Sandalwood Sacré

I recently discovered this brand in spite of its apparently long history, and was struck by the polarizing reviews of Sandalwood Sacre, especially on a certain fragrance sample mail order site, where it was eviscerated for smelling "old/man old lady," "dated," "stale", and my favorite, "not sweet enough." I naturally wanted very badly to sample it, and sure enough, I love it, for probably all of the same reasons these reviewers do not. It is in no way a modern approach to sandalwood: with its bright, verdant opening, combination of aldehydes and ylang ylang, and tart, leafy petitgrain, this surely would be jarring to the Baccarat Rouge 540 crowd. It is far more reminiscent of a time of mid-century elegance, somewhat resembling a greener Chanel Bois des Iles, but less vanillic and more sandalwood forward (agreeing with Andy the Frenchy's review below). Yes, the sandalwood: it has that balance of soft, buttery, sharp, nutty, with powdery undertones. petitgrain veers into orange blossom in its heart, feeling somewhat hopeful, yet melancholic. It is intimate, yet not fragile, it is underpinned with a patchouli, rendering the experience a bit more fleshy and woody in its dry down. There are moments that do remind me of the well-worn interior of a place of devotion. Soft, musky, gentle reminders linger throughout the day, and the surprise of a creamy sillage elicits a frisson here and there. This is one that I would include among those fragrances best suited for more meditative moments, for which I am carving out more in my life over time. I would argue that this would appeal to those who appreciate classic and vintage perfume that deviates somewhat from the template and treads new frontier.

I have been testing the 2nd of my samples from the newly re-launched perfume house of Le Jardin Retrouve. This time, it's been Michel Gutsatz's take on Sandalwood, which is called Sandalwood Sacre. It certainly lives up to it's name, The artwork on the packaging is another stunning piece by Clara Feder, Michel's very talented artist wife. The little story on the packaging, seems to be bang on, and reading that and smelling the magical perfume, took me back a few years when I attended a meeting at a Hindu temple in Bradford. The atmosphere was beautiful, flowers were scattered around, and Sai Baba Nagchampa incense was burning, people were very friendly and welcoming and encouraged us to join in with the bhajans. This scent evoked all those memories is one sniff of my hand. It is a beautiful rendition of the Sandalwood genre. Thank you Michel and Clara. Notes for this scent are, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Oak Moss, Musk, Coriander, Petitgrain and Orange Blossom.

This reminded me of why I used to adore Sandalwood. It’s bright and soapy on first spraying but soon settles into a rich, calm stick rather than resin incense. I became very bored with some great modern treatments of sandalwood recently with Santal Blush and Santal 33 sitting unused; this much more traditional and a relief. Not creamy, soft wood but beautifully different given recent trends. It smells timeless rather than dated. It’s not heavy, definitely unisex and reminiscent of summer outdoors, festivals, freedom and a more relaxed time. I love this and will wear it this summer on hot days as it’s light enough.

Love this fragrance. The base notes remind me of one my most favorite perfumes Knowing. But if Knowing is a floral woody feminine chypre this one has the same creamy woody and sensual base with sandalwood, patchouli, labdanum and moss but soapy and more masculine without many floral notes. It is as if Knowing had a male version. Another fantastic fragrance that this perfume reminds me of is the vintage formula of Santos by Cartier. That soapiness and woodiness that was typical for the masculine fragrances of the 80s. Also loved the service of the French office of Le Jardin Retrouve.

Beautiful sandal with a vintage, animalic and... Indian touch! It opens bright and aldeic with tons of lemons, whiffs of ylang, jasmine... On my skin the lemon pairs with the civet, accompanying it to the end and smoothing it into a perfect balance. Patchouli, musk and more mix together in a soft and natural way, but the pulsing citrus whiffs of civet make this sandal a captivating experience.

Outstanding. One of the best sandalwood scents I have tried. I love the actual sandalwood notes, and the wonderful clean musk finish. The combination is addictive and very longlasting.

Interesting that there is such a range of reviews! I love this. It’s soft, fuzzy, cozy, comforting, slightly sweet. Not masculine.

Sandalwood Sacré means "Sacred Sandalwood" and its name mixes terms of two languages: English and French. The concept behind this creation talks about a sacred grove, near Chandod, located on the banks of the river Nerboudda. The sacred groves are mentioned since ancient times and, usually, they are places of great religious importance to local populations. We have, as examples, the groves of cedar, in Lebanon, the Criptomerias Avenue, in Japan, and this Hindu temple, a source of inspiration for this fragrance. But Sandalwood Sacré was not born randomly. In 1977, Yuri Gutsatz released Eau de Sandalwood, his first Eau de Parfum, whose bottle brought the image of the Palace of the Maharajah of Mysore, the place from where comes the most especial essential oil, extracted from sandalwood, until today. In this retelling, the official composition enumerates essential oils of sandalwood from India, patchouli from Indonesia, oakmoss and musk, in addition to the petitgrain from Paraguay, coriander, orange blossom and Peruvian balsam. When touches the skin, Sandalwood Sacré is different, weird and innovative. I felt a certain bitterness that comes from the petitgrain, embraced by the creaminess of sandalwood and the beauty of the orange blossom. The evolution is very subtle, but it is possible to feel the semi-gourmands nuances of patchouli with some facets that reminded me of chocolate. Everything is very pleasant until the moment when the scent fades aways from the skin. Unfortunately, Sandalwood Sacré exuded just for a little while and disappeared from my skin, almost completely, in about 2 hours. For an Eau de Parfum filled with essential oils of high quality, I expected more durability. To finish, I picked up a question that exists in the official page of the brand, which explains the concept of this perfume, when portrays the sacred grove and says the following: "Is the spirit of the place speaking to you? ". And my answer is: "Not speaking. Maybe he's just whispering".

This scent is quite lovely. It’s simple, kind, and not offensive at all. It’s confidently quiet, always softly there, gently reminding you. Perfect for: 1. Spring, Summer, and early Autumn days, both at work and at ease, when you feel like being kind to yourself. 2. Date night, but not a first date. 3. A solo drive that will take a few hours and starts at dawn. 4. Listening to NPR on a Saturday morning with a crossword puzzle. EDIT 9/11/22: The above review was from a 2ml sample. I ended up purchasing a 15ml bottle a little over a year ago (September seems to be my month for this perfume) and I just finished the bottle today. After living with this fragrance for a year, I still hold the same opinion save for the date night; it might be a little too classic. And that is a very important word with this perfume: Classic. It is lovely. It’s gorgeous and is a wonderful option for a fresh-out-the shower fall/spring day or night. But this is definitely not a “modern take on a 70s French fragrance,” no, it’s an unapologetic 70s French fragrance. If that’s not your jam (meaning if you think something like Beau de Jour or Scandal seems too “throwback”) then this fragrance will most likely collect dust for you. If it is your jam, I think you’ll love this. Maybe not a daily driver, but definitely a spot in your rotation. Finally, not that these stories mean anything to you, but this was a complimentary sample that Perfumology added to an order. It was one of my first “big sample order” as I was starting my journey, so it holds a special place. When I wear it, it reminds me of those first few months into this crazy hobby. I won’t rebuy it, but I’ll miss it dearly.

This scent sits close to the skin. At its opening it's very green and bright, which I think leads to the reviews saying it smells like bug spray. It does have a loud opening. Upon dry down it becomes more warm and gentle, woody and still fresh but very subtle, a weak sillage. This is one you might take with you in your bag, I can't detect it on myself as I'm wearing it. This might be a negative for some but I personally don't enjoy smelling myself all day. In that sense, it's rather intimate but I don't think it's a sensual scent. Creamy and woody after a couple of hours of wear. This scent to me will be good for summer days spent in the woods-- and if it works as a bug spray, fabulous, mosquitos love me.

I get a patchouli-esque balsamic note, supported by noticeable neroli. A musky sandalwood note is also present, even if not the main player here. Possibly also a hint of aldehydes. I (remotely) reminds me of some facets of Chanel Bois des Iles, but without the strong vanillic sweetness, that makes Chanel's leaning clearly towards the feminine side. Moderate peomance overall. A very nice spicy/balsamic floral fragrance, very well crafted. While both gender could easily pull this one off, it might fit better on a woman, in my humble opinion. A great work by Le Jardin Retrouve', in which the quality matches the price. Fall days, 25+

There are far more notes in this perfume than are listed here. I get a spicy patchouli opening and a lovely orange blossom dry down that lingers for a long time with a gorgeously creamy sandalwood and musky base. This house is relaunching in November 2016 and you can get free samples of their beautiful perfumes on their website right now. I was very impressed with the samples that i received. They are beautiful perfumes, classy, unique, and of superior quality. Jump on board early. This is the house that a lot of perumistas will be talking about in 2017.

This fragrance is like a gust of wind: it's powerful and then gone. I'm not sure if I like it. It seems to be aggressive at the start, then a sweet spot is fleeting before it seems to disappear in memory and affect.

this opens with aldehydes, lemon and civet; therefore it's kind of vintage smelling due to those notes. a minute or two later i sense oakmoss and some jasmine. i get a bit of woods as a backdrop, but far and away the civet is very strong and so this one is intensely animalic on me. i like animalic notes, but the use of it is too heavy in this to agree with my skin chemistry. it's all aldehydes and civet on me, drowning out the other notes. however, wafting from afar it smells very good. i washed it off a bit and it smells really nice.

For sandalwood AND patchouli lovers. I agree with the comment: it is a "soft and melancholic scent", same feeling. Not my style, I like floral fruity perfume. For me, you are in a temple, and you think about some part of your life. 5/10

The perfumes of this house stir no emotion in me whatsoever, and this is no exception. I understand they are made with great quality raw materials in an honorably aritsanal way, yet the just do nothing whatsoever for me. I would rather call this one Petitgrain Sacré, as this is the most prominent note in the perfume. I get a minimum of sandalwood, when I strongly tell myself to listen to it. Having lived in India for many years, I do not get the concept either. Orange blossom is not what I primarily associate with this part of the globe, but who knows, maybe in 1786 India was full of orange groves? Performance, as with all of the perfumes I tried from this house is pretty weak. THe scents of LJD disappear from my skin within an hour. They all feel much more like Eau de Colognes to me. The performance does not justify the hefty price tag.

I was hopeful for this one since the ingredients are so nice, but my hope deflated after testing on my skin. The only image it conjures for me is standing at the counter at a stuffy antique store right after the counter was wiped down with a diluted, cheaply scented cleaner. Dusty moth balls rolling around in an old wardrobe, empty broken perfume bottles, and a lingering stale lemon/floral chemical bleach odor. I did get a peek of patchouli an hour in, but I had to sniff long and hard to get it and I can’t tolerate the other scents to appreciate it.

It smells very much like the '70. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. But making it around patchouli and calling it Sandalwood Sacré might be. I'm struggling to find any. It has a typical chypre structure, with that soapy aldehyde top and funky bottom. It smells a bit dated and on the masculine side. Again, the quality of the ingredients is undeniable.

I love sandalwood and patchouli but I find this scent unpleasant. Something here reeks of camphor ie moth balls, and it makes me recoil each time I try to take it in. Moth balls and halitosis. What I was expecting from the notes and reviews was an incense and patchouli heavy fragrance of a “metaphysical supply store”...this is... not that.

A thin ,watery transparancy with minimal silage is sandalwood sacre. The orange blossoms open up the fragrance making itself known followed by the oakmoss, petitgrain and coriander. Patchouli, musk and sandalwood give its base. Its a beautiful light modern skin scent. Appropriate for most occasions, will never offend any sensibilities.

The patchouli unfortunately dominated and ruined the experience for me..

Sandalwood, Le Jardin Retrouve (Vintage Bottle) Originally call Sandalwood, it is now renamed to Sandalwood Sacré. The star, as I recall from Ma Liberte. The Mysore sandalwood. Presented here along with Fougere structure. Lavender, Labdanum, Moss and Woody Patchouli is a thing I am identifiable on the paper. But.. he makes it so loose and natural. Everything dial back to. Push the Sandalwood to be a star. It not so perfumery. The concept, like it show the nature with natural material. He just roughly put together, I think this is really my personal treasure. Yuri Gutsatz, concept of Le Jardin Retrouve back in the day is so new. genius. I feel like, A man who finds his peace. 1940's sleekback hair in tight tailor suite. Ready to be in any setup. With a smile you can't resist. Bois des Iles 90's bottle? Ma Liberte EDP? No thanks, I found my Mysore dream. ===== Ps. I think this is heavily impacted by new release. As the newer one using; the Grey Sandalwood. Strong sweet amber base. It is for current audience. ===== Edit 1 : June 26, 2025 I stay with Sandalwood 2 times already. It is not really my cup of tea but there is something that lead the nose. The far dry-down of Patchouli along with soft smoky incense tone. Make me feels at peace. The ride was concoction of that era sweet wood that pretty much reminds me of Ma Liberte. Certain perfumey tone. But another side, as all Sandal dance with patchouli and spicy. Somehow, the unalined energy that goes together so well, little abusive but sexy. Well. :) Still, I don't crave another mysore fragrance. Might, or perphas. Whatever.

Le Jardin Retrouvé seems determined to not have their scents fall into any hackneyed clichés. That can be a good thing, ...and a bad thing. Sandalwood Sacré is a case in point. Being interesting is never a promise of being lovable. Yes, it does indeed possess a pleasing sandalwood note, the kind more spicy than creamy. - Perhaps it's sacred too, ...at least when grown or burned within the scent-inspiring sacred grove of Chandod on the banks of the Nerbudda Its oak-moss is also quite well-done, as far as the incomplete, EU-permitted kind goes. The overlaying florality is kept to a gently modest level, so as not to overwhelm. So far, so good,... However, Fragrantica's listing of the notes is not complete, ...as usual. The seedy coriander note has been left off, ..but it is unmistakeably there. It is a large part of what makes Sandalwood Sacré so curious, ...but also less wearable. In perfumery, as in cooking, coriander can make or break a 'dish'. In some settings, it can be quite pleasant. For example, I've grown to accept its presence as essential in L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme. ...But here, mixed in with both patchouli AND civet, ...it does start to cloy overbearingly. Such excess is intriguing for the nonce on wrist or blotter, but continuously smelling such pungency might begin to sicken,one, be it either the wearer or others.

At first Sandalwood Sacré was not my favorite (yes, I am more of a floral girl). I thought it won't suit my dreamy personality. I was fooled by the tingly and kind of harsh opening. But I was patient, and then I have discovered a very different sandalwood from what I have tried before. I was expecting for the perfume to be soapy and dry, but instead, thanks to the patchouly note, I've found Sandalwood Sacré to be a soft and melancholic scent, aka exactly what I like to wear, especially in Autumn and rainy spring days. Sandalwood Sacré is very smooth, regarding the notes. I cannot distinguish each accord and I do not intend to. I like a perfume that is well blended and balanced. Sandalwood Sacré smells like the air after an autumn rain, when the earth is still moist and the wind carries hints of smoke and auburn leaves on its wings. I like to wear it when I read, or when I write in my journal because I find Sandalwood Sacré to help me concentrate better. It kind of reminds me of book pages, old books that hide secretes through their pages.

Disclaimer: I am a sandalwood snob. It's quite possibly my favourite note. My taste in this area has morphed considerably since I started this hobby. It is very difficult for a professed sandalwood scent to meet my expectations these days. Sandalwood Sacre goes on with a good amount of the eponymous note, curried appropriately with a pinch of coriander. A geographical touch no doubt, nudging our senses towards an association with the famed and endangered South Asian holy wood. So far, I approve. The perfume quickly climaxes within a few minutes, then fades away into the shadows leaving behind a vague musky tinge of iso e super. Sigh. For a few minutes though, it was pretty good.

Clean white wood. Evokes the scent of babies and freshly laundered shirts. A light, soft powdery woody fragrance with a musk base, featuring subtle floral and incense notes. Aldehydes impart a soapy cleanliness while simultaneously blurring details, transforming Sandalwood Sacré into a perfume that prioritizes atmospheric expression. Later, it settles into a composed state. When sandalwood takes center stage, Sandalwood Sacré becomes solemn, serene, and elegant—utterly delightful. For those who adore Kilian's Sacred Wood but find it prohibitively expensive, this Sandalwood Sacré serves as an affordable alternative.

this scent is taking me to a whole different era I've never been in before. It smells so vintage and old in the best way. it gives me a sense of nostalgia to a moment/place I've never experienced. the airiness of the opening using the citrus lures me in so gently and then a whiff of musky and soapiness that I think is coming from the patchouli bringing in a clean, fresh on the base. It smells like a nice dream you would forget about in a second.

Opens with a heavily aldehydic opening with a tinge of some fresh lemon. The heart of this is some creamy florals with hits of that civet that adds an animalic funk to the scent. It’s a tame civet though as it’s not off putting or in your face, just gives the scent some earthy, raw backing to it. The dry down is a very dry, earthy, and powdery sandalwood with dusty patchouli and some remnants of that warm animalic undertone.

A super dry sandalwood dominant perfume with a slightly soapy, bright opening. The florals are basically non-existent for me, it’s a very woody and slightly animalic perfume and the light touch of patchouli and oakmoss are there in the background, contributing to the earthy and grounding feeling. Really nice, an unexpected treatment of sandalwood!

It's like you entered a temple with fresh flowers and burning candles around and sandalwood in the air. It's a beautiful perfume and definitely sacred. I like the bottle but they should improve their spray.

How on earth do I order Eau de Sandalwood by Le Jardin Retrouve? You have an idiotic website, as it is impossible to order anything. Michael Proudlock

Just beautiful Creamy and smooth I can't recommend it enough!