Belle d'Arles

I love Fragonard, and this is a wonderful perfume. Very rich, classy, refined. Almost makes me think of a more mature and exclusive version of La Vie Est Belle. It's big like that. Very classic in structure, citrusy top notes with a barely noticeable touch of peach in the first 30 seconds or so, heady white flowers and an intensely warm amber base. There is a decidedly creamy quality that seems a bit coconutty or almond-like. Borderline gourmand. This is a very easy perfume to wear and enjoy for anybody who enjoys a bold resinous perfume, like those that were made decades ago. It's nothing like the flimsy juices of the department stores. I find it is more of an amber than a floral, as the base grows bigger, steadily subduing the flowers. Big sillage, lasts all day. A high-quality and gorgeous offering from Fragonard. Update: I ended up purchasing a full bottle, and I had to come back to give a more accurate review. What a bummer that the perfume is not quite the same as the sample towelette. That one had enormous sillage and was a big fragrance. With the spray bottle, I get a lot less amber and more of the full range of notes better: peach in the first few minutes, though very subdued, citrus, and a lot more orange blossom. Still a beautiful perfume but much softer than the sample. Sillage is not nearly as big. It must have been more concentrated in the towlette? I still really like it and feel I will enjoy it as the weather is warming up. It will do better in the summer heat that I would have thought previously. Actually what took a while to purchase a bottle was that I was afraid it would be too strong (the towelette was the potency of the original Angel), so the fact that it's not nearly as intense is actually fine with me in this one instance.

Warm and sunny, like indian summer. In a way, comparaison with Classique and Poème is correct, it has that dark yellow, almost orange light and slightly fruity mellowness. It's hugable, like those cheerfull people who enjoy life, laugh, good food and wine and like to hug and occasionally squeeze others. I like it, but I can't wear it. I don't like how amber behaves on my skin, it overwhelms everything else and it's often too close to my own personal funk. But, for someone who loves orange blossom and enjoys wearing amber, this is perfect. Composition is harmonious and longevity epic. I prefer Fleur d'Oranger and Fleur d'Oranger Intense. Interestingly, all were composed by the same nose, Daniela Andrier aka the lady who did all Infusions for Prada. Two years later...I got myself perfumed hand cream and it's intoxicating. I can't stop smelling it...I might need a bottle. Anybody considering a bottle should get hand cream too. I also noticed that the heath chokes all the charm in it. I believe temperatures under 20°C, 68 F, to be more suitable for full enjoyment of this beauty. Three years later...I got a bottle about 6 months ago at the beginning of Autumn. And it's one of the most worn perfumes I have since. Great longevity, cozy and addictive dry down with still very present orange blossom. It was so warm and comforting during Winter. Absolute winner. Sometimes I like to lighten it up with Fleur d'Oranger. I don't usually layer, but these are perfect for it.

I got a sample of this. For orange blossom lovers! Love the amber base. The peach is very, very soft so don't be afraid to try this if you don't like peach notes. I agree with other reviewers that this has a grown-up quality (though does not smell old). This is not one of the sugary or fruity concoctions so popular these days. Different than other new perfumes coming out, and more reminiscent of a 90's perfume like Poeme. And although Belle d'Arles doesn't smell like Amarige, and actually I haven't smelled Amargie in years, for some reason it popped into my head. I think they share a bold femininity that makes me think of the early 90's. Yay Fragonard! Another triumph!

I blind bought this and luckily, I consider it a huge success. I can't really say that I have anything else exactly like this but I catch hints of a similar orange blossom note that dances around in Caramel Overdose. I also sense a hint of JPG Classique's OB note occasionally too. Not that they are dupes because they aren't. But sometimes a waft of one of those two scents flutters about me. Overall I love it but I would recommend that others test it first.

I'm surprised not many people seem to smell the similarities between Belle d'Arles and Prada La Femme. Even though both have been voted as similar to Lancôme Poème. The indolic, narcotic white flowers embedded in a honey like base (described as amber here). Warm, intense, sensual, but soft and uplifting. Wonderful. Quality wise, I think this one is a much better fragrance, with cleaner ingredients than La Femme.