Paris is awash with perfumeries and some of them are outstandingly special like Lubin, one of the oldest perfume shops in Paris, open since 1798 and once the hangout of Jospehine Bonaparte.
Linda Matthieu, expat in Paris, goes on the scent of a great Paris perfumerie…
There are perfume shops galore in Paris; some offer a service where you can make up your own perfume blending this and that with advice from a top perfume mixer until you come up with a scent that makes it special. It’s a way to replace your favourite fragrance that is no longer being made and it is a fun experience. One of these is le Studio des Parfums at 23 rue de Bourg-Tibourg in the Marais district.
Others have their own blend of perfumes ready-made, often you won’t be able to find the scents anywhere else and as gifts or personal perfume choice – they can be very exclusive and very special.
I recently visited a perfume shop called Lubin, located near the beautiful Saint Sulpice church at 21 Rue des Canettes. It’s a fun little shop with a very nice man to wait on you!
Pierre Francois Lubin opened his parfumerie in 1798 at rue Sainte Anne in Paris; it is one of the oldest perfume houes in the world. He created perfumed ribbons, masks for balls and rice powder for les incroyables and les merveilleuses. His most popular product was a perfume called Eau de Lubin which gained him favour at the Imperial Court of Napoleon. Josephine Bonaparte favoured the perfumes made here and it was said that the famous seductress would drench her gown in perfume to make the fabric cling, all the better to show off her curves. Soon after Lubin became popular with the royal families of Russia and Britain. When the Bourbons were restored, Lubin dedicated his fragrances to Queen Marie-Amelie, wife of Louis Philipe I. Lubin was first perfume maker to America, opening a shop there in 1830.
The perfumes and candles are all ready-made, and it is full of lovely perfumes. It’s a charming shop for women looking for something new in the world of perfumes.
More Great Insiders Guide To Paris Features:
Buly 1803, a great old pharmacy with exquisite hand creams, candles, potions and lotions
Experts’s guide to walking and discovering Paris – on foot, by boat or by bike!
Ile aux Cygnes – the hidden island of Paris
6 of the best historic restaurants in Paris
