Arlesienne

L'Occitane just love their roses, violettes and peonies, don't they? :) and Arlesienne is no ecxeption to this line. This fragrance takes its place in the Occitane flowery pantheon, with emphasis on the violet with woody undertones. The opening is rather fruity, delectable and somewhat childish, but not too sweet. As all Occitane openings, it does not last very long before transitioning to the flowery heart. There is something very yummy about Arlesienne, an almost edible musky facette of the violet note. The sandal wood is also very prominent to my nose, next to the safron. There is something peppery and warm about this. Reminded me of the discontinued Delice des Fleurs. Thankfully, the fragrance is not too sweet and ends up smelling soapy, faintly woodsy and warm, in a nice and quietly consistent way. The lasting power is quite good, it holds through the entire day and stays even overnight on hair. Given that I am using a mini perfume without a spray, longevity is great. Arlesienne is not an outstanding, big floral, but simply comfortable and wearable for everyday, and I think it is alright in colder weather for its uplifting effect. It makes me think of a walk by the sea in winter where the only warm thing would be you, wearing this scent. I love it, even though I am not a violet person myself. As other Fragranticans point, it is quite similar to Chloe Love Eau Florale, but is warmer. Sidenote: Arlesienne is definitely gift-worthy. I've had quite a few "Ooh what are you wearing? It is gorgeous!" "It's that perfume again!". Frankly, I couldn't see it coming, but people like it a lot, obviously. The handcream is well worth it as well. The fact that they rarely stock Arlesienne in their Bulgarian stores makes it even more appealing.

A fresh and mildly tart rose through a soft focus filter due to the violet. The saffron lends a hint of earthiness to the base but is otherwise largely absent. Arlesienne is not nearly as powdery as I expected it to be, but it does smell like an expensive velvety rose with a heart of soap as Mellyhelly observed, cushioned by the other supporting notes. Longevity seems like it could be seriously lacking, but I need to test further to confirm. What I love about this one is the total absence of sweetness and/or corrosively sour citrus. It's simply a very calming, clean and slightly modern rose. It reminds me of deep red and purple stained glass windows, and hushed tones. It's also a welcome departure from the standard L'Occitane Rose-Peony combo. The nicest release from this house in quite some time. Thank goodness. I was beginning to lose hope. Update: I do detect a bit of sandalwood on the far drydown.

My gosh, where do I start with this one. This is my FAVORITE scent that I have ever smelled. When L’Occitane created a new formula (which is still In stores) I was devastated. This is my signature scent and I’m still holding on to my last bottle. This is my most commented scent and it is the kind where people want to just hug you and not let you go because you smell so comfortable and kind. This mastered a perfect blend of violet and rose. It’s is not overpowering in floral notes in my opinion. To me, it smells soapy and slightly creamy. It cheers me up whenever I wear it. Like the fresh “ah” feeling you have after a warm shower and you just smell so clean. It’s cozy, sophisticated and has the perfect amount of sweet. I could rave about it forever. This will always be my first love when it comes to perfumes.

Some years back,afternoon in Gent.On a trip,hand in hand with my love,surrounded by best friends who show us the old beautiful city.Two sprays of Arlesienne in my wrists and the wonderful walk just started.....Cold violet,warm rose,vivid saffron,every new image and memory filled up with that smell who lasts and lasts like the whole this afternoon in my mind. Romantic,gentle,present,out of modern times, but there. The things have changed,the memories not. Every time I wear it hurts a bit,but is pleasant and lovable as back then. Every time I wear it,I m walking in old city,hand in hand,feeling care free,a bit nostalgic,summer afternoon,and a bittersweet veil around me. Try it,maybe it hepls you create a unique memorie for you.This is all about with perfumes after all,isn't it?

I recently found a slightly used bottle of this original Arlesienne for a steal and grabbed it, and as soon as I got it I remembered just how much I love it and why. I honestly don't get why they had to change this beauty to the soapy generic new Arlesienne! The original is a cozy, warming scent to make you happy on rainy days. It is like nothing I have ever smelt before, nothing is similar to it and I fear the day my almost full bottle ends. The spices are there but in no way overpowering. This is spicy floral in the most balanced and gorgeous way. In my opinion the best L'Occitane perfume to have ever been made.