The Story of Perfume: A Journey Through France's Luxurious Past

Have you ever wondered how France became the world’s perfume capital?

In “The Story of Perfume: A Journey Through France's Luxurious Past,” host Annie Sargent and guest Elyse Rivin from Toulouse Guided Walks take you on a fragrant journey through French history. They explore how perfume evolved from smoky rituals and religious ceremonies to the luxury bottles we see today. You will learn how Grasse became the heart of perfume making and why Chanel No. 5, Shalimar, and Poison became iconic scents tied to France.

Listen to the episode ad-free to travel back in time through the scents of France!

Annie and Elyse share stories about Catherine de’ Medici bringing her personal perfumer to France, the smelly days at Versailles when perfume was used to cover the lack of bathing, and how Napoleon loved Eau de Cologne so much he used it daily. Discover how the French revolution impacted perfume makers, how the Guerlain family shaped perfume history, and how synthetic fragrances changed the industry.

If you are planning a trip to France, Annie and Elyse suggest several places you can visit to enjoy this history in real life.

This episode is perfect for travelers interested in French culture, perfume lovers, and anyone curious about the unique stories that shaped France. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast to get weekly episodes that bring France to life with history, culture, and practical travel tips for your next adventure.

Listen to this episode to add a touch of scent and story to your France travel plans and discover why perfume remains one of the country’s most luxurious traditions.

Table of Contents for this Episode

• [00:00:15] Introduction and Topic Overview
• [00:00:31] Today on the podcast
• [00:01:03] Podcast supporters
• [00:01:59] No Magazine segment
• [00:02:33] Annie and Elyse about the History of Perfume in France
• [00:03:01] Perfume as a French Identity
• [00:04:15] Understanding Different Types of Perfume
• [00:07:38] Historical Significance of Perfume
• [00:08:46] The Fragonard Perfume Store near the Opera House in Paris
• [00:09:30] Finding Your Perfume
• [00:13:27] The word Perfume
• [00:13:30] Origin of the word “perfume”
• [00:14:44] Perfume in Religious and Cultural Practices
• [00:16:27] Perfume in Ancient Civilizations
• [00:20:24] The Renaissance Influence on French Perfume
• [00:21:58] Catherine de’ Medici and the Rise of French Perfume
• [00:25:59] Grasse: The Perfume Capital
• [00:29:19] Impact of the Plague on Hygiene and Perfume
• [00:31:16] The Unwashed Aristocracy
• [00:32:41] Perfume to Mask the Stench
• [00:34:52] The Spread of Perfume Culture
• [00:37:30] The Birth of Eau de Cologne
• [00:42:45] Perfume Revolution in the 1700s
• [00:44:33] Napoleon and the Return of Perfume
• [00:46:45] The Rise of Guerlain and Synthetic Perfumes
• [00:48:00] The Introduction of Synthetic Fragrances
• [00:50:24] Perfume in 20th Century
• [00:52:15] Coco Chanel and Chanel No5
• [00:53:34] Christian Dior and the Perfume for the “New Women”
• [00:54:18] The Golden Age of French Perfume
• [00:56:17] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

More episodes about French culture