Once Upon a Fragrance

Tue 1 Apr
The Story of Versailles’s Perfumes

Renowned for its opulent Kings and Queens, political intrigues, and scientific advancements, the Château de Versailles was also a hub for the evolution of perfumery. Led by expert in fragrance Elisabeth de Feydeau, this workshop invites you on a journey back to the 17th and 18th centuries to experience the lifestyle of the Royal Court, from Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette.

Join this unique event, a captivating blend of storytelling and olfactory exploration, where you’ll uncover the secrets of Versailles’ iconic scents and delve into the lifestyle à la française. Discover which fragrances adorned the Court, the favoured natural resources of the era, and the intricate methods of perfume-making. As you breathe in these carefully crafted scents, composed of raw materials and emblematic accords of the time, you will unveil the intimate stories woven into the grand tapestry of Versailles’ history… from a fresh perspective!

 

 

Bookings

About Elisabeth de Feydeau

Passionate about perfumes and history, Elisabeth de Feydeau earned her PhD in the history of perfume from the University of Paris-Sorbonne. She is as a Professor at the Versailles School of Perfumers and acts as a cultural advisor to some of France’s most renowned perfume houses, including Christian Dior, Thierry Mugler, Chanel, Guerlain, and Lancaster. An accomplished author, she has written several books on perfumery, such as Diptyque, The Guerlain Novel, and The Herbarium of Marie Antoinette, which has been translated into multiple languages. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Prix Guerlain in 2005 for The Herbarium of Marie Antoinette and was received the insignia of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2010.

 

  • Image: L’habit du parfumeur © akg-images

Edinburgh