Editions de Parfums Fréderic Malle

Description:

• If the big brand-name perfumes that are sold at every duty-free airport in Europe bore you, consider a visit to this boutique where brands are more personalized. This is the only outlet of an organization founded in 2000 by master perfumer Fréderic Malle, whose nose is as sensitive as that of any wine expert. Each of the scents sold here comes in a standardized bottle in either a 50ml size or a 100ml size. Scents are designed for either men or women; come in varying intensities of floral, spice, or Oriental motifs; and carry names that include Iris Poudre, Noir Epices, En Passant, and one of the bestsellers, Musc Ravageur. There's a lot of elegant chichi about this place (the paneled decor was designed by superdecorators Andrée Putnam and Olivier Lempereur), but the scents inside are often lovely. One of the things we like best about the place is the display of framed photographic portraits of each of the men and women who created the original scents sold within the boutique. Open Monday 1pm to 7pm; Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 7pm.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010