Calling all scent-loving tourists: perfume museum opens in Paris

Le Grand Musée du Parfum, France’s first independent museum devoted solely to the art of fragrance, opens on the Rue du Faubourg.

The French love of perfume is legend-making. Fragrance is in fact France’s third largest export when you also include cosmetics in that beauty-and-business discussion. How surprising then that the first museum devoted to the olfactory art has only just opened. At the end of 2016, a perfume museum devoted to the art, manufacturing and creation of fragrance debuted in the City of Light, what we usually refer to as the perfume capital of the world.

The museum (and its founders Guillaume de Maussion, Dorothée Lepère and Sandra Armstrong) promises a multi-sensorial experience for museum goers. Visitors will learn about the history and science of perfume making, and they’ll also be privy to video and sound installations. It’s billed as a truly comprehensive perfume experience—one that asks visitors to be active participants in the journey.

The best part? Museum goers will be able to smell many different perfume offerings. From perfumery’s base ingredients to specific isolated notes to brand-name picks. As an added bonus, history buffs will be happy to hear they’ll learn about the first man-made perfume. Apparently, it was a woody compound used by Ancient Egyptians. And yes, you can smell it. This, plus much more at a museum that tailored to perfume lovers the world over.

Looking to book a trip to Paris? You’ll find the museum at 73 Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré (www.grandmuseeduparfum.fr).

Read more about the perfume museum at wwd.com and thenational.ae.