Fragonard - Beautiful and Affordable

Fragonard Parfumerie, Paris

Whenever I visit Paris, I make it a point to visit Fragonard Perfumerie. The brand has several freestanding stores throughout Paris, however, I tend to frequent the Le Marais (51 Rue des Francs Bourgeois) and Montmartre (1 Bis Rue Tardieu) locations.

Fragonard Perfumerie was established in 1926 in Grasse, France - the capital of French perfume. The company was named after the 18th century Rococo painter

Jean-Honoré Fragonard. This association gave the brand a definite upscale, elite and elegant cachet.

Fragonard consistently produces scents that are ultra feminine, elegant and sophisticated. Parfums, eau de parfum, and eau de toilette range from very light and airy to rich and spicy. But interestingly, never over powering or too intense. A quality I find to be very French.

My all time favorite is the Fragonard classic Belle de Nuit (floral with a bit of warmth thrown in - gardenia, rose, plum and musks). I have the entire set including the eau de parfum, lotion and body wash. And always replenish when out.

Belle Chérie (recently purchased) - (notes of lily of the valley, jasmine, vanilla and cinnamon). It packs a punch, but a very soft and discrete one. I’m still getting use to it.

In addition to fragrance, visitors can choose from a variety of soaps (glycerin formulas are available), face/body creams, shower gels and personal care gift sets. One thing I love is the packaging - it is always so colorful and beautiful.

Over the years, Fragonard has become a true lifestyle brand. In their fragrance boutiques you will find an array of home items such as candles, diffusers, dishes, blankets and pillows. There is even fashion apparel - slippers, hats, coats, tunics and jewelry. It all really reflects that French “Je ne sais quoi” and “l’art de bien vivre” with a lean towards Provence and the Côte d’Azur.

Finally, being that this travel site is called the Chic But Cheap Traveler, I am very attracted to the affordability of the brand. 50ml Eau de Parfum, 40 euros; Bath Gel, 10 euros; Body Lotion, 15 euros; Glycerin Soaps, 5 euros.

My favorite Fragonard in Paris locations: Le Marais (51 Rue des Francs Bourgeois) and Montmartre (1 Bis Rue Tardieu).