As usually happens when I plan my perfume shopping trip to Paris, I run short of time and get all discombobulated and other things suffer. So….. I feel like I’m going to miss some stuff that’s out right now in Paris that I can’t get here yet. I’m going to try to run down that Malle oud thingie, Amouage Sunshine (crossing fingers). What else, what else? I haven’t been paying attention to what’s coming out there right now that isn’t here. Help me out and tell me what else I should keep my eyes peeled for and where.
I love my winter trip to Paris. People often giggle that I go in the winter when everyone else goes in the spring/summer. I finally felt vindicated when I read a travel writer for a ritzy travel publication declared that the best time to go to Paris is in January/February. I so agree. It’s just the locals then, the holidays are over, there are lots of sales, the weather is normally decent – 40s, 50s – and the Paris winter sky is pink. It’s perfection, and I’m stoked, even though it’s a short trip and I’m only there four days.
Long time reader, first time commenter, chiming in to say I just spent 5 months in Paris and came back with a bottle of Irie Post Scriptum from Colette. I also liked Harem Soiree by Arte Profumi at Jovoy, but it was too sweet and too spendy for me in the end–I was trying to focus mostly on things I couldn’t get back in the states, which seems rarer and rarer–globalization at work I guess. There’s also a fun store called Nose where they take your preferences and have an algorithm for what else you might like–I didn’t find the algorithm perfect, but the sales associates are charming and they offer you champagne and a good selection of niche frags. The new candle from Cire Trudon is also wonderful, actually, I love 80% of their candles. I also think the perfect bistro is Le Petit Vatel right by the Marche St. Germaine–itsy bitsy, perfect food, and a warm waitress. Or if you are in Montmartre, Le Potager du Pere Thierry was always a good meal.
Art-wise, the new Louis Vuitton foundation is an impressive building with a pompous and poorly displayed art collection but a great temporary exhibit of Olafur Eliasson’s work, you might be able to catch the last few days of Marcel Duchamp at the Pompidou (or did it end on the 15th…), and the Impressionists in the Luxembourg Gardens was a good small show with some jewels in it, if it’s still up.
Enjoy!
Those Mugler exclusives that I simply can’t get my hands on (Grrrr…)
Orient Express- something and so on??
Let me third the suggestions for the re-issued Le Galion’s and Patou’s. I’ve heard so much about them and would love to give them a try.
Enjoy and I agree winter is a great time to visit Paris – not as crowded or sticky as summer. Plus you get the yummy winter food as well. I always visit the Lutens store whenever I go there and go straight to trying out the bell jar fragrances. Always another one to try / buy! I agree with the person who mentioned Arabian Horse – that is a strong leathery perfume bomb!
No one has yet mentioned embarking on a Bell Jar voyage…
I would love to smell the rereleased Ma Griffe – apparently it’s been reworked and you can see it on the Carven website (could order it, too, but I wanted to sample first). Same deal with Rose Amazone.
The new Le Galion Tubereuse is GORRRRRGEOUS, and I’m already 2ml down in my split.
Enjoy the trip!
Have a great trip, Patty! I’d second the suggestions of the new Le Galions and Patous, and for another reworking of an old classic, the new Hermes Rose Amazone. I am also somewhat curious about the provencal Parfums de la Bastide. For an American ear the name is a bit unfortunate, and the lists of notes sound a bit straightforward for the prices they charge. But, who knows? They might be wonderful.
Patty, what about the Patou Ma Collection scents? Can’t remember whether they’re actually available in Europe yet (not the ones that have been at N-M for awhile). Bon voyage!
Have a fantastic trip, my dear! Could you please consider bringing back some of those fabulous Herve Domar perfumes? I am in love with the Diamant Noir and would love to try some of the others.
On the snack front, have you been to Pain du Sucre? Uncoventional patisserie opened by 2 alums of Pierre Gagnaire, Paris’ most inventive restaurant.
PAIN DE SUCRE PARIS
14 RUE DE RAMBUTEAU
75003 PARIS
Bon voyage! How about the Le Galion stuff (at Jovoy, Colette, Marie Antoinette), or Parfumerie Generale’s Arabian Horse at Sens Unique? Happy hunting!
Patty, have a wonderful and safe trip! And drink a cup of Mariage Freres and nibble on a macaron for me!
WOW! Have you checked the Dear Rose collection yet? Teo Cabanel has a new frag, ummmmm can’t think of anything else….
Have fun.
I agree, January/February best time to see Europe. I like the cold and people seem friendlier.
Portia xx
Oooh take me with you ???? look forward to what you bring back in your bag of goodies. Safe travels
Not to mention that classical French food and pastry are so much more enjoyable during winter. And everybody looks so chic on the streets. Have a great trip, Patty!
Vent Vert colored jealousy! Bon voyage cherie- paris en l’hiver. why it’s a perfume itself. Happy hunting, safe return!
Have a safe and lovely trip. Can’t wait to hear about what you decide to bring back.