The history of perfume making in France dates back to the 16th century when Catherine de’ Medici, the wife of King Henry II of France, brought her own perfumer from Italy to the French court. This marked the beginning of a flourishing perfume industry in France.
In the 17th century, perfume-making in France grew rapidly with the establishment of the first French perfume house by perfumer Pierre-Francois Pascal Guerlain in 1828. The industry gained momentum with the creation of new fragrances and the development of more efficient methods of extracting oils from flowers and plants.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, France became the world leader in the perfume industry, with the establishment of several major perfume houses, including Chanel, Guerlain, and Houbigant. These companies revolutionized the perfume industry by creating new fragrances and introducing new production methods.
During the early 20th century, French perfumers continued to innovate with the development of synthetic fragrances, which made perfume more affordable and accessible to a wider audience.
Today, France remains at the forefront of the perfume industry, with Grasse and Paris serving as the epicenter of the perfume world. French perfumers continue to create some of the most iconic and sought-after fragrances in the world, and the country’s rich history of perfume-making has left an indelible mark on the world of beauty and fragrance.
Here are the best French perfume brands to buy your next fragrance from!
Houbigant
The Houbigant perfume brand was founded in Paris, France in 1775 by Jean-Francois Houbigant. He began as a glovemaker, but soon rose to fame for his luxurious perfumes. He was the first to introduce the use of rose and jasmine in his fragrances. He had a passion for creating luxurious perfumes and his hard work paid off as he quickly gained recognition from the nobility and royalty of France.
Houbigant was also the first to use fresh flowers in his fragrances and became known as the “King of Perfumers”. His creations were so popular that they were presented to members of the French court, including Empress Josephine and Marie Antoinette.
Houbigant’s fragrances have stood the test of time and have been worn by some of the most iconic figures throughout history.
Houbigant is known for creating a variety of exquisite and luxurious perfumes. Some of the brand’s most famous fragrances include:
Fougère Royale: This scent is widely considered to be the first modern fragrance for men. It was created in 1882 by perfumer Paul Parquet and features a blend of lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin.
Quelques Fleurs: This floral scent was launched in 1912 and has been a popular fragrance for over a century. It features notes of rose, jasmine, and lily of the valley.
Orangers en Fleurs: This scent was launched in 2012 and features a blend of orange blossom, jasmine, and tuberose.
Quelques Roses: This scent was launched in 2018 and features a blend of rose, jasmine, and violet.
Duc de Vervins: This scent was created in 1985 and is named after the Duke of Vervins, who was a prominent figure in the court of King Louis XIV. It features a blend of lavender, citrus, and spices.
Iris des Champs: This scent was launched in 2014 and features notes of iris, violet, and bergamot.
Houbigant is also known for its luxury packaging, which often features intricate designs and high-quality materials, making the brand’s fragrances a beloved choice for a truly luxurious perfume experience.
Guerlain
The Guerlain perfume brand was founded in 1828 by Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain in France. Over the years, the brand has been passed down through the Guerlain family and has remained one of the most prestigious and iconic perfume houses in the world.
Guerlain is known for its innovative approach to fragrance creation, as well as its use of exclusive high-end ingredients and sophisticated packaging. Here are some of the fragrances that the Guerlain brand is known for today:
Jicky: This fragrance was launched in 1889 and is one of the oldest fragrances still in production today. It features a blend of lavender, bergamot, and vanilla.
Mitsouko: This fragrance was launched in 1919 and is known for its complex and mysterious scent. It features a blend of peach, jasmine, and oakmoss.
Shalimar: This fragrance was launched in 1925 and is one of the most iconic fragrances in the world. It features a blend of vanilla, bergamot, and iris.
La Petite Robe Noire: This fragrance was launched in 2009 and has become one of the brand’s most popular fragrances. It features a blend of cherry, rose, and patchouli.
Aqua Allegoria: This collection of fragrances was launched in 1999 and features a variety of fresh and citrusy scents, including mandarin, lemon, and grapefruit.
The Guerlain perfume and fragrance brand continues to be a sophisticated choice among cultured Parisians, known for its elegant and timeless packaging.
Chanel
The Chanel perfume brand was founded in 1921 by the iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel. The brand’s first fragrance, Chanel No. 5, was launched that same year and quickly became one of the most famous and iconic fragrances in the world.
Over the years, Chanel has continued to innovate and create new fragrances, including some of the most beloved and sought-after perfumes in the world. Here are some of the fragrances that the Chanel brand is known for today:
Chanel No. 5: This iconic fragrance is one of the most famous perfumes in the world. It was created by perfumer Ernest Beaux and features notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and May rose.
Coco Mademoiselle: This fragrance was launched in 2001 and has become one of the most popular fragrances in the world. It features a blend of orange, bergamot, jasmine, and vanilla.
Chance: This fragrance was launched in 2003 and is known for its playful and fresh scent. It features notes of pink pepper, jasmine, and patchouli.
Allure: This fragrance was launched in 1996 and features a blend of bergamot, mandarin, and vanilla.
Bleu de Chanel: This fragrance was launched in 2010 and is a popular option among men. It features a blend of citrus, woods, and amber.
Today, the Chanel perfume brand remains one of the most prestigious and iconic names in the world of fragrance.
Lancôme
The Lancôme perfume brand was founded in 1935 by Armand Petitjean, a former employee of the Coty perfume company. Petitjean wanted to create a new kind of luxury beauty brand that would combine French elegance with scientific innovation. He named the brand “Lancôme” after the ruins of a castle, Le Château de Lancosme, that he had seen while on vacation in the French countryside.
Lancôme quickly became known for its high-quality skincare and makeup products, as well as its luxurious fragrances. In 1949, the brand launched its first fragrance, “Conquête,” and over the years, Lancôme has released many iconic fragrances.
Here are some of the fragrances that the Lancôme brand is known for today:
La Vie Est Belle: This fragrance was launched in 2012 and has become one of the brand’s most popular scents. It features notes of iris, patchouli, and gourmand.
Idôle: This fragrance was launched in 2019 and is known for its modern and empowering scent. It features notes of rose, jasmine, and musk.
Trésor: This fragrance was launched in 1990 and is known for its romantic and sensual scent. It features notes of rose, peach, and vanilla.
Ô de Lancôme: This fragrance was launched in 1969 and is known for its fresh and citrusy scent. It features notes of lemon, mandarin, and basil.
Miracle: This fragrance was launched in 2000 and is inspired by the idea of a “miracle.” It features notes of lychee, jasmine, and amber.
Dior
The history of Dior perfume-making dates back to the launch of the iconic fragrance, Miss Dior, in 1947. The fragrance was created by Christian Dior himself, and it was named after his sister Catherine, who was a member of the French Resistance during World War II.
Miss Dior was an instant success and helped establish the Dior brand as one of the leading names in the French fragrance industry.
Over the years, Dior has released many iconic fragrances, and the brand continues to be a major player in the perfume market. Here are some of the fragrances that the Dior brand is known for today:
J’adore: This fragrance was launched in 1999 and is known for its floral and fruity scent. It features notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine, and bergamot.
Joy: This fragrance was launched in 2018 and is known for its fresh and floral scent. It features notes of bergamot, jasmine, and musk.
Poison: This fragrance was launched in 1985 and is known for its bold and seductive scent. It features notes of coriander, honey, and tuberose.
Hypnotic Poison: This fragrance was launched in 1998 and is known for its oriental and spicy scent. It features notes of vanilla, almond, and jasmine.
The brand’s fragrances are known for their sophistication, elegance, and ability to capture the spirit of modern femininity.
Chloé
Chloé is a French fashion and perfume brand that was founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, who was born in Egypt and moved to Paris in the 1940s. Aghion was inspired by the independent and free-spirited women she met in Paris, and she wanted to create a fashion brand that would capture their essence. Chloé’s first collection was presented in 1956, and she quickly became popular with celebrities and fashion icons, including Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly.
In the 1970s, Chloé expanded its product line to include perfume, and the launch of its signature fragrance, Chloé Eau de Parfum was released in 1975. The scent was created by perfumer Karl Lagerfeld, who was then the creative director of the brand. Chloé perfume became an instant classic and remains one of the brand’s most popular fragrances to this day.
Lanvin
The Lanvin perfume brand was founded by Jeanne Lanvin, a French fashion designer, in 1924. Lanvin had been designing clothing since 1909, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that she decided to expand her business into the fragrance industry. The first Lanvin fragrance, My Sin, was launched in 1924 and was an immediate success.
Lanvin has released many iconic fragrances through the years, and the brand remains a major player in the international perfume market. Here are some fragrances that the Lanvin brand is known for today:
Arpège: This fragrance was launched in 1927 and is known for its floral and powdery scent. It features notes of jasmine, rose, and vanilla.
Éclat d’Arpège: This fragrance was launched in 2002 and is a modern interpretation of the classic Arpège fragrance. It features notes of lemon, green lilac, and musk.
Rumeur: This fragrance was launched in 2006 and is known for its fresh and fruity scent. It features notes of magnolia, white rose, and patchouli.
Jeanne Lanvin: This fragrance was launched in 2008 and is a tribute to the brand’s founder. It features notes of blackberry, raspberry, and musk.
Modern Princess: This fragrance was launched in 2016 and is a modern and edgy fragrance that is aimed at a younger audience. It features notes of pink lady apple, jasmine, and white musk.
The Lanvin perfume brand remains a favored choice among those who appreciate classic and timeless fragrances.
Diptyque
Diptyque is a French perfume brand that was founded in Paris in 1961 by three friends: Christiane Gautrot, Desmond Knox-Leet, and Yves Coueslant. The brand initially started as a home goods and fabric shop, but it eventually expanded to include fragrances and personal care products.
Diptyque is known for creating luxurious and unique fragrances that feature high-quality ingredients and a blend of traditional and modern techniques. Here are some of the fragrances that the Diptyque brand is known for today:
Eau Capitale: This fragrance was launched in 2019 and is a tribute to Paris. It features notes of bergamot, pink peppercorn, and rose.
Do Son: This fragrance was launched in 2005 and is known for its exotic and floral scent. It features notes of tuberose, orange blossom, and jasmine.
Philosykos: This fragrance was launched in 1996 and is inspired by the fig trees of Greece. It features notes of fig, fig leaves, and fig tree bark.
Tam Dao: This fragrance was launched in 2003 and is inspired by the sandalwood forests of India. It features notes of sandalwood, cypress, and amber.
L’Ombre dans L’Eau: This fragrance was launched in 1983 and is inspired by the scent of blackcurrant leaves. It features notes of blackcurrant, rose, and ambergris.
The Diptyque perfume brand continues to be a very popular choice among those who appreciate luxurious and unique fragrances.
Le Labo
Le Labo is a luxury fragrance brand founded by Frenchman Fabrice Penot and American Edouard Roschi in 2006. The French-American brand was born out of a desire to create unique, artisanal fragrances that would break away from the mass-produced scents dominating the industry.
Penot and Roschi met while working for a fragrance company in New York City and bonded over their shared passion for fragrance. They founded Le Labo with the goal of creating perfumes that were handcrafted, made from high-quality ingredients, and tailored to the individual wearer.
The name “Le Labo” is French for “the laboratory,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and experimentation. Each fragrance is made in small batches and labeled with the date it was created, emphasizing the brand’s focus on artisanal production and individuality.
Santal 33 is a cult unisex Le Labo fragrance that features notes of sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, and violet, among others. It has been described as warm, woody, and spicy, with a subtle sweetness that makes it both comforting and sophisticated. Santal 33 has been worn by dozens of celebrities and influencers, and it has become a signature scent for many people around the world.
Since its founding, Le Labo has become known for its distinctive fragrances, minimalist packaging, and personalized approach to scent. The brand has expanded to include a range of fragrances, candles, body care products, and home scents, and has become a favorite among discerning denizens around the world.
Goutal
The Goutal perfume brand was founded in 1981 by Annick Goutal, a French pianist and model who turned to perfume-making after her music career. Goutal’s first fragrance was “Folavril,” which was inspired by her daughter Camille and launched in 1983.
The newish French fragrance brand quickly gained a reputation for creating unique and high-quality fragrances, and many of its scents have become iconic over the years. In 1999, Goutal passed away, and the brand was taken over by her daughter, Camille.
The Goutal perfume brand is known for its use of natural ingredients and its focus on creating fragrances that are inspired by memories and emotions. It is sold in the US at Saks Fifth Avenue. Here are some of the fragrances that the Goutal brand is known for today:
Petite Cherie: This fragrance was launched in 1998 and is known for its fresh and fruity scent. It features notes of pear, peach, and musk.
Eau d’Hadrien: This fragrance was launched in 1981 and has become one of the brand’s most popular scents. It features notes of lemon, grapefruit, and cypress.
Rose Pompon: This fragrance was launched in 2016 and is inspired by the rose gardens of Paris. It features notes of rose, blackcurrant, and raspberry.
Songes: This fragrance was launched in 2005 and is known for its exotic and sensual scent. It features notes of frangipani, jasmine, and vanilla.
The brand’s fragrances are known for their high-quality ingredients and their ability to evoke memories and emotions.
L’artisan Parfumeur
The L’artisan Parfumeur perfume brand was founded in 1976 by Jean Laporte, a chemist and perfume enthusiast who was passionate about creating unique and innovative fragrances. Laporte was one of the first perfumers to introduce the concept of “niche perfumes,” which are fragrances that are created in small batches and are not widely available in mainstream stores.
In the early years, L’artisan Parfumeur created a number of iconic fragrances that helped establish the brand’s reputation for quality and creativity. Today, the brand is celebrated for its unique and complex fragrances, which often feature unexpected and unconventional scent combinations.
Here are some of the fragrances that the L’artisan Parfumeur brand is known for today:
Mûre et Musc: This fragrance was launched in 1978 and is known for its fruity and musky scent. It features notes of blackberry, musk, and patchouli.
Passage d’Enfer: This fragrance was launched in 1999 and is known for its smoky and mysterious scent. It features notes of white lily, frankincense, and musk.
La Chasse Aux Papillons: This fragrance was launched in 1999 and is known for its fresh and floral scent. It features notes of jasmine, orange blossom, and tuberose.
Timbuktu: This fragrance was launched in 2004 and is known for its spicy and woody scent. It features notes of pink pepper, vetiver, and incense.
Nuit de Tubéreuse: This fragrance was launched in 2010 and is known for its exotic and spicy scent. It features notes of tuberose, cardamom, and clove.
Sisley
The Sisley perfume brand was founded in 1976 by Hubert d’Ornano, a French businessman and entrepreneur. The brand was originally focused on skincare, but in 1990 it launched its first fragrance, Eau du Soir, which was an immediate success. Since then, Sisley has released several other fragrances and has become a major player in the perfume industry.
Here are some of the fragrances that Sisley is known for today:
Eau du Soir: This fragrance was launched in 1990 and is known for its sophisticated and elegant scent. It features notes of mandarin, jasmine, and patchouli.
Soir de Lune: This fragrance was launched in 2006 and is known for its romantic and sensual scent. It features notes of bergamot, rose, and musk.
Izia: This fragrance was launched in 2017 and is known for its floral and fruity scent. It features notes of bergamot, pink pepper, and jasmine.
Eau de Campagne: This fragrance was launched in 1974 and is one of the brand’s oldest and most iconic fragrances. It features notes of basil, jasmine, and vetiver.
The Sisley perfume brand is known for its complex and well-balanced compositions, which often feature unique and unexpected scent combinations.
YSL
The YSL perfume brand, also known as Yves Saint Laurent, was founded in 1964 by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his business partner, Pierre Bergé. The brand initially launched with its first fragrance, Y, which was followed by other successful fragrances over the years.
Here are some of the fragrances that the YSL perfume brand is known for today:
Opium: This fragrance was launched in 1977 and is known for its spicy and oriental scent. It features notes of mandarin, jasmine, and vanilla.
Paris: This fragrance was launched in 1983 and is known for its floral and romantic scent. It features notes of rose, violet, and bergamot.
Black Opium: This fragrance was launched in 2014 and is a modern interpretation of the classic Opium fragrance. It features notes of coffee, vanilla, and white flowers.
Libre: This fragrance was launched in 2019 and is known for its fresh and floral scent. It features notes of lavender, orange blossom, and musk.
Mon Paris: This fragrance was launched in 2016 and is a modern and romantic fragrance. It features notes of strawberry, jasmine, and white musk.
The YSL perfume brand is still known today for its bold and innovative fragrances that push the boundaries of traditional perfumery.
Frédéric Malle
Frédéric Malle perfume brand was founded in 2000 by Frédéric Malle, a French fragrance expert whose family has been in the perfume industry for generations. Malle wanted to create a brand that would showcase the art of perfumery and give perfumers the freedom to create without the limitations of marketing or trends.
The brand is known for its “Editions de Parfums,” a collection of fragrances created in collaboration with some of the world’s most talented perfumers. Each fragrance is named after the perfumer who created it and is designed to showcase their unique style and vision.
Here are some of the fragrances that the Frédéric Malle brand is known for today:
Portrait of a Lady: This fragrance was created by perfumer Dominique Ropion and launched in 2010. It is known for its spicy and floral scent and features notes of Turkish rose, cinnamon, and sandalwood.
Carnal Flower: This fragrance was created by perfumer Dominique Ropion and launched in 2005. It is known for its rich and heady scent and features notes of tuberose, coconut, and musk.
Musc Ravageur: This fragrance was created by perfumer Maurice Roucel and launched in 2000. It is known for its warm and sensual scent and features notes of musk, vanilla, and bergamot.
French Lover (Bois d’Orage): This fragrance was created by perfumer Pierre Bourdon and launched in 2007. It is known for its woody and earthy scent and features notes of iris, patchouli, and vetiver.
En Passant: This fragrance was created by perfumer Olivia Giacobetti and launched in 2000. It is known for its fresh and delicate scent and features notes of lilac, cucumber, and wheat.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a luxury fragrance house founded in 2009 by Francis Kurkdjian and Marc Chaya in Paris, France. Francis Kurkdjian, the founder and master perfumer of the brand, is a renowned perfumer who has created scents for major fashion houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, and Burberry.
Before founding Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Francis Kurkdjian studied at the prestigious French perfumery school, ISIPCA, and worked at various fragrance companies. In 1995, he became the youngest perfumer to win the François Coty Award for his work on Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Mâle fragrance.
Since its founding, Maison Francis Kurkdjian has become known for its high-quality fragrances, including popular scents such as Baccarat Rouge 540, Aqua Universalis, and Amyris Homme. The brand has also expanded to include a range of body care products and home fragrances.
Which of these French perfume brands are you most excited to try?
