Fougere Royale (2010)

Even though this is a reimagining of the original 1882 Houbigant Fougere Royale, which defined an olfactory family, I do consider this reimagined Fougere Royale to be the modern-day defining classic Fougere. The word "fougere" is thrown around way too indiscriminately, and when someone inaccurately refers to a frag as a "fougere", which happens often, I reference this frag. A note about performance of Fougere Royale: I judge performance (longevity and projection), in terms of how I personally can smell it. I don't care much if someone 5 or 10 ft. away can detect it or not. For good performance, I expect to catch occasional whafts of scent drifting naturally to my nose for several hours, without me going looking for it. That's after three sprays on my shirt in the upper chest and two on each long shirt sleeve at the wrist. And two at each wrist on skin. Pretty heavy application, maybe a total of 11 sprays. I expect those occasional whafts maybe 6 or 8 hours later. With Fougere Royale I certainly got that performance. In fact, after wearing it all night, sleeping in it, and waking up maybe some 16 hours after application, it was so strong I was hesitant in washing it off. It was weaker and I kinda had to go looking for it a bit more, but still impressive. And the scent profile is so pleasing I just didn't want to wash it off. In other words, very good performance. Perfect. P.S. This is very similar to Amouage Bracken Man. Although I still consider Houbigant Fougere Royale 2010 as THE reference Fougere for fragrances still active/marketed today, Bracken Man is probably the most photorealistic Fougere in history. It smells exactly like the green of the frond, and the damp earthiness of the soily roots of a marsh/swamp plant - presumably a fern (if a Fern had a smell). I think Bracken Man best exemplifies Paul Parquet's quote about his original 1882 Fougere Royale: "If God had given the fern a smell, this would be that smell". So maybe the best reference Fougere is Bracken Man after all. But this 2010 Fougere Royale does NOT smell closer to YSL Rive Gauche Pour Homme. Nor is 2010 Fougere Royale more of a modernized Chypre than a Fougere as someone else in this forum suggested. Don't make me laugh people. Update: Stay away from the Dua Fragrances clone of this. It's off, and its nauseating and headache inducing. Update: the 'Earthy' accord should be higher in the stack than the 'Floral' accord.

Fougère Royale (Rodrigo Flores-Roux), first presented in 1882 (Paul Parquet), is a milestone composition in the world of perfumery. It was the first perfume with the scent of fern (Fr. Fougère), from which the aromatic family (fougère), so popular especially among men, takes its name. Fougère Royale opens with a duet of lavender and geranium. It smells undeniably masculine and elegant. A bit retro, but this does not significantly affect the perception of the composition. The beginning, above all, gives the impression of being very clean. This is due to lavender, which is responsible for the soap and clean accents of the scent. The smell is really fresh, but this freshness is very specific. It is unlike anything else and extremely hard to describe. It has something green and pine-like in it. Additionally, it was achieved without an excess of citrus fruits, yet the effect it creates is really pleasant. The geranium itself, on the other hand, is only slightly sweet and floral. It gently scratches the throat, emphasizing the masculine nature of this perfume. As time passes, Fougère Royale, on the other hand, leads us deep into the dark green forest. In the heart, the two aforementioned notes are joined by cinnamon. The scent does not transform significantly, but it gains a new dimension. It becomes more aromatic. From everywhere, we are surrounded by the eponymous ferns spreading their cool, slightly straw-like scent. In the base, on the other hand, Fougère Royale becomes very mossy. However, the oak moss present in the composition is soft and intensely green. The presence of patchouli is also significant in this phase. It can be felt very clearly. It is dry and truly niche. The amber that accompanies it gives it some more sophistication. It smoothes down the scent and softens its sharp edges. It has something creamy-vanilla about it for which the tonka bean present in the composition may be responsible. This is how Fougère Royale ends, leaving us somewhere in a damp yet sunny and bright forest glade. 🔸🔶🔸🔶🔸🔶🔸🔶🔸🔶🔸🔶🔸🔶🔸🔶🔸 🔹Main note: Lavender 🔹Author: Rodrigo Flores-Roux (Paul Parquet - 1882) 🔹Launched: 2010 (1882)

Houbigants Fougere Royale was my fragrance find of the year 2016. I know it's been around since 2010 but I only managed to get my hands on this and Cologne Intense last year thanks to my friend Mohit at Project Perfumery India. What a beautiful composition this is, kudos to Rodrigo Flores-Roux.I have not smelled the original Fougere Royal but if this has managed to capture even half of that, It must have been fabulous. This version of Fougere Royale has been my most complimented fragrance of the year and as long as you are well dressed, this hits the spot every single time. Fougere Royale is one of those compositions that has a lot of notes blended together so well, it's hard to pick them apart too much individually. Top notes I get lavender mixed with a green citrus and some bitterness from the Chamomile. Mid notes are dominated by florals- mainly Geranium and carnation with underlying hints of spice from the cinnamon. The base is mostly oakmoss, what you would expect in a Fougere, although here the Tonka bean adds a wee bit of sweetness that actually works in conjunction with herbal notes from the clary sage. Projection is good but conservative arms length. Longevity likewise is good,in the 6-8 hour range. This is a year round fragrance and if you spend a lot of time in formal clothes, definitely signature scent worthy. I would be remiss here if I did not thank Lanier Smith as it was his recommendations of this fragrance, both here on Fragrantica and on Youtube that made me curious about it. This is everything he says it is and more. In conclusion, I would say that if you have any sort of interest in classic fragrances like Azzaro PH, Eau Sauvage or even stuff like Chanel Pour Monsieur, or you are just looking out for a good, masculine, year round frag, do yourself a favour and check out Houbigant Fougere Royale. The bottle is understated class as well. Just fabulous stuff all round. Highly recommended.

The rolling hills are saturated in a calming green, the sky an equally vast and ominous grey. The wind carries a meditative lavender and barbershop geranium causing your mind to wander with the currents. A warm, dusty cinnamon and carnation meet in the flurry of wind, a tinge of budding ferns hiding amongst the commotion. The sun peels intricate patterns through the pale sky, exuding a soft warmth that reaches out to you. You can smell the earth warming up around you - the contrast of the dense cold and the pervasive warmth fills your mind with wild wonders. You let yourself dream for a while - the world shifts and sighs as the hours pass you by. The night brings a subtle chill so you wrap your thick coat around you and marvel in its mossy sweetness. The ferns and foliage speak to you in warm tones and soft riddles as you meander toward your destination. Dawn is coming and you want to make sure you get the best view... Day 75 - In situ Listening to: Claude Debussy - Clair De Lune Notes: I have no reference to the original, but this is a modern classic in its own right. This fume dances between a modern fresh and green fougere and something of a barbershop classic. Like others have noted, it really does smell like an update and homage to a bygone era - it still captures the rominticism of aeons gone by. It opens with a crisp and bright bergamot, lavender, and mysterious greenery (maybe ferns) before meeting a very lively and powdery geranium. I have noticed in my fragrant explorations that cinnamon is commonly paired with carnation and it appears here to add force to the geranium and the powdery presence. The scent oscillates between the herbal and floral notes while gaining an ambery oakmoss and tonka accord. This sort of mood lasts through to the end - a little musky, warm and mossy, and a hint of chalky barbershop! I can't help but love its classy and romantic feel!

I'm so glad I finally made this mine. I tried it in about 2013 I think? (I'm sure I penned a review... obviously not) managing to score a few samples and I was very impressed, with a classic and brilliantly executed fougere. However, other fragrances took priority and it's taken me until now to make it mine. Seemingly simple at first but has loads of layers and depth to it. The opening is fresh bergamot but only for a split second before waves of green, lushness and aromatic lavender and camomile embrace the senses. This truly evokes the natural, fern smell of the fougere name perfectly. The settled fragrance fritz between this lightwieght, upbeat, perfumery and a darker more earthy and masculine heart. This juxtaposition of contradictory, Schrodinger's cat-esque, super states is what true art can do for you. It has two main constituents which I love and that's geranium and carnation and they come on strong in the drydown. There's also an element of something a bit hand cream like and waxy even, slightly unpleasant (clary sage I reckon) peeking through only at times making the intrigue build even more. As we go right into the drydown the patchouli in the base kicks more and more giving it more substance and dirt. For a fougere with such green credentials so strange that it has shades of oriental warmth about it too. It starts to get a bit like Opium pour Homme, or even Bois 1920 Sushi Imperiale all that hazy carnation and spice. Almost faultless perfumery, I'm charmed by Fougere Royale it's superb. Guys you need to get this stuff. It's not the strongest fragrance in the world but the quality is there and if you over spray it like I did, it performs very satisfactorily indeed.

Foodies—those culinary counterparts to Frag Heads—know all too well that we eat with our eyes as much as with our mouths. The presentation of a meal affects our enjoyment as much as the taste itself. It's the same with fragrance. The bottle design, packaging, reputation, status, price, history, and so on, all influence our impression of a fragrance, to some degree. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the case of Houbigant Fougère Royale. The name itself is legend. The history and provenance is the stuff of fiction. The bottle is art. All these create a powerful impression before we even take our first sniff. Individuals who choose to debate the "authenticity" of the present issue are already set up for disappointment. Others, swept away in the romantic narrative are primed to love it. How you approach Fougère Royale is a personal matter. In the final analysis, you'll either like it or you won't. But it may—and should—take you some time to arrive at a true impression. This requires you to get a grip on your emotions, to reconcile historical inconsistencies, detach yourself from expectations and simply allow yourself to become familiar with the fragrance on its own merit. Resist your knee-jerk reaction—the desire for an immediate black or white, love it or hate it conclusion. Live with it a while...get comfortable with it. Enjoy the stages of development. Then, you begin to fully appreciate Fougère Royale as an original, artfully conceived, masterfully blended, high-quality, masculine fragrance in the classic mode. It's a beautifully made fragrance. I like it more and more. And yes, that bottle alone is an objet d'art.

Olfactory Kingmaker! This fragrance is just pure class! Houbigant Fougere Royale is green, herbaceous, floral opulence. HFR opens up beautifully. There is this lovely burst of sage, lavender, oak moss, green notes and a hint of cinnamon that seduces your senses. I know that this fragrance is a tribute to the original fougere, and I have no way of knowing what that smelled like but this is truly very fernlike right from the opening. The citrus, chamomile and geranium arrive in the mid setting the scent up for an amazing wave of florals. The rose is velvety and the lilac and carnation prop this lovely rose accord up. The beautiful thing about FR is how well it is crafted. This scent is alive! The notes are all present and swirl in and out during the progression of this scent. When the scent reaches the base and the amber, cinnamon and tonka arrive, the transition is flawless, seamless, just PERFECTION! The theme or the integrity of this scent is never compromised. HFR is rounded off beautifully with oak moss and patchouli, which once again are rendered with restraint. As for when to wear, or how to wear? Well, think Spring and Summer for this fragrance. FR is meant to make a statement or create an aura about your personality. FR will fill the people you draw in or those you are drawn to with calm. Think sartorially french with this one; banded collar shirt and some chinos. But, take it from me, HFR will inspire you to dress up with how amazing it smells! This is fougere royalty for sure, and a necessity in a fougere lovers collection!

Im a fougere lover and this fragrance is a great choice. Nice blend of lavender, chamomile, grass, oakmoss, geranium and clary sage. Elegant but not too serious, fougere royal is for mature people with style and humor. Fresh, clean and balanced, this fragrance not screams but smiles with its quality. True fougere into the bones. I love the aroma but it's not something never smelled before, i have to say it's not so easy to find a fragrance balanced like fougere royal. Performance not amazing, very average, more longevity and projection would be appreciated. For spring and summer, for people over 30-35 with style, humor and personality. Im happy to have it but i understand who conplains the price considering the "just ok performance". Fougere royal è tipico del suo genere, con note verdi, lavanda, camomilla e geranio. Niente di nuovo ma molta qualità e "garbo" in questo blend. A me ispira gente matura, stilosa ma simpatica, che non si prende troppo sul serio. Fougere royal è a completamento della personalità, non soverchia chi lo indossa. Performance discreta. Se vi piacciono i fougere e avete bisogno di qualcosa di classico che non ispiri vecchiaia allora questo profumo fa per voi. Scent-8,5 Longevity-6,5 Sillage-6,5 Versatility-8 Uniqueness-8 Presentation-7,5 Conpliment factor-7,5 Backup bottle? Maybe My vote-8,5 In one word- balanced Alternative - amouage bracken man, pasha Cartier edt, houbigant duc de vervins, paco rabanne pour homme.

The word “fougere” apparently translates to “fern” in English. However, this doesn’t say much to most people. A fougere scent will come across as fresh, woody and distinctly masculine. Some may even use the phrase “barbershop” to describe the genre. Fougere Royale was the first scent in the genre and this modern remake of the original is a superb rendition of the genre. It is a little hard to comment on how close this is to the original of 1882 as samples are... shall we say, a little hard to come by. The modern version, released in 2010, starts off bold, citrus-fresh, herbaceous and punchy. It’s dry, sour even and lacks any hint of sweetness; perhaps a nod to its origin. There is also a distinct patchouli in the mix and this is apparent right the way down to the base. The fresh woodiness interweaves throughout the development stages whilst still maintaining the patchouli. The scent is particularly reminiscent of Amouage’s Bracken Man, although there are plenty of fougere scents out there that would equally compare to it. Fougere Royale is an Eau de Parfum and lasts well throughout the working day. It can be enjoyed in all sorts of weather, but I can definitely see this being worn especially in warmer weather. All lovers of fougere scents owe it to themselves to experience this scent.

I have to admit ...after reading soo many positive reviews about Houbigants Fougere Royale, this juice did not disappoint me! I went through everyone's reviews, I bought a bottle and couldn't wait to get my hands on some. I finally acquired a bottle and I was WOWED. At first spray there's a true aromatic green/spicy vib from oakmoss and lavender giving it an appealing CLASSIC aroma. This juice has soo many layers, you know that this isn't your run of the mill fragrance. The pepper/cinnamon spicy vib with carnations and Geranium give it a brilliant warm vibrant vib. To complete this symphony of notes, there's a hint of Camille and Tonka bean as well Amber adds to the warm vib. The green notes gives this AMAZING fragrance a calming yet an exhilarating experience. Longevity and Silage both surpasses my expectation...lasting well past 10hrs. Houbigant Fougere Royale (2010)..simply put is a real attractive fougere which will NEVER be forgotten. I often recommend you try before buying, not this juice!! If you like a warm/spicy blend with green/floral vib....this will not disappoint you. 10/10 A real 5 star fragrance all considering it's been modified for a more modern day. Imagine how much more the original version would give you....nonetheless I'm more than happy with this fragrance.

A great aromatic fougere with a modern touch. Me : "Here we go again..." (expecting something old school and perhaps even musty...) Fougère Royale: "Well, take this - we'll start out with some fresh bergamot, lemons and chamomile, add a dose of geranium, a dash of fern and throw in some herbs. Yeah, that's it, let's finish it up with lavender, some patchouli, clary sage, oak moss, vanilla and tonka with a touch of cedar !" The result is smooth, herbal, easy to wear and clean. The sheer amount of ingredients compose a luxurious and rich scent. I'm sure the slightly sweeter base, dialed down lavender and oakmoss and lack of coumarin will be off-putting to many fougere experts, but the sense that FR walks out of fougere land and dips it's toes in oriental waters is what I think keeps it modern - IMO this is an excellent aromatic fougere, a slightly sweeter and more modern alternative to my beloved Rive Gauche - not a substitute in any way, but a slightly updated version. Actually the fern note (is this what is listed as green notes?) does mute the lavender somewhat, but still I like it. A classic barbershop men's fragrance that can be worn most of the year with moderate sillage and good longevity makes this a great choice for most gentlemen!

I have had this Perfume for some time now, and have been putting off writing a review for some time. This is a no-brainer for anything and has become one of my go-to when i don't want to think of what i want to ware. It makes me feel confident, clean, calm and approachable. To put it simple, if you have smelt a barbershop style perfume before, you have smelt this (kinda) The not so simple, this is a reproduction of the worlds first Fougere made in 1882. This is as old school as it gets, it's classic, timeless and truly a masterpiece. It starts off with clean lavender, Chamomile greens and Bergamot, fresh and clean. Then florals and Cinnamon come to give some power. Still remaining fresh and clean but with more depth. And last oak moss sage and Patchouli gives it some earthiness that is welcome. Fresh spicy, floral, earthy, sort off creamy and slight warm spice. Versatile for any time, day, season or mood. Some might say it's "outdated" but i disagree, this being a reproduction of the worlds first Fougere and it beeing this oldschool makes it on my opinion still a worthy pickup nowadays. Remarkable high quality. This lasts around 9 to11 hours on my skin with a medium sillage. 10/10

I was really impressed with this one. I never smelled the Houbigant original of course, but the quality of the components in this really impressed me. I am generally very cautious with any purchase over 50 USD, but I think it's a safe bet. Despite what I expected as a re-imagination of the first fougere (i.e., that it would be so similar to all of the fougeres in my collection) this one actually strikes me as unique. I think the battle between the sweet and sour is similar to Pasha and Caron's Third Man, but there are notes in this one that make it very distinct from them - true to it's name and house heritage, this is by far the less woody and more "fern-like" of the three. It's a sagey, earthy green, and with as strong an oakmoss as we used to get in the 80's and 90's from so many men's fregrances - yet it is much lighter than the previous description would indicate - an skillfully balanced concoction and I actually prefer it to Bracken (which I still enjoy as a fan of clove, but would be a redundant purchase and at double the price). I am definitely planning on getting a bottle of this, maybe as soon as next month.

The history of this fragrance and this house is well known, so I won't belabor the heritage. The fragrance opens with a big blast of soft citrus and sharp lavender and then goes into a green middle that also features sage, cinnamon and florals. The base notes of oakmoss and amber round this out beautifully. I have never been a huge fan of Fougeres, but I like this a lot. The only other similar scent I have liked has been Floris Santal. And similar to Floris, what stands out here is the quality of the components and the fact that is seems all natural/botanicals derived. I think this is probably too old school to be worn by a younger crowd and really does well with a suit and tie. But it also seems at home for a night out on the town. It is much more manly than it may seem on first sniff as my kids and wife all commented on how awesome it smelled like a man that came in from the woods. Something I didn't pick up on at all. Longevity is merely average, so I don't expect this to last more than 6 hours or so and sillage is also moderate. At $60, I consider this to be a fantastic price for a modern -classic masterpiece.

Nothing really new or exciting here (I mean this one is not extremely original). The exciting thing here is, however, that it's one of the highest classy & quality fougeres out there, with a very unique old school vibe to it. Powerful classy and versatile fragrance with highest quality. Its originality lies in the fact that it was the first fougere fragrance and in which the raw materials used for its elaboration are of the highest quality and that shows, and in the end this makes it "original" enough, because it's different to others and its quality simply shines among the rest. By the way, only for the stunning bottle, it's already worth the purchase. EDIT: The more I smell it, the more I love it! It's so powerful fresh clean fragrance! High high quality! I looooove it! And the bottle itself is so collectible! (heavy solid glass, beautifully designed and crafted, slightly curved on the front and on the back, polished and satin finished, with heavy metal engraved cap...) Stunning all of it indeed! EDIT2: I LOVE IT!!! EDIT3: I LOOOOOOOVE IT!!!!!

Oh man, I just can't get enough of this. I'm on a fougere kick lately, especially with the powerhouse kind. This is different though, it's very refined and smells like absolute class without being "hairy chested". People gonna hate me for this, but the drydown to my nose smells exactly like Brut Oceans. The Brut with the blue juice, yeah it smells like that. If you have the chance to try Brut Oceans (I believe it's discontinued), please do so and compare it to Fougere Royale. It has an uncanny similarity. Don't get me wrong, I love the smell as I mentioned earlier. I can layer my Brut Oceans with Fougere Royale and it doubled the performance! It's very funny how I remembered Brut Oceans when I smelled Fougere Royale for the first time, I was like "Shoot, I know that smell. OH ITS BRUT OCEANS. Man, I love this smell so much!" Super manly, super classy, gentleman in a bottle! 10/10 for sure!

What is great about the 2010 update by nose Rodrigo Flores-Roux of this legendary fragrance is the suggestions of chamomile and lilac that prop the geranium and rose. However, what I do love the most in this (and in other fougeres) is this synergy that is created through the pairing of lavender and clary sage. In fact, there needs to be more love for clary sage; it often fades into the mix as a supporting note and more of modifier, but when it is dosed just right, it somewhat unctuous, damp tobacco/hay effect. It is the mythical ‘fern’ note that is the summation of all the above elements. While the sillage is rather intimate for most of the wearing experience, the longevity is impressive for a fougère—nuzzling my hand and wrist, seven hours in I detect dusky traces of oakmoss, patchouli, and tonka/coumarin (as it was famously used in the original).

This is a Legendary Perfume, Elegant, Classy, Bright, Clean and Niche Super High Quality. In my opinion, It has a masterful well-blended composition, A Modern Fougere Fragrance with Classic Style. It reminds me a bit of Opium Pour Homme EDT by YSL, because The Coumarin note, but It is not the same. It opens up with fresh spicy, green and floral notes in the background then dry down is warm spicy, earthy, mossy. I LOVE THE CHAMOMILE NOTE IN THIS SCENT. EASY to wear, EASY to love. It is Airy in outside, in the wind and It gives you a good feeling. I really enjoy it and when I sniffed It for first time, I fell in love with it. The art of bottle design is very Wonderful, I'm so happy that I have it in my collection. Longevity is good, Highly Recommended. Two Thumbs Up. Bravo Houbigant ! Rating : 9 / 10

Fougère Royale is a great scent! Somehow, it was what I expected. As being THE ancestor of the olfactory family known as fougère, it is possible to find its DNA in several members. Specially in... Brut. Way more than in Bracken (which I find very close to Rive Gauche, but more concentrated), or in English Fern, for example. Well, if the legend is true, that's how a fern should smell like. Yet, I have to admit it: this (2010 reissue) smells "synthetic" in the sense that it is, of course, synthetic as 99% of perfumes nowadays, but that it does not smell natural, or a good emulation of natural materials. A 10/10, nevertheless. ps.: it's useless to "analyse" it having the original formula as a reference. It's just... nonsense.

Got a bottle today....absolutely stunning fragrance.Original,not dated...modern sophisticated man,i’d say.Everything what you saw on yt is on point,i couldn’t agree more.Fougeres are usually connected with old manlish/barbershop/dated fragrances.This is not any of that,otherwise i wouldn’t wear it.It can be gentlemanly,but at the same time,it can be modern,and it is,but i’d recommend it to 35,or 40 up men,agewise.Beautiful,beautiful fragrance,which is a must at least try.It’s a crowdpleaser,but not in a way of bleue de chanel,thanks God.It simply attracts different type of “audience”.Classy,sophisticated all the way.And yes,i can see some(pretty much?)similarities with Bracken,which is another great fragrance,that I love.