Commune de Paris

Smooth, no rough edges, soft, supple... Commune de Paris is fragrance classism executed impeccably by Francoise Caron, bringing into relief the most delicate features of the essential aromatic elements in perfumery. The lavender is almost candied, yet still understated as it swirls through the bergamot and herbs and is anchored by tartness and benzoin. Its translucency would lead the wearer at once to believe there is no weight to this scent; however, elusive as it might seem, its cedar and coumarin in the dry down is just dazzling to my nose. To have both without there being any high treble or screech is a rare treat in modern perfumery. This is a perfect accompaniment for the dog days of summer. I also have a Youtube review on my channel. JJColbourne.

Astier de Villatte is a curious French outlet specializing in the production of hand-made ceramics. Although their portfolio is much wider than just ceramics, all their products have a vintage or even a kooky feel to them. Thanks to that, it’s a brand with a soul, not a common attribute for many contemporary brands. Astier de Villatte’s entrance into the olfactory realm was equally unconventional, yet perfectly logical: a collection of scented dishwashing liquids. Subsequently, they launched a series of eau de colognes, one of which is “Commune de Paris – Cologne 1871”, the focus of this review. “Commune de Paris” kicks off the show with (surprise, surprise) citruses: lemon and bergamot. But at this point the predictability of the fragrance ends as it gradually veers from the path a typical eau de cologne would take by introducing lavender as well as two other distinct notes into the mix: coumarin (the smell of freshly cut grass) and benzaldehyde (the smell of almonds). Later in the drydown I can also detect benzoin, which, coupled with the other three notes, gives the fragrance a pleasant, powdery finish. Some reviewers have pointed out that the combination of the notes creates the “barbershop effect”, but I’d argue that there’s definitely nothing overtly masculine about “Commune de Paris”. In the dog days of the summer, one of the things I find the most refreshing is a good old eau de cologne. However, I’m even more intrigued when that eau de cologne tweaks the traditional formula and brings something new to the table. To me, “Commune de Paris” is that kind of scent. It’s light, fresh, playful and very satisfying to wear. What more can one ask for?

A masterclass in the barbershop fougere and a technical tribute to the invention of synthetic aromachemicals. Made by the same perfumer as Le 3eme Homme, who is also in the Caron family. Classy, right? The problem with fougeres is they are so widespread in functional fragrance that my immediate reference to this is... generic baby wipes. So this is a beautifully made, long lasting baby wipe fragrance. If Erehwon made its own line of baby products, it would smell like this (I'm sure they would have an exclusuve Le Labo line as well).

Very baby powdery old school barbershop fragrance. I also detect a bit of Iris? Even if it’s not in the note breakdown. Kind of also smells a wetwipe vibe. It’s vintage and refreshing. Not bad. Nothing amazing though. It’s nice. 7.5/10

Kind starts off like a ricola cough drop and then dries down like a cozy baby wipe. It’s fine but I’d never reach for it. 6/10 because I dislike the ricola vibe

Commune de Paris is beautiful and somewhat different from the other Astier Villatte 'colognes'. My impression is floral and almondy-sweet. I'm a little bit confused about the notes. Are they correct? Ok, so no, they are totally wrong. Someone should really edit this page. Benzoin and bitter almond, paired with fresh lavender (this must be the 'floral' impression), bergamot (very subtle) and rosemary gives a herbal feeling. It feels cool and calming. Quite sophisticated. The almond makes me think of Antico Caruso from Profumum Roma. I think this might be the more feminine counterpart. Almondy sweet, yet subtly citrusy-herbal fresh. Beautiful and substantial. Very good. I would not wear this is the heat of the summer though. I would much rather wear this early spring. You have to enjoy almond to like this.

A common Fougere Cologne-type scent consists of citrus, lavender, tonka bean, and rosemary.