Our take
What does Bel Respiro smell like?
Jacques Polge composed Bel Respiro in 2007 for Les Exclusifs de Chanel. It takes its name from the country house Gabrielle Chanel owned just outside Paris in the 1920s. Launched as an eau de toilette, it is now sold as an eau de parfum. Chanel doesn't publish a full pyramid. You first smell rosemary, thyme and basil, like a vegetable garden watered at dawn. The heart moves to cut grass and narcissus, with green flowers that are hard to name. The base lays down a light leather and dry garrigue, more present than you'd expect. Compared with No. 19, the house's other green scent, Bel Respiro is less cold and less powdery. It lacks the haughty iris of its elder. It is simpler and more pastoral, and probably easier for a man to wear. Our only complaint is the price for such a quiet composition.
When to wear it
For spring, at the office or on a weekend in the country. Three sprays, since it stays close to the skin.
It belongs to the Floral, Green family. Bel Respiro is one of 45 creations by Chanel in our encyclopedia.
