For fragrance expert Walter Johnsen, VP of Product Development at InterParfums, the South of France (especially Grasse, the historic heart of modern perfumery) is inseparable from the art of fine fragrance, and especially suitable for summer.
“South of France fragrances are fragrances designed to capture the essence of the French Riviera,” he says. “Generally, the scents can be described as a composition of ingredients designed to capture the freshness of the Mediterranean Sea, combined with the mix of the blooming flowers and herbs specific to the region.”
In Johnsen’s opinion, a “South of France” scent should “encapsulate elements of the salty sea air blowing off the Mediterranean mixed with fresh cut citrus fruits or a blend of blooming flowers like the creamy jasmine blossom or neroli flower, the cherished Rose Centifolia, maybe a dash of Valesole Lavender or rosemary that grows in abundance” in the region.
“These combinations are a perfumer’s way of creating a scent reminiscent of the glorious sunny days that can only be found in this magical olfactive center of the world, and, of course, elements of the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean Sea.”
South of France Scents to Try
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A Johnsen-recommended favorite, this luminous white floral fragrance is timeless, elegant and effortlessly feminine—just like its muse.
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Fun fact: Oribe’s much-celebrated signature scent for its hair-care line was created by one of the oldest French fragrance houses, lending it the timeless sophistication of a true perfume. Infused with sun-kissed notes of Calabrian bergamot, delicate white butterfly jasmine and warm sandalwood, Côte d’Azur perfectly captures the radiant glamour and sultry allure of the legendary Mediterranean coastline.
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Bright, grounded and effortlessly fresh, Veronique Gabai’s Eau d’Azur is a radiant tribute to the sun-drenched shores of the French Riviera. Crafted by perfumer Pierre Negrin, this unisex scent captures the crisp elegance of a classic cologne, elevated by the richness and depth of a modern parfum.
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Scentbird—the leading subscription service for fragrance discovery—is launching an exclusive, limited-edition Scentbird x I Know What You Did Last Summer Set inspired by the much-awaited film. The discovery set, available now (while supplies last), features five story-driven scents that represent key moments in the film, including French Riviera by Mancera, a bright, marine-infused scent that evokes the sun-drenched charm of the Mediterranean coast.
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Evoking the sun-drenched elegance of the French Riviera, this invigorating fragrance opens with crisp bursts of mint and birch. It gracefully unfolds into the delicate serenity of violet leaves, before settling into a warm, enduring embrace of cinnamon, vanilla, cedar and incense—capturing the effortless allure of endless summer days.
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This vibrant love letter to the famous Hôtel du Cap Eden-Roc captures the true spirit of the legendary spot that embodies the luxurious and sun-drenched atmosphere of the South of France cherished by Christian Dior. The fragrance unfolds like a delicate watercolor in three luminous hues—blue, echoing the crisp freshness of the sea; yellow, evoking a sunlit bouquet in full bloom; and green, inspired by the aromatic pine trees that grace the cape. Together, they weave a harmonious olfactory tapestry of sea salt, white flowers and pine, conjuring the timeless elegance of the extraordinary retreat.
