Caron Mo
ntaigne is not by any means, a teen or tween scent. It is rich,heady and complex in the classic Caron tradition. The notes list as coriander, bitter orange, mimosa, jasmine, narcissus, Mysore sandalwood, vanilla and amber. All players, to my nose, are present and accounted for.
Though Caron lists this as a floriental, I get a decidedly chypre-ish vibe. Composed in 2007 by in-house perfumer Richard Fraysse, this edgy scent puts out a sweet, powdery silage while remaining cool and green.
The jasmine in this composition is very fresh and real, and though not listed among the notes, I get an incensy note after about 15 minutes on the skin. Montaigne can be a real monster if over applied, so go lightly. The lasing power is excellent and I can smell it’s remnants 8 hours later.
I doubt this would appeal to the younger set, due to it’s classical french perfume style. But I am certain that my fellow perfumistas will find this more than suitable for any formal and fancy affair they attend, or for use in the boudoir, with one’s special one, as this is distinctly sexy and come hither. Though not overly similar , this puts me in mind of vintage Miss Balmain and also Balahe by Leonard.
I cannot compare it to the vintage formulation as I do not have any available to me.
Montaigne is great. I think it first came out in the late 80s as a limited boutique thing, and it had an air of sophistication that was just too dry and elegant for my mid 20’s self. It seems more floral to me these days, and I don’t know if I grew into it, or the formula is more relaxed, but I love it now. I enjoy that weird mousse de saxe note in the Carons. It sets them apart, except for Lady Caron, which doesn’t seem to have it at all.
You are correct, Mary. Now you’ve got me lemming some Lady Caron.
Now you’ve made me crave
Lady Caron!
Now you’ve got me wanting some Lady Caron!
I haven’t had much luck with Caron, but this scent sounds wonderful – I’ll have to try it! Thanks for the review!
This one’s a bit different, somehow, than the other Carons.
Perhaps this one’s for you.
Caron perfumes are amazing. Caron has a unique style for the House, which is quite different from the style of Guerlain or Chanel. I love that there are stylistic/artistic vibes which can be identified in a general way.
I have loved Caron perfumes since I sniffed Bellodgia during a trip to a fine department store as a child with my elegant mother. My mother dressed well and always smelled of good perfume.
I have many Caron beauties in my collection, including Montaigne. It is redolent of refinement and sophistication. I feel very “ladylike” when I wear Montainge; wonderfully, the EdP is not too heavy, has a certain lightness-of-feeling, and garners compliments.
Thanks for the review! I love revisiting not-necessarily-new fragrances.
Caron is amazing. I’d have a lot more of them if I had more disposable income.
A lemming is born!
And another lemming, and another . . . ad infinitum.
I tried this awhile ago and was surprised by how much I liked it – usually I don’t like the Carons all that much. This is a lovely, soft scent, with a greenish vibe – perfect for this time of year!!! Thanks for the reminder – I’ll have to go look up my sample!
xo :Devil:
Only too happy to remind you. Hoping your gums are pain free by now!
I love love love Montaigne! I have the EDP and the parfum, both are delicious. The sandalwood is especially pronounced on me (but I’m not complaining!). Caron is one of my favorite perfume houses (the other being Guerlain).
Lucky you to have both. I hear the parfum is “to die for.”
I haven’t tried any of the Caron scents probably because I’m afraid that I’ll love them and they will get as bad as my Chanel and Amouage habit. But I do have a 1.5ml of CanCan that I will try.
Understood. The costs get prohibitive, but this one’s a bargain.
Caron is not a house I have really explored beyond the lovely Parfum Sacre. Montaigne sounds like something I should get a sample of pronto! Thanks for the great review.
Caron is a bit dark and very classical,IMHO, but very much worth exploring. The scents are like no other.
A bit dark sounds right up my alley. Now I am even more intrigued!
Wow – a real prince! Who knew? I don’t really remember this one, but am going to go check it out immediately on ebay. Sounds gorgeous! And I *love* inexpensive vintage finds on ebay (although it always weirds me out that scents from the 80s and even early 90s are now considered vintage).
This sounds amazing.
Very rich and heady.Very classically french.
I absolutely support your review! Montaigne is a must try. Mine is also edp and I wonder how different is the pure perfume.
I’d love to know that myself. Perhaps when I go back to work, I’ll be able to try some.
Mmm, this sounds classy and delicious. Think there are samples to be had out there; gotta got my hands on some. Thanks!!
Check out Patty’s Surrender To Chance site.
I got mine at parfum1.com and this is commonly
available at online retailers for under $50.
Sounds divine. No Caron in Toronto though, although I understand they have a good sample program.
Hi, Georgette! I have not tried this but the jasmine appeals, esp. at this time of year. I’ll seek this out, thanks!
Very delicious scent. Femme to the max and very enticing considering it’s reasonable price tag.