–This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thank you–

The Inspiring Muse of Perfumery

Houbigant Paris stands as a radiant muse of inspiration within the realm of modern perfumery. Its storied legacy has not only set the stage for contemporary fragrance techniques and traditions but has also sculpted an enduring path with its creation of timeless scents and innovative ideas.

Milestones in Houbigant’s Historic Timeline

From their incredible Houbigant’s timeline of historical facts there are few dates/years that stood out the most to our opinion. The main one would be from 1815, when according to the brand, Napoleon himself took a time to acquire fragrances from Houbigant to carry with him while conquering Europe. How about that right?

Or how about the fact that in 1829 Houbigant was responsible to keep the Princess Adelaide d’Orleans smelling royal as it was appointed as a perfumer of her Majesty? That is amazing!

1880’s seems to be the key year when Perfumer Paul Parquet joined Houbigant as a co-owner. This new move allowed the brand to create more labs and hire more people so the production increased and reached new markets.

In 1912, Houbigant created Quelques Fleurs L’Original which was the very first floral bouquet fragrance ever! That was done by perfumer Robert Bienaimé who had taken over the work of Parquet and worked for Houbigant until 1935.

We encourage you listen to our Podcast/Video where we share our personal take on the brand. You can visit the official Houbigant Paris website for a lot more historical facts from this timeless brand HERE

Why Houbigant Paris Remains Relevant Today

Houbigant Paris remains a Muse of inspiration because of:

1. Enduring Quality: They never compromise on the quality of ingredients or the craftsmanship.
2. Innovative Spirit: Constantly pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territories in perfumery.
3. Legacy: The brand carries a legacy that’s rooted in excellence, making it a favorite amongst fragrance aficionados.

The perfumes we had as an inspiration to write this blog were the timeless Quelques Fleurs L’Original and the beloved Fougere Royale.

Quelques Fleurs L’Original is a regal fragrance that leans more on the feminine side. Elegant, sophisticated, gentle, delicate to mention a few qualities. This is a flower bouquet perfume with a clean soapy like vibe and airy. Its performance is amazing and can easily be work all year round.

The olfactory notes of this gorgeous perfume are:

Head notes: Bergamot, Galbanum, Tarragon, Lemon.

Heart notes: Jasmine, Tuberose, Lily of the Valley, Violet, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Carnation, Broom Flower, Orange Blossom, Clove.

Base notes: Sandalwood, Civet, Cedarwood, Musk, Orris, Tonka Bean.

Fougere Royale, a masculine, elegant, classy and timeless fragrance. This is a fresh perfume with an excellent performance and marketed for men.

Notes here are:

Head notes: Bergamot, Mediterranean Herbs, Lavender, Chamomile.

Heart notes: Rondeletia, Geranium, Rose de Mai, Cinnamon, Clavel.

Base note: Amber, Oakmoss, Coumarin, Patchouli, Tonka Beans, Clary Sage.

Here are some facts about Houbigant’s contribution to perfumery as we know it:

Founded in 1775:

Houbigant Paris stands as one of the oldest perfume houses in the world. Tracing its origins back to 1775, it was established by Jean-François Houbigant

Pioneering Fragrance Production:

Houbigant was among the first perfume houses to focus on producing fragrances on a commercial scale, paving the way for the modern perfume industry.

Use of Floral Essences:

In the early 19th century, Houbigant introduced the practice of extracting essential oils from various flowers, including roses, jasmine, and lavender. This innovation revolutionized perfume making

Fougère Royale:

In 1882, Houbigant created “Fougère Royale,” often considered the first modern perfume. It introduced the concept of fragrance layers with top, middle, and base notes.

Boutique Perfume Shop:

In the late 19th century, Houbigant established a luxurious boutique on Paris’s famous Rue de la Paix, setting a standard for high-end perfume retail.

Continued Innovation:

Over the years, Houbigant has continued to innovate in the perfume industry, creating iconic fragrances like “Quelques Fleurs” a fragrance that was created by Robert Bienaime in 1912 and the first ever multi floral bouquet.

Influence on Perfumery:

Houbigant’s emphasis on quality ingredients, innovative techniques, and artistic presentation has had a lasting impact on the world of perfumery, shaping the industry into what it is today.