perfume tourism

Perfume Chat Room, October 2
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Perfume Chat Room, October 2

Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, October 2, and we are on the last day of a trip to Napa Valley! It is my first visit to Northern California and we’ve had a blast. The reason for the trip was a conference my husband helped run, so we were at a resort just outside the town of Napa until Thursday morning then came to the bed and breakfast where we stay for two nights (going home tomorrow).

We have visited a couple of vineyards/wineries, and our b and b is a small one too. One winery also had its own line of perfume, by its owner Jean Charles Boisset.

Perfumes by Jean Charles Boisset

They were very good, not surprising given the close relationship of the senses of smell and taste. Have you heard of these, or tried any?

It was fascinating to see some of the winemaking process, especially as the harvest is happening. We learned a lot, and didn’t drink too much! It was fun to see if I could identify some of the fragrance notes in the wines we tasted. Are any of you into wines as well as fragrance?

Home fragrances
Pritchard Hill, St. Helena CA
Perfume Chat Room, September 4
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Perfume Chat Room, September 4

Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, September 4, and it is the start of the Labor Day weekend here in the US. The saga continues on the historic district protection we want for our street. That project consumed much of July and August, culminating in our own city councilman stepping forward to kill it before it could reach the full city council. Putting it charitably, he is under huge pressure from the minority of property owners who loudly oppose it, even though a strong majority of owners have signed in support. We haven’t given up yet, though. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, I’ve been working to retain my sanity and sense of perspective by gardening and going to museums. The Savannah College of Art and Design had a fantastic exhibit on Dior, called “Dior: Crafting Fashion.”

It had quite a few of his historic designs; some were original, some were replicas. The exhibit included designs by the notable designers who followed him at Dior, and works that showed the incredible artisanship of the couturières who did the sewing. It also showed the various outlets for his and others’ creativity under the brand name of Dior, such as handbags, hats, gardens, and — perfume!

Limited edition of Diorissimo

As some of you know, I have a passion for Diorissimo and seeking it out in various forms was a major impetus for me to go down the perfume rabbit hole.

Here are some of the highlights, from my POV:

Do you have any favorite Dior fragrances, past or present?

Perfume Chat Room, August 7
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Perfume Chat Room, August 7

Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, August 7, and we have been on a rollercoaster of various kinds, which has delayed posting. My apologies!

First, travel. We were in Barcelona, Munich, and Innsbruck for a big chunk of July, which was wonderful. I had joined my husband at the end of a work trip he had to Barcelona, then we spent a day and night in Munich on our way to Innsbruck, where we spent a lovely week. What a great small city!

I even discovered some local perfumeries, the Parfümerie Acqua Alpes, NEO Parfümerie, and Nägele & Strubell Parfumerie. I didn’t go into NEO, but I did go into the other two and was very impressed. The staff at both were very nice and helpful, and spoke fluent English. Nägele & Strubell sells high-end niche fragrances, while Acqua Alpes sells their own fragrances.

I bought a discovery set of travel-sized sprays from Acqua Alpes, they smell great.

As soon as we got back from our trip, though, the emotional rollercoaster began. Our brother-in-law, who had been suffering for four years with Stage 4 cancer, took a sudden turn for the worse and died just days after our return. We scrambled to get ourselves and our young adult children to New England for his funeral, which luckily we were able to manage in spite of awful weather. One brother and his wife never made it from the West Coast, after many delays and flight cancellations.

It was good to be with many of the family in spite of the very sad occasion, and having our kids there to keep their cousins company was truly a godsend for us all. We got back a few days ago, and right away had to pivot to take part in yet another public hearing on the historic district protection we want for our street. That project consumed much of July, as there were earlier meetings and hearings. Fortunately, the proposal has now been approved and advanced at every level of review, so it will go to our city council now. Fingers crossed that it makes it over the finish line!

So that’s how we’ve spent the last several weeks. Whew! I also “created” two wedding fragrances, for my niece and her fiancé, who will get married in September. More travel! We plan to drive instead of flying.

Have you had any recent fragrant adventures?

Perfume Chat Room, June 26
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Perfume Chat Room, June 26

Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, June 26 — the last Friday in June! Yesterday I went to Nordstrom to look at floor length dresses to wear at my niece’s wedding, as I was tired of the options I already had at home (it has been YEARS since I bought a formal gown). While there, I stopped by their Jo Malone counter, and was happy to see this summer’s limited release collection, the Veggies collection, which I had seen earlier this month at Heathrow Airport.

I tried them again, and liked them again, so I got the discovery set of three 9 ml bottles. As always, the Nordstrom sales associate was lovely, which also led me to buy something. Good service matters!

Interestingly, the one I like best at first spray is Velvety Butternut, followed by Carrot Blossom, but after dry down the one I like best is Scarlet Beetroot. The scent I really loved, though, was the Green Tomato Vine candle and diffuser!

Of course, I’m an avid gardener and I have my own vegetable garden, so this was destined to appeal to me. The veggie colognes aren’t particularly green, so don’t let that scare you off (I also love strong green fragrances, lol).

Have you tried any of these?

Perfume Chat Room, June 19
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Perfume Chat Room, June 19

Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, June 19, and it is Juneteenth in the US. For those who don’t know, June 19, 1865, was the date when Union troops reached Galveston, Texas, after the Civil War had ended, and were able to deliver the news that the Emancipation Proclamation, signed in 1863, had freed all enslaved persons in the Confederacy. It has been celebrated as a holiday in Texas and then other states for many years, and it is now a national holiday.

We had a wonderful trip to London in late May and the first week of June. A true highlight was the exhibit on Queen Elizabeth II’s fashions throughout her life, at The King’s Gallery. it had been sold out online, but I lucked out and found an open time slot that popped up on the website! It is well worth seeing, the clothes are gorgeous and the exhibit notes are very insightful.

Some of the late Queen’s evening gowns
The Coronation gown

As usual, I visited gardens — so many roses! — and museums and my favorite store, Liberty. This time, I also visited Fortnum & Mason, which I hadn’t visited before, and was very impressed by their fragrance department. London is now truly a fragrance lover’s Mecca.

Fortnum & Mason
Fragrances at Fortnum & Mason

I also saw the Schiaparelli exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum — so much fun! And there was a whole display about her perfumes.

Don’t you love the idea of a perfume named “Zut”? I do! I’m not sure I’ve ever smelled a Schiaparelli perfume, have you?

Perfume Chat Room, March 20
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Perfume Chat Room, March 20

Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, March 20, and we are on our way home from Athens! We’ve had a great trip to Barcelona then Greece, but we’ll be glad to get home. Meanwhile, I hit the airport duty-free store to investigate new-to-me fragrances, and tried Lefko by Korres. Its dominant notes are lily of the valley, peony, and rose, so — surprise! I like it very much, lol. Other notes include musk, powdery notes, and white sandalwood.

Some comments on Fragrantica compare it to Byredo’s Blanche, but I haven’t sampled that recently enough to know. Lefko is soft, floral, and pleasant, well suited to spring. Since today is the vernal equinox in this hemisphere, that feels right.

Have you tried any new-to-you spring fragrances lately?

Spring in Greece
Perfume Chat Room, March 6
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Perfume Chat Room, March 6

Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, March 6, and I have good news and bad news, based on my recent visit to the many perfume offerings in the city-free store at the Barcelona airport. The bad news first. I tried several new offerings, and for most, the consensus is “meh.” Not worth your money. First, Le Labo’s Eucalyptus 20. It’s fine, but for that kind of money, you could buy several equally (or more) appealing aromatic fragrances. First, it really smells much more masculine than unisex to my nose. Second, one commenter on Fragrantica really captured my reaction: “uninspired woody green men’s cologne.” Seriously, save your money and buy gallons of Brut or Skin Bracer. Or maybe quarts of Bleu de Chanel.

I love Hermés’ Jardin fragrances and I have them all. I tried the newest, Un Jardin Sous La Mer, and I’m sad to say that to me, it’s also a “meh.” Again, it’s fine, but it’s nothing like the quality of my cherished Un Jardin Après La Mousson, which I’ve read has been discontinued (?). I would be perfectly happy to wear this, but I’m not about to pay the full retail price it currently sports.

Okay, some good news. Lumière d’Issey, which just came out, is terrific. From Fragrantica:

“Lumière d’Issey by Issey Miyake is a new pillar fragrance for women introduced in 2026 and conceived around the idea of “wearing light.” The composition opens with bright, sparkling green mandarin and neroli, leading into a white-floral heart where orange blossom and freesia are softened by a touch of white musk. In the base, a pistachio wood accord and sandalwood create a creamy, woody foundation that underpins the luminous, sunlit character of the fragrance.”

I think they’ve left some notes off the list, because I definitely smelled star anise in the opening, which I liked very much. Launched in 2026, it was created by Fabrice Pellegrin and Marie Salamagne. Per Fragrantica, top notes are Neroli and Green Mandarin; middle notes are Orange Blossom, Freesia and White Musk; base notes are Pistachio, Woody Notes and Sandalwood. It lasted several hours on my skin, and dried down to a very appealing warm, nutty base.

Have you been able to try any of these? Thoughts? Or have you tried any other newish fragrances you liked or disliked?

Barcelona 2026
Perfume Chat Room, February 27
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Perfume Chat Room, February 27

Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, February 27, and we are on our way to Barcelona! I don’t have much to report, except that I did so much gardening before our departure that I got a very stiff neck and had to go get a massage before I spend a night squished up in a coach economy seat. Do you have any upcoming travel plans?

Just for fun!
Perfume Chat Room, January 2
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Perfume Chat Room, January 2

Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, January 2, and we are slowly digging out from the holidays. I wish you all a very happy New Year, full of fragrance, family, friends, and fun! Instead of writing about a particular scent, I’m going to share some photos of some of the fragrant destinations that I was privileged to visit in 2025. I look forward to seeing and smelling more in 2026! How about you?

Luz de Sevilla
Crime Passionel, Copenhagen
Les Senteurs, London
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London
David Austin English Roses at Kew Gardens, London
Liberty London
Barnes Fragrance Fair
Le Parfum, Vienna
Barcelona
Perfume Chat Room, December 27
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Perfume Chat Room, December 27

Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Saturday, December 27, and we’ve had a lovely Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day! The kids were all home, even the two whose apartments are less than ten minutes away. We hosted our now annual Boxing Day Party and I think about 50 or more people came. It’s a casual open house buffet, and this year it was sort of a potluck, so I didn’t have to cook for that size crowd.

Christmas tree, 2026

The Christmas Eve church service was beautiful, as always, with magnificent flowers and music. Santa, aka my lovely husband, had a few surprises up his sleeve. He gave me the expected Shalimar l’Essence, but also the exhibition book from the Cartier exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum which I saw in London this past spring. He also got various t-shirts for all of us, which were big hits. The kids really liked all their gifts from us, which is always so satisfying, and they did an excellent job choosing gifts for us. We feel very fortunate.

One funny thing: I couldn’t decide which of them should get which perfume from Seville, so I thought I’d wait until later in the day to bring them out and they could try them and choose for themselves. But after we’d opened all their gifts under the tree, they complimented me on NOT giving them perfume this year! So now I’ll keep the Seville perfumes for myself, lol.

I hope everyone who celebrates holidays at this time of year has enjoyed them immensely. Do you any any special plans for New Year’s Eve, fragrance-related or not?