Le Pari d’Honfleur is a sweet, green, woody scent created for Men and Women in 2025.
Review
This scent opens with a green nuance that likely comes from a blend of Cardamom, Violet and Cedarwood. You can get hints of the dry spice of the Papyrus, but the Fig comes in with its juicy nuance to sweeten that edge just a smidge. It all feels a hint muted, not too much of anything in particular. It almost feels like you’ve cut open a young branch and have stuck your nose right up to the newly exposed part…..that almost bitter green-ness, but with a hint of Fig. Over time it develops a subtle essence of a garden and you can almost imagine yourself in a garden overlooking the seaside, blooming with greenery. It is a scent that can work for anyone, in any weather, and for any occasion. It does have a little bit more of a casual lean to it than a professional one, but it can certainly be worn to the office. It has a subtle similarity to Gris Charnel from BDK Parfums. TRY THIS SAMPLE AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!
Inspiration
Le Pari d’Honfleur was a scent that Albert Fouquet had created for himself, inspired by the Honfleur Roses, the fresh sea air, and the coastal vegetation of the garden on the property of his friend Christian. Both lovers of the Deauville-La Touques racetrack, and knowing that Fouquet would never normally share the secrets of his personal fragrances, Christian bet him to pick a horse he suggested, and if Fouquet won, he would share his fragrance with him. Even though Fouquet lost the race, and Christian the chance of having this beautiful scent, Fouquet eventually created a special version of his scent and sent it to Christian. It was called Le Pari d’Honfeur - “The bet of Honfleur”.
Notes
This scent opens with a green spiciness from Cardamom, Violet, Cedarwood, and Papyrus. The subtle sharpness of the Papyrus stands out for a short time, but then the Fig note comes in with its gentle juicy nuance. Unless you sniff really hard, the Coconut never really stands out, but it helps to boost the essence of the Fig, which ends up standing out for the remainder of the dry down. Sandalwood helps with this as well, bringing its naturally sweet woody essence to the base of the scent. Musk brings a hint of a wispy sensuality, but feels like it just helps to keep things lasting. There is a faint Muskiness, but not really. Overall is has a Fig infused, green, garden aroma.
Top Notes: Guatemalan Cardamom, Fig, Violet
Heart Notes: Tonka Bean, Papyrus, Coconut
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Musk
