This will be probably the shortest perfumes travelogue ever written in my blog series: what’s up in Paris?
Everything!
I wanted to write just that and post some photos, but couldn’t resist, so here it goes…The Plum Girl in Paris!
Call me a Francophile if you wish: for me, Paris is the capital of the World. Fine perfumes world, too.
What can a perfume geek like me do&see&visit in Paris?
Now, here we have a problem: that depends on how much time you’ve got. A day or two will drive you crazy, a week wasn’t enough for me.
If you have a one day stay in Paris, I suggest making a quick tour of grands magazines: Galleries Lafayette, BonMarché, and Colette.
Or Nose, 20 rue Bachaumont. Here you can find some well-known perfumes, all in one place, a fine selection. Running around from one to the other will be a race with time, so dress properly and get those metro tickets ready!
If you find the time, visit Le Grand Musée duParfum, I find it really fascinating!
For a bit longer stay, let’s say a couple of days, I suggest a visit to some major flagship stores, like the famous Guerlain shop on Champs Elysees.
Run quickly to see Serge Luton at Palais Royal. Do drop by AnnickGoutal’s at 14 rue de Castiglione, for some real chic Parisien, lingerie included (both in 1st arrondissement). I skipped Fragonard simply because I’ve spent days researching it in Grasse, but as long as you are running around the 1st, have a go. Oh, while you are there, drop in at Maitre Perfuemur et Gantier, yet another famous Parisian perfumer.
The man I adore, Francis Kurkdjian resides nearby as well:5 rue d’Alger was the one I rushed into. Then move over to Saint-Germain-des-Pres district, where you’ll find the flagship boutique of one of France’s most beloved modern noses, Frédéric Malle. My beloved as well… Don’t forget Parles Moi de Parfum, run by Benjamin and Romain Almairac. Their fine boutique has a selection of over 200 raw materials, which serve as a basis to create their niche perfumes.
If you are planning to devote a whole week to this kind of sightseeing, there are ooh! So many! Niche houses! I can’t really name them all here, but I know the next time I visit Paris I will certainly find time to go to Le Jardin Retrouve Salon…
Is that all? Not in your dreams. There’s more. And more. So much more. I already have a very long list of “must do’s”!
One thing is certain, though: I’ll be back…over and over again. Feeling like Alice in Wonderland…
The Plum Girl
Elena Cvjetkovic
Photos: The Plum Girl private collection
Update: February 2018.
Short, business visit: this city gives me more and more each time I visit! Ok, Seine has flooded terribly but the spirit is high.
Since I didn’t have much time I planned a visit to the Le Jardin Retrouve showroom. Apart from meeting Clara in person (finally!), she showed me everything: the history tree, concept, novelties, plans for new products, and the lab!
Next time I will definitely save some time for the JAR experience, which is on my bucket list as well. Enjoy the pics!
Elena Cvjetkovic
