In fact Châtelet Métro is less than 500 feet away (or 35 seconds)!

Directions from Hotel Britannique’s to Châtelet Métro:

-> walk out of the Hotel Britannique and go left
-> take a left at the corner
-> Châtelet metro is down the block on your left

Where can you go from here?  Everywhere!

First, learn the metro.  You can figure it out in seconds, too (see how convenient this hotel is!).  In fact, Paris is so easy to get around via the metro that once you figure it out, you’ll never turn back.

     Tips for understanding the metro:

1. The lines are color coded.  You look to where you are and to where you want to go.  Follow that colored line to the end.  That is the direction in which you will want to go.  For instance, when you travel Chatelet to most tourist spots, you’ll be traveling Line 1 in the direction of  La Defense.  You disembark along the way (and, yes, there are color coded signs above every metro door to tell you how many stops before you get off).  Remember that when you’re returning to Hotel Britannique, you head back the opposite direction (Chateau de Vincennes).

NOW… for the GOOD PART!  Hotel Britannique is 35 seconds from Chatelet which is on metro line 1.  It’s the major metro line in Paris, as it goes from west to east.  And every major must-do is either directly off this metro line, or off a connecting one!

Metro Line 1 Monuments and Museums:

• The Louvre – Metro: Line 1 (exit at Palais Royal Musee du Louvre) – 2 stops from Chatelet.
  (Unless you want to do the junky souvenir walk along Rue Rivoli, in which case, you only have 1 stop at exit Louvre Rivoli).
• Tuileries Gardens (Jardin de Tuileries – where kids sail little boats in the fountains) – Metro: Line 1 (exit Tuileries) – 3 stops from Chatelet.
• Place de la Concorde - Metro : Line 1 (exit at Concorde) – 4 stops from Chatelet.
• Champs Elysees (beginning)  - Metro : Line 1 (exit at Champs Elysees Clemenceau) – 5 stops from Chatelet.
• Champs Elysees (middle)  - Metro : Line 1 (exit at Franklin D. Roosevelt) – 6 stops from Chatelet.
• Champs Elysees (middle-to-end / technically, the part you care about will it end at Arc de Triomphe, the next exit)  - Metro : Line 1 (exit at George V) – 7 stops from Chatelet.
• Arc de Triomphe – Metro : Line 1  (exit at Charles de Gaulle Etoile) – 8 stops from Chatelet.

Wait!  But how to get to the Eiffel Tower from Chatelet Metro, from Notre Dame, from Hotel DeVille, the Louvre, etc. — Take Chatelet (or anywhere on Line 1 ) to Line 4 (direction – Porte d’Orleans) and exit St-Michel to the RER (don’t worry, it’s still a metro – direction of Versailles-Rive Gauche/ Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines) and get off at Champ de Mars, unless you want to get off at Pont de l’Alma to see the Princess Diana tribute.  Unless you are staying near the Eiffel Tower, it might very well be the most difficult spot in Paris to get to unless you go by taxi… and you don’t want to stay near the Eiffel Tower because most of the area is just plain boring!

Read about the Five Hot Paris Must-Do’s Where you can walk to within 5 minutes or less directly from this Paris hotel!

Top 5 Paris Must-Do’s Near The Hotel Britannique:

1. Hotel Britannique is exactly 10 minutes from Notre Dame Cathedral and Point Zero (also known as Kilometre Zero – all highways are measured from this point; all of Paris is measured from this point… this is the very inner point of the « snail-shape » of Paris).
   (Click here to find events,  services, hours for Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris)
2. Hotel Britannique is exactly 5 minutes from Hotel de Ville, which is Paris’ City Hall.
   (Click here to find events and hours at Hôtel de Ville)
3. Hotel Britannique is less than seven blocks (less than a ten minute walk) from the Louvre – actually closer if you take another entrance besides the touristy I.M. Pei Louvre Pyramid.
   (Click here to find events, special exhibits, hours, cost, etc., for the Louvre Museum.)
4.  Hotel Britannique is 3 blocks (less than six minutes) from Pont Neuf – where lovers are seen kissing along the Seine!
5. Hotel Britannique is 3 blocks (less than six minutes) from the major department store, B.H.V., which has a hardware store in the basement (to drop off the husbands who are addicted to Home Depot), and French lingerie, clothing and household goods on the top floors.  In fact, if you love to shop, this is really the perfect hotel-close-to-department-store situation for you.

And an added plus…. the Hotel Britannique is six blocks from the Igor Stravinsky Fountain next to the Centre Pompidou, which houses the Modern Museum of Art in Paris.

If you love horses, you love spring, you love Paris and you love free entries – then look to Sundays at the Les Dimanches Au Galop. (Horse galloping on Sunday!)

Dates still ahead: April 14, April 21, April 28, May 5, and May 12.

This is an around-the-world equestrian trip: horse racing, pony racing, Bajutsu (the Japanese art of riding and mounted sword-fighting, stick handling and javelin throwing, where horses are trained to veer off at a moment’s notice, ignore sudden shocks, and preform technical climbs and downhill dodges, etc.); the Vaulting Cossack (the Russian art of trick riding, executing the Cossack Drag or Death Dragon) and the Hungarian Post (where tricks are performed while standing on two horses at the same time); and then the French thoroughbreds and horse culture come in: including the rugged Breton à l’Ardennais via the French saddle, antiques carriages and more.  You will want to bring a camera! And, again, your kids, teens and lover.  This is an event to be shared!

All events are held outdoors, so don’t forget your hats or umbrellas on the sunny days, and bring a picnic (the staff at Hotel Britannique will be glad to suggest the perfect spot to pick up picnic goodies) – unless you want to bang out some euros at the panoramic gourmet restaurant Hyeres III (go ahead and splurge on the Derby Menu, which consists of the scrumptious plates of shrimp tails in vanilla oil, tomato and mango tartar, followed by veal fillets with polenta fries, a goat cheese and cranberry salad and finished off with exotic sorbets.  Plus, champagne and wine and wine and wine!

You can drive to the Hippodrome, of course, but as you’re right around the corner from the largest underground metro station in the world – Châtelet – go public transport. You can ask the desk or take the directions from here:

-> walk out of the Hotel Britannique and go left
-> take a left at the corner
-> Châtelet metro is down the block on your left
-> take line 4 (direction Porte d’Orleans)
-> the 3rd stop, switch at Odeon to line 10 (direction Boulogne Pont de St.-Cloud)
-> the 12th stop will bring you to Porte d’Auteuil-Hippodrome.
-> disembark! The signs will be everywhere!

Available there:

• Reception and information kiosk
• Rental Binoculars
• Souvenir shop
• a couple of cheap places to eat

Free entry!

Address:
Hippodrome d’Auteuil – Lakes Route – 75016 Paris

Click Here for a Printable Map of the Paris Metro

To celebrate Christmas a special programme has been organised for the general public until 2 February, combining celebrations, mangers, vigils and concerts.

Unmissable services for all the faithful, the messes are at the heart of the Notre Dame’s programme for this Christmas.

On 24 and 25 December, there will be many celebrations under the cathedral’s nave: international mess, Christmas vigil, Midnight mass, evensong… contemplation and prayers will blend with the musical emotions produced in turn by the great organs and the choirs. Several musical events will be organised. Concerts, recitals, choir singing, enhanced by the exceptional setting, promise music lovers some wonderful moments of enchantment.

The cathedral’s manger, like the Christmas tree on the forecourt, will both be in place until 2 February, inviting visitors to contemplate or even meditate.

From Masses to concerts, with the choirs breaking out into song, just as with the silent communions, Christmas will be religious.

Notre-Dame’s Christmas programme in Paris, until 2 February 2012:

• Further information :
  • Notre-Dame de Paris
• Notre-Dame de Paris : 6 parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean Paul II – Paris 4ème
• Access :
  • Metro :
    • Line 4, Cité or Saint-Michel Stations
    • Lines 1 and 11, Hôtel de Ville Station
    • Line 10, Maubert-Mutualité or Cluny La Sorbonne Stations
    • Lines 7, 11 and 14, Châtelet Station
  • RER: Lines B and C, Saint Michel – Notre-Dame Station

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Local specialities, snowshoe trail and small wooden chalets: until 2 January, the Trocadero has been transformed into a true Christmas village giving Paris the appearance of a ski resort.

This is the 3rd year of Trocadero on Ice and it’s the ideal occasion to enjoy the charm of mountain life… in the heart of the 16the arrondissement of Paris!

The event, full of fun activities and delicious food, provides an express return trip to one of the most beautiful French mountain regions.

The Eiffel Tower has replaced the Mont Blanc, the paths of the Trocadero have become snowy paths and a large igloo stands in for a mountain hut for visitors suffering frozen limbs: The stage is set.

The Iron Lady seems to watch benevolently over this pretty Alpine scene, where the winter sports enthusiasts can come and enjoy a 200m long snowshoe trail, dedicated to mountain animals and a 400m skating rink where they can glide to the music.

The rest will find their happiness in the village chalets, a celebration of craftsmanship and tasty regional specialities.

Trocadero on Ice :

• Until 2 January 2012
• Allées du Trocadéro, Tour Eiffel – Paris
• Metro: lines 6 et 9, Trocadero, Passy, Iéna and Bir Hakeim stations
• RER C: Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel station
• Further informations: www.trocadero-on-ice.fr

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Together with a large Christmas market which brings together craftsmen and food producers, many events have been organised to the delight of both young and old alike.

Just a few steps away from the famous boutiques, the Avenue des Champs-Elysées has taken on a very special atmosphere: at the centre of Christmas trees and chalets, the hectic pace of the city suddenly seems far away.

Visitors amble with pleasure past market stalls, being tempted as much by the talent of the craftsmen displaying their creations as the flavours of the regional products available to taste and buy.

And since they look forward to Christmas and the festive season more than anyone else, children will also be the centre of attention! The exhibition Age Magic created especially for them, presents environmental issues in a playful and amusing way, with animated stuffed toys.

Finally, young and old can have fun on the ice trail, built for the very first time, as well as the nearby Big Wheel, for a unhindered view of all Paris.

Champs Elysées Christmas Village :

• Until 2 January 2012, 10:00 – 23:00, Sunday to Thursday, and 10:00 – 24:00 on Friday and Saturday
• Metro :
  • lines 1, 8 et 12 Concorde Station
  • lines 1 et 13 Champs-Elysées Clémenceau Station.

Hotel Britannique Paris, Charming Paris Hotel, 3 star Hotel Paris

Along a walkway of almost 3,500m², visitors can watch more than 500 species interact in 40 pools organised along different themes. Whether they are dealing with biodiversity, the Seine, or even the Mediterranean, these environments full of discoveries and wonder, promise some curious meetings!

After the excitement of the spectacular shark tunnel with its twenty tenants, comes the gentleness of the touch pool which fills children with awe at being able to touch the fish.

The Aquarium de Paris also has 4 cinema screens and organises many interactive activities, films, practical and cultural workshops for children aged 3 – 12 years, they can even organise birthday parties!

Renewed each month, the programme at this attraction notably includes screenings of documentaries and cartoons, themed exhibitions and many shows which, between stunt pirates and slap stick puppet shows, has plenty to amuse both young and old.

Aquarium de Paris :

• 5 Avenue Albert de Mun  75116 Paris
• Metro: lines 6 and 9, Trocadéro station – line 9, Iéna station
• Entry in the Trocadero gardens
• Open every day of the year (except July 14) from 10:00 to 19:00, cashiers closed at 18:00.
• Further information: Aquarium de Paris

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The Hotel Britannique is born, right in the heart of the 1st area of Paris. The Hotel is situated some 100 meters from the oldest square of  the right bank, 20 Avenue Victoria.

During the middle of the 19th Century, under the reign of Napoléon the III, the Baron Haussmann was hired to modernize Paris streets. Haussmann began his campaign ‘Paris embellished, Paris enlarged, Paris sanitised’ by clearing away any confusing city path, making way for domineering and uniformed straight roads. X marked the spot at Les Halles, just 400 meters from the hotel which he believed to be the ‘belly of Paris’ and endeavored to design the rest of his new city around it.

In 1854, the Avenue Victoria had seen its early days under the title of ‘Boulevard de l’Hôtel de Ville’. This would be replaced one year later by ‘Avenue Victoria’, in honor of the British Queen’s visit to the town Hall of Paris on the 23rd August, 1855. Queen Victoria had been the distinguished guest of Napoléon III at the 1855 Paris Universal Exhibition. This moment marked the beginning of the cordial agreement between the two Empires.

It is at Number 20 of this avenue of scarcely finished buildings that the Perret-Baxter family chose to establish the Hotel Britannique.

« Presented to Monsieur et Madame Perret, Hotel Britannique Paris, by a few Scarborough friends, for their kind attention during a visit to Paris ».

1870

The fall of the Second Empire – Napoléon III is denounced and the Prussians occupied Paris

1871

The Paris Commune, an attempt of proletarian revolution. Massacre of the Communards by the Versaillais. Paris burning in may.

Rivoli Street situated some 100 meters from the Hotel Britannique

1879

The construction of the first telephone network begins

1886

The celebration of the centennial of the Declaration of Independence in the United States of America.

« Liberty enlightening the world », better known as the Statue of Liberty, was offered to the States by France in 1886, as a sign of friendship to celebrate the declaration of American independence. The inauguration of the statue was celebrated on October 28th 1886 in the presence of the president of the United States, Grover Cleveland.  The idea came from the French legal expert and professor, Edward of Laboulaye in 1865, under Napoléon III:  « I will fight for liberty, I will call for the free people. I will try to glorify the republic over this country, and I will continue until that day arrives in my country ». The gift of the Statue of Liberty to a Republic, located on the other side of the Atlantic, played an important role in the fight for the maintenance of the IIIrd Republic.

The Statue of Liberty would go on to become a national symbol for the United States, representing the liberty and emancipation of man with regards to oppression.

1887

The building of the Eiffel Tower commences

1889

The celebration of the centennial of the 1789 French Revolution. Inauguration of the Eiffel Tower.

The french citizens living in USA reciprocates the offer of friendship by donating a representation of the Statue of Liberty. The statue was also given to the French at this moment in history in order to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. One can read on the plaque « 5th JULY 1776 - 14th JULY 1789″.  It was inaugurated by the President Carnot on July the 4th 1892, 6 years after the donation of the « New York » Statue of Liberty. In 1937, during the Universal Exhibition, Bartholdi’s wish was finally granted and the positioning of the French statue was changed in order to face towards New York.

1894

The Sorbonne holds the « Congress for the restoration of the Olympic Games »

1898

A census is taken counting some 94 255 bicycles and 89 automobiles in Paris

1900

The Universal Exhibition and the Olympic Games at Paris. The first metro line appears (Vincennes – Porte Maillot). This is also the beginning of the period of progress named ‘La Belle Epoque’

1910

The great flood of Paris. Somewhat slightly elevated, the area surrounding the Hotel Britannique is left surprisingly untouched despite its close proximity to the Seine

1914

The beginning of the First World War and the end of the ‘Belle Epoque’. The Hotel Britannique opens its doors to the American-English Quakers, providing mutual aid for those in need

A part of the Hotel Britannique, dedicated to the Quakers

1920

The Christian Society of Friends, also known as the Quakers, establishes its first official french headquarters in Paris at the Hotel Brtitannique. The lasting documentation of this period tells us that the Perret-Baxters had great sympathy for the friend’s plight which was reciprocated with a commemorative plaque, still standing in the hotel lobby today.

« This Hotel, during the great war of 1914 – 1918, housed the Quaker mission of the Friends Society and gave aid to the population and reconstructed regions touched by the war. During the years 1914 – 1920 more than a million volunteers, English and American and both women and men, took part in this cause and passed through the hotel. The red and black star, the sign of the mission, was first seen in 1870-1871 by the members of a similar mission sent to France by the Quakers in order to help the victims of this war ».

The movement founded by the descendants of the Anglican Church during the 17th Century is documented in Voltaire’s ‘Philosophical Letters’, published in 1734 :

‘I believed that the doctrine and the history of such extra-ordinary people were worthy of curiosity. To find out about them, I visited one the most eminent Quakers in England (Andrew Pitt, a linen draper from Hampstead) who had been in commerce for thirty years, but had decided to limit his wealth and wants, and had retired to the countryside close to London. I went to seek him out in his retreat which was a small house, well-built and clean and without ornaments.
The Quaker was a fresh-faced old man who had never been ill, because he had never known passions or intemperance. I have never seen in my life a nobler or more engaging countenance than his. He was dressed, like all those of his religion, in a plain coat without pleats in the sides or buttons on either the pockets or the sleeves. He was wearing a large hat, with turned down brim, like our clergy. He received me with his hat on his head, and came towards me without the slightest inclination of his body, but there was more politeness in the open, humane expression on his face than in the custom of drawing one leg behind the other, and carrying the head-covering in one’s hand.’

“Our apparel is also somewhat different from that of others that it may be a perpetual warning to us not to imitate them. Others wear the badges and marks of their several dignities, and we those of Christian humility. We fly from all assemblies of pleasure, from diversions of every kind, and from places where gaming is practised; and, indeed, our case would be very deplorable, should we fill with such levities as those I have mentioned the heart which ought to be the habitation of God ».

« We never swear an oath, not even in a court of law. We think that the name of God ought not to be prostituted in the miserable squabbles of men. When we are obliged to appear before a magistrate on someone else’s account (for law suits are unknown amongst Friends) we affirm the truth by a « yes » or a « no ». The judges believe us on our simple word, whilst so many other Christians perjure themselves upon the Gospels »……

« And when, after a victory is gained, the whole city of London is illuminated; when the sky is in a blaze with fireworks, and a noise is heard in the air, of thanksgivings, of bells, of organs, and of the cannon, we groan in silence, and are deeply affected with sadness of spirit and brokenness of heart, for the sad havoc which is the occasion of those public rejoicings. »

Opposing the war, the Religious Society of Friends offered their generous services to the hospitals during the World War I, believing that God is charitable and man must be also.

1918

The end of the war. After the end of the conflict, a generation dreaming of a new world proclaims ‘never again’

1920

The beginning of the ‘Années Folles’. The utopian ideals of the 19th Century gave way to individualism and extravagance. It’s during this period that Paris saw the emergence of  art movements such as Surrealism, Dada and Art Deco. It is also at this time that the American writer Henry Miller would call the crossroads of Vavin-Raspail-Montparnasse « the navel of the world »

1924

The Olympic Games

1927

Charles Lindbergh receives a hero’s welcome after traversing the North Atlantic

1928

The Inauguration of the tennis stadium Rolland-Garros

1931

The first television show

1937

Universal Exhibition

1940

3rd of June, the Nazis bombard Paris: 250 deaths

1943

3rd of September, Allied bombardment: 400 deaths

1944

21st of April, Allied bombardment: 600 deaths. 19th of August, the liberation of Paris

Luckily Hotel Britannique’s treasure escapes the Nazi’s robbery!

During the four years of Nazi occupation, the owner of the Hotel Britannique – a descendent of the family Perret-Baxter, founders of the Hotel, had taken care to bury his valuable treasure in the ground of the hotel’s vaulted cellars. And what a treasure ! Dozens of bottles of vintage Sauternes wines aged from the beginning of the century and bottles of Bourgogne, dating from the 20s. To celebrate the liberation of Paris (and the bottle’s liberation from the ground) certain were opened and, undoubtedly, greatly appreciated. However a great number were preserved even into the 80s. The current owner of the hotel remembers to have had the great honour to taste, in 1983, a bottle of Vosnes-Romanée aged 60 years. That is an experience that one never forgets.

1947

The first fashion show (Christian Dior)

1968

The revolution of spirits tumbles Paris.

1977

8th December, the opening of the metro/train station RER Chatelet-Les Halles, the most important metro stop in the world. It is also the closest station to the Hotel.

1978

The Hotel Britannique changes hands from the Perret-Baxter family. The British born Miss Louise Claude Baxter, born the 17th May 1926, passes the Hotel over to the family Danjou. Of French nationality the Danjous originate not from Great Britain, but Brittany.

1980

The hotel closes for six months for important renovation works. A lift is installed, the bathrooms are added, each floor is rearranged and the decoration is renewed.

1985

The Hotel Britannique receives its 3rd star

2000

The hotel enters the very selective club of quality hotels selected by the Hotels with Charm Guide

2010

The Hotel Britannique is placed the 37th greatest hotel out of the 1841 hotels in Paris by Tripadvisor. A great 150th birthday present, Champagne!

Romantic Paris Hotel

Hotel Britannique Paris Romantic Paris Hotel, 3 star Hotel Paris

If you come to Paris, visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must! This beautiful iron lady is the most visited monument of our great capital, and you will experience a special moment.

Designed for the Universal Exhibition of 1889, it was built in two years by Gustave Eiffel who managed then a real architectural and technical performance as never before engineers had tackled such constraints of height and elevator loads. The Eiffel Tower was the highest building in the world until 1929, when the Chrysler Building in New York topped it at 319 metres.

Throughout his rise, you will have a direct view of the impressive architecture of the tower.

If you have enough energy, instead of using the elevators, you can climb the metallic stairs that lead to the first and second levels, respectively 345 steps and 359 more… Only the elevators can reach the top.

You can visit the tower regardless of the weather, however, we advise you to do it on a clear and unobstructed day. You will have amazing views over Paris and its surroundings. The Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides, the Pantheon, Montmartre … you will definitely not be disappointed. On sunny days, you will also see the surroundings of Paris over 60 km.

So that this moment becomes even more festive and unforgettable at the top of the tower , you could taste a glass of champagne at the Champagne counter open every afternoon from noon.

At each level, you can discover the history of the Eiffel Tower. Various exhibitions will present its construction. At the top you can view the restored office of Gustave Eiffel.

Another way to enjoy the Eiffel Tower is to see it illuminated every night until 1am. It twinkle of thousands of lights during the first 5 minutes of each hour, while its lighthouse shines on Paris.

The Eiffel Tower, did you know…

At the beginning the Eiffel Tower was meant to last 20 years. Eiffel knew that the Tower’s service to science alone could extend its life span. Therefore he spelled out the uses he had in mind: meteorological and astronomical observation, a strategic observation post, a communications base for signalling, etc. In fact from 1889 onward, the Eiffel Tower was used as a laboratory for scientific measurements and experiments. Much scientific equipment was installed. From experience to experience, Eiffel succeeded in saving the tower by promoting the first radio transmissions and telecommunications. The Eiffel Tower is still a transmitter for television and radio programs.

La Tour Eiffel – Practical Information

The Eiffel Tower can be visited every day of the year:

• From 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. from 29 August to 16 June,
• From 9 a.m. to midnight from 17 June to 28 August.

You can buy your tickets directly at the foot of the tower, but you can also save time by buying them online.

Access:

• Metro: Line 6, Station Bir-Hakeim or Line 9, Station Trocadéro
• RER : Line C, Station Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel

Further information: Tour Eiffel

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We owe the Perfume museums to the perfume company Fragonard, which takes its name from Jean-Honoré Fragonard, , the famous 18th Century painter born in Grasse, a small town in the South East of France, and the capital of the perfume industry.

Spread over two sites in Paris, these museums invite you into the world of perfume.

The perfume museum, Rue Scribe in Paris

Located in rue Scribe, opposite the Opera Garnier (Paris Opera house), this beautiful town house is home to the Perfume Museum.

In a beautiful interior of romantic stuccos, painted ceilings, parquet flooring, fireplaces and chandeliers, you can explore one of the largest private perfume collections, including various objects dating from antiquity to the start of the 20th Century.

Theatre-Musée des Capucines in Paris

To get a deeper understanding of the world of perfume, we recommend that you visit the theatre-Musée des Capucines.

This museum houses a miniature replica of a perfume factory. You will see wonderful copper distilling equipment from the 19th Century as well as a selection of the most beautiful bottles with tales to tell over 3000 years of perfume history.

You will discover how the perfume manufacturers found the best way to capture fragrances of the flowers, the plants and other natural compounds. The extraction and conservation techniques invented over the centuries will be explained in the theatre- Musée des Capucines during the guided tour.

A history of perfume

Perfume has been used by every civilisation since time immemorial. Fragrances were initially created as much for sacred and religious rituals as for everyday use, in healing, romance or simple for the joy of living in a perfumed environment.

During the Renaissance period, strong, heady perfumes were often used to mask the unflattering smells emanating from unwashed bodies. The middle of the 18th century was a pivotal era for perfume which marked the transition from very powerful perfumes to more delicate fragrances, presaging a return to everything natural. In the 19th Century, the perfume industry grew at an extraordinary pace, in line with the rest of industry.

In the 20th Century, the perfume manufacturers asked the best crystal houses, such as Lalique and Baccarat to create elegant perfume bottles, thereby helping to market the new perfumes with names which were suggestive of exotica (Mitsouko, Shalimar, etc.), states of mind (Scandale, l’Heure Bleue, etc.), or nature (Fleurs de Rocaille, Vent Vert, etc,).

In 1925, the most enigmatic of all perfumes was born: Chanel No 5. Other large haute-couture houses followed suit by creating their perfumes, which became regarded as essential complementary images to their couturier business.

Perfume notes… did you know?

As soon as you apply it to your skin, or an article of clothing, the perfume changes, successively releasing different perfume notes.

First comes the Top note. Although it is the most noticeable, these perfumes are the most volatile as they are made up of light, ephemeral molecules. As the top note dissipates, the Middle note surfaces. Depending on its composition, its perfume can last up to several hours. It is this that gives the main theme to the perfume. Then finally, the Base note appears. These are the lasting compounds which ensure that the perfume lasts over time, and it is they, that we can smell much later on our clothes.

Perfume Museum in Paris – Detailed information

• Musée du Parfum : 9 rue Scribe – Paris 9ème
• Théâtre musée des Capucines : 39, boulevard des Capucines – Paris 2ème

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