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The Finest Perfume Shops in Paris
Adding to Paris’ many accolades as the city of love, world fashion capital, and foodie haven is the title of perfume central. Since Paris is known for its many perfumes, many of the world’s best noses have been taking up residency here for centuries. Of course, ceating an iconic fragrance is no easy task, even for the Parisian maître parfumeurs.
However, there are just some Parisian perfumeries that have mastered their craft and are a cut above the rest. So if you’re on the hunt for your own unique fragrance, these are the finest perfume shops in Paris.
L’Officine Universelle Buly
Photo courtesy of l’Officine Universelle Buly – Sourced from their official website
Easily finding a spot on the list of finest perfume stores in Paris is l’Officine Universelle Buly. The Buly brand was founded in 1803 by Jean-Vincent Buly, a master perfumer. This perfume shop started out in Paris and actually just sold high end perfumes and vinegar to start off with. But today, Buly has expanded to include all kinds of perfume, beauty, and grooming items – all in a classic old-time style.
Buly’s philosophy is that a good perfume should adapt to the person and the personality. I’d have to agree with that! Their strong eau triple scents are as iconic as the universe surrounding Buly.
Stepping into a Buly boutique feels like setting foot in a 19th century apothecary shop. Everything is antique and yet timeless; there’s a sense of mystery and still familiarity. And if you need a unique gift idea, anything you buy from Buly can be monogrammed by an on-site calligrapher!
practical information:
l’officine universelle de buly – 6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
open monday – saturday 10:30AM//7PM
metro station: saint germain des pres
Nose
Courtesy of Nose – Uploaded by them
Simply titled Nose, there’s no mistaking what’s offered at this fine perfume shop. Nose is a concept store for high end fragrances and beauty products if you will. Basically, perfumes, candles, and beauty products from the world’s best brands, all under one roof.
Located in the trendy Sentier area, Nose stocks French fragrances, but specializes in rare and harder to find perfumes from all over the world. Their selection is truly enormous, and the team takes special care to ensure there are always plenty of unique scents to choose from. Perfumes from Penhaligon’s London, Juliette has a Gun, MEMO and Vilhelm Parfumerie all grace the shelves. So this is a great spot to go if you’re looking for something a little different or hard to find.
practical information:
nose – 20 Rue Bachaumont, 75002 Paris
open monday – saturday 10:30am//7PM
metro station: sentier
Fragonard
Photo courtesy of Fragonard – Sourced from their official website
No guide to the finest perfume stores in Paris would be complete without mentioning Fragonard. Founded in 1926 in Grasse, Fragonard is one of the oldest perfumeries in the region. And by that measure, a real French institution.
The founder’s original idea was to sell real French perfume to tourists visiting the French Riviera. This plan worked even better than expected, and Fragonard became a real hit with locals and visitors alike. Fragonard uses the classic techniques to produce their perfume, and it really makes a difference in the final products. Quality in, quality out. And to this day, the company has stayed in the family despite becoming a household name!
If you’d like to learn more about the art of perfume making, be sure to stop by the Fragonard museum in Paris. It’s just next to the Opéra Garnier!
practical information:
fragonard musée du parfum – 3-5 Square de l’Opéra-Louis Jouvet, 75009 Paris
open monday – saturday 9AM//5PM
metro station: opera
Diptyque Saint-Germain
Photo courtesy of Diptyque – Sourced from their official website
If you’re a perfume fan, it’s probably hard to imagine Diptyque as anything but a household name. But it wasn’t all that long ago that the cult favorite Parisian perfume shop was just starting out.
Diptyque was founded in 1961 by three friends. Initially, they sold specialized printed fabrics at the iconic boutique at 34 boulevard Saint-Germain. A couple years later, they developed some scented candles with great success. And just like that, the Diptyque perfume brand was born.
Today there are over 50 signature scents, sold as perfumes, candles, and even soap. Most of their fragrances are unisex, and can be layered for more depth. They also offer solid perfumes which I love, these are perfect for traveling.
practical information:
diptyque saint-germain – 34 boulevard Saint-Germain
open monay – saturday 10AM//7PM
metro station: maubert-mutualité
Maison Trudon
Photo courtesy of Maison Trudon – Sourced from their official website
Looking for a little bit of history with your Parisian perfume? Well, Maison Trudon is actually one of the oldest perfumeries in the world! The brand was founded back in 1643 and started out as a grocer and candle maker.
Wealthy locals quickly recognized this little boutique on Rue Saint-Honoré for its exceptional quality. Popular with aristocrats and French high society, word of Trudon’s exceptional fragrances made its way to the palace! During the reign of Louis XIV, Maison Trudon became the official Royal candle maker and even supplied perfume to the King.
Today, Trudon specializes in perfume and scented candles. Their scents are original and pungent, without being overpowering. One of their most famous is called Abd El Kader, and smells of fresh Moroccan mint tea in the most delightful way possible.
The Maison Trudon has several boutiques around the world, but you can still visit the flagship in Paris.
practical information:
cire trudon – 78 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
open monday – saturday 10am//7PM
metro station: odeon
Guerlain Champs-Elysées
Photo courtesy of Guerlain – Sourced from their official website
Perhaps one of the most iconic French perfumers of all time, Guerlain certainly deserves a mention. The Parisian brand opened its first storefront in 1828 on the Rue de Rivoli. Guerlain quickly rose through the ranks of luxurious perfume, and was creating special fragrances for Napoleon III and his wife just a decade after opening.
Guerlain quickly became a household name, and the brand’s flagship fragrance Shalimar was released in 1925. Today, Guerlain’s perfumes are known internationally, and are some of the most sought-after in the world. If you’re looking to do some Guerlain shopping in Paris, head to their Champs-Elysées boutique. It’s definitely worth seeing, and has one of the best selections in Paris.
