, and rose; a heart of narcissus, mimosa, and tuberose; and a base of leather, iris, and cedar. The result is an elegant, feminine fragrance with a subtle hint of leather that evokes the brand’s history and craftsmanship.
The bottle design for Kelly Calèche is sleek and sophisticated, featuring the iconic Hermès padlock and a leather tie around the neck of the bottle, reminiscent of the Kelly bag’s clasp.
Since its introduction, Kelly Calèche has been celebrated for its unique blend of femininity and equestrian elegance.
Un Jardin sur le Toit
Un Jardin sur le Toit is a fragrance by Hermès that was introduced in 2011, meaning “A Garden on the Roof.” It is part of the brand’s “Les Jardins” series, an assortment of fragrances inspired by luscious gardens from around the world, initiated under the direction of Jean-Claude Ellena.
The roof the fragrance refers to is none other than the dreamy rooftop Parisian gardens at Hermès’ flagship store at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, France. This rooftop oasis, with its lush greenery and diverse flora, provides a secret retreat for Hermès guests amid the bustling city below. Ellena strived to capture the essence of this hidden garden and translate it into a vibrant and refreshing olfactory adventure.
Un Jardin sur le Toit is a fruity, green, and floral fragrance featuring top notes of apple, pear, and magnolia; a heart of rose, grass, and basil; and a base of cedar and compost. The composition reflects the various elements found in the rooftop garden, from the fruit trees and blossoming flowers to the freshly cut grass and rich soil.
Twilly Eau Ginger
In 2021, Hermès launched the Twilly d’Hermès Eau Ginger fragrance which has been wildly popular in the US judging by the rave reviews. This youthful fragrance celebrates the mischievous, sparkling nature of girlhood. It smells of fresh peonies, sweet ginger, and energetic cedar. Also toting the lovely silk ribbon around its neck, the precious bottle is a joy to look at. It’s one of the best Hermès perfumes for daughters and nieces, or anyone who wants to smell younger than they are!
What is your opinion on the best Hermès perfumes?
