Top 10 French Perfume Brands for Women

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Top Ten French Perfumes & Fragrances

The birth place for French perfumes is in the southern Provence region and is called “Occitane” (pronounced Ox C tan). The abundance of herbs, lavender and many other wild flowers on the rocky landscape, warm climate, plus hundreds of years of experience in distilling mixtures and creating scents have made France one of the world’s leading perfume manufacturers.

The French have a long history in the art of making perfumes skillfully. Because of this some of the greatest names in fashion have taken them under their wing and exported these important names throughout the world. Fashion companies such as Chanel, Givenchy, and Dior, just to name a few.

When it comes to the art of perfumes, no country ranks higher than France. Many of the greatest names in the perfume industry are French, and in terms of international perfume sales, France is the leader, with 30% of the world market.

I personally love the French perfumes the best of all the perfumes and fragrances on the market today, especially some of the original classics, such as Chanel and Joy (by Jean Patou). If you love them as well as I, then take a peek below at the top 10 French perfume brands I have featured here. Along with the top ten I have included other best selling French perfumes and fragrances here.

Perfume makes an awesome gift for any special occasion or just to say I love you! For more information and pricing on each item listed here, just click on the pics and tags.

#1) Chanel No. 5

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MAIN ACCORDS:

aldehydic, woody, powdery, musky, floral, and citrus.

This parfum is ideal for evening wear, but of course can be worn during the daytime, as well. It’s a popular fragrance that women have enjoyed for many years.

Chanel No. 5 was the first perfume launched by French couturier Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. The chemical formula for the fragrance was compounded by Russian-French chemist and perfumer Ernest Beaux.

The number 5 had great significance in Coco Chanel’s life, so when handed a bunch of sample parfum vials to inspect, she chose number 5, and said it will keep it’s name, because it will bring good luck.

Keeping the bottle design plain and transparent, Coco Chanel launched her magnificent fragrance in 1919.

In a marketing brochure issued in 1924, “Parfums Chanel” described the vessel, which contained the fragrance: “the perfection of the product forbids dressing it in the customary artifices. Why rely on the art of the glassmaker …Mademoiselle is proud to present simple bottles adorned only by …precious teardrops of perfume of incomparable quality, unique in composition, revealing the artistic personality of their creator.”

#2) Joy by Jean Patou

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Introduced in 1930.

Fragrance notes: rare oils including jasmine and rose, a classic fragrance.

Recommended use: evening.

When applying any fragrance please consider that there are several factors which can affect the natural smell of your skin and, in turn, the way a scent smells on you. For instance, your mood, stress level, age, body chemistry, diet, and current medications may all alter the scents you wear. Similarly, factor such as dry or oily skin can even affect the amount of time a fragrance will last after being applied

#3) Shalimar by Guerlain

Shalimar By Guerlain For Women. Eau De Cologne Spray 2.5 OuncesView Now

Introduced in 1925. Fragrance notes: an alluring, classic fragrance of exotic florals and vanilla. Recommended use: evening.

MAIN ACCORDS:

balsamic, citrus, powdery, woody, vanilla, and smoky

Shalimar was created by Jacques Guerlain in 1925, as a tribute to the legendary love story between Emperor SHAHJAHAN and his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

#4) Dior Poison

Christian Dior Women’s Poison Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 fl. oz.View Now

Introduced in 1985. Fragrance notes: amber, honey, berries and spice.

Recommended use: romantic.

Some perfumes are born a myth. Heady, mysterious, and revolutionary since its creation, Poison is Dior’s ultimate weapon of seduction. Its exceptional, exotic alchemy is composed of a rich blend of spicy, fruity, and amber notes warmed by honey and musk—an unforgettable fragrance.

Notes:
Coriander, Tuberose, Opoponax.
Style:
Unexpected. Charismatic. Unforgettable.

#5) Angel by Thierry Mugler

Angel by Thierry Mugler for Women – 1.7 Ounce EDP SprayView Now

Introduced in 1992. Recommended use: daytime.

Angel, the first perfume by Thierry Mugler, evokes the emotion of tender childhood memories together with a sense of dreamlike infinity.

Angel, which launched a new fragrance category called the “oriental gourmands,” seduces us with angelic flavors found deep within the heart of our memories, as well as sensual and passionate notes.

Notes:
Bergamot, Hedione, Helional, Honey, Dewberry, Red Berries, Vanilla, Caramel, Patchouli, Chocolate, Coumarin.

Style:
Pure. Soft. Innocent.

#6) Cacharel Anaïs Anaïs

Anais Anais By Cacharel For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 OzView Now

Launched by the design house of Cacharel in 1978, ANAIS ANAIS PERFUME is classified as a refreshing, flowery fragrance.

This feminine scent possesses a blend of cedar, leather, and blooming, fresh cut flowers. Accompanied by white floral notes of gardenia, jasmine, and lily of the valley.

It is recommended for daytime wear

#7) Yves Saint Laurent Opium

OPIUM For Women By YVES SAINT LAURENT Eau de Toilette Spray 3 ozView Now

Introduced in 1977, Opium contains notes including exotic florals, mandarin and coriander blend to create this rich, exotic fragrance.

Perfect for evening or daytime wear. Rich and warm. If you’re feeling exotic, then Opium is the fragrance for you!

#8) Kenzo Flower by Kenzo

Kenzo Flower By Kenzo For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.3 OuncesView Now

Introduced in 2000. Fragrance notes: soft, orange flowers and sweet spices.

Recommended use: casual.

Clear and unusual, Flower by Kenzo links nature with city, emotions with a high-paced contemporary city life. This powdery floral scent is built on three basic notes. Floral note revolves around parma violet, gentle wild hawthorne, cassis and Bulgarian rose. Its powdery note is composed of voluptuous vanilla, white musk and opoponax with a gentle woody touch.

#9) Givenchy Very Irresistible

Very Irresistible By Givenchy For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5 OuncesView Now

Introduced in 2003.

Fragrance notes: peony and musk, a lovely, romantic flavor.

Recommended use: evening.

An homage to Givenchy’s early days when fashion and cinema were intertwined, Very Irrésistible Givenchy unites the elegant tradition of French style with the energy and pop-culture pizzazz of American film. Bursting with roses and infused with star anise, and verbena leaf, Very Irrésistible Givenchy is a fresh departure from the traditional floral fragrance.

Notes:
Centifolia Rose, Peony Rose, Fantasia Rose, Passion Rose, Emotion Rose, Verbena Leaf, Star Anise.

Style:
Vibrant. Brilliant. Captivating.

#10) Lolita Lempicka Eau De Parfum Spray for Women 3.4 fl.oz

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Main Note: Licorice

Beautiful anise and violet meet in the middle to create a lovely fragrance with a bold tone.

The green ivy note is intense yet optimistic and fresh.

Almond blends harmoniously with woodsy iris and sweet vanilla.

Created in 1997

More French Perfumes

Here are some more wonderful French perfumes for you to choose from and enjoy. These make great gifts for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc.

Click on photos for details and pricing.

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