My favorite fragrances are the ones that transport me to another time and place, whether real or imagined. It could be a summer house on the breezy New England coast, a luxurious all-inclusive resort in South America, or a cozy bakery straight out of my favorite rom-com. There's something so fanciful and dreamy about a scent that whisks you away with a single sniff.
I have more than a few transportive fragrances on my vanity, but lately, I've been reaching for two in particular—both belong to a sophisticated new perfume collection inspired by different (and iconic) regions of France. Let me introduce you to L'Artisan Parfumeur's Les Paysages Collection. It includes four sophisticated scents. I can't get enough of two of them—Soleil de Provence and Un Air de Bretagne.
The first is inspired by the bucolic, sun-soaked south. The second is inspired by the rugged, windswept coastline of Brittany. The brand describes each as an "olfactory postcard," aka a way to soak up the spirit of a French summer without a plane ticket or a passport. Keep scrolling to learn more about these chic fragrances.
Here are two of the perfumes I can't stop wearing. Très chic, non?
Notes: Lemon, mimosa, benzoin
Provence is a region in France that's known for slow living, fine wine, and lavender fields that sway in the breeze. The name of the scent, Soleil de Provence, translates to Provence Sun. As such, it captures the essence of a warm summer day with notes of lemon, mimosa, and benzoin (a resin known for a vanilla-like scent).
Lemon scents are usually hit-or-miss for me, as they can veer too sharp and acrid and be too reminiscent of cleaning products for my taste. This one is different. The lemon is soft and subtle. In fact, I wouldn't register it if it weren't for the bright levity it gives the scent. The mimosa and benzoin notes are stronger and create a warm, grounding effect, like sun hitting the soft earth. It's sophisticated and sun-kissed, drying down to a "my skin but better" finish that's similar to the way my skin smells after a long day spent at the beach. I truly love this fragrance.
Notes: Seaweed, neroli, ambergris
The name of this fragrance translates to "a breath of Brittany" or "a breeze from Brittany." It's fresh and breezy, capturing the salty air, rugged coastline, and maritime influence of France's Northeast region. Unlike other nautical scents, though, this one doesn't smell like seawater. It's not overly salty, bitey, or too on-the-nose. Instead, it's delicate, aquatic, and slightly floral thanks to the neroli. To me, it truly smells like a coastal breeze—somewhere between clean laundry and freshly showered skin. Consider it the sophisticated, French-girl way to wear a fresh fragrance.
Shop the Rest of L'Artisan Parfumeur's Les Paysages Collection
Notes: Immortelle flower, mandarin, brown sugar
This fragrance is inspired by the French island of Corsica, which is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. It's known for its turquoise water, sunbleached coves, and verdant, mountainous terrain. The scent encapsulates the essence of the island through notes of candied mandarin, boiled sugar, and creamy tonka bean. Together, they create a scent that's warm, sweet, and sophisticated.
Notes: Rice, sandalwood milk, bergamot
This fragrance is inspired by the Camargue region of France, which is known for its wetlands, wild horses, rice paddies, and pink flamingos (yes, really!). It combines floral and powdery notes with a creamy, sandalwood base.
5 More Fragrances That Give French-Girl Energy
Notes: Rose, red fruits, cinnamon, benzoin, incense, patchouli, sandalwood
Frédéric Malle's Portrait of Lady debuted over 15 years ago. Magnetic, hypnotic, and sultry, this scent is still number one on my vanity. Read my full review to learn why.
Notes: Italian mandarin, lemon, petit grain, neroli, jasmine, peony, white musk
This aquatic scent is so fresh and delicate. It makes me feel like a water nymph, living in a natural spring in the French countryside. Read my full review.
Notes: Lavender, orange blossom, musk accord
I think this is a truly unique designer perfume. With orange blossom and lavender, it's somehow fresh yet sultry and youthful yet sophisticated.
Notes: Lily of the valley, centifolia rose, soft musk
This little rectangular bottle contains a sweet, delicate, floral fragrance.
Notes: Orange, patchouli, Turkish rose
With notes of orange, patchouli, and Turkish rose, Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum is warm and sparkling. It's one of my most-worn perfumes.
