Our take
What does Paris-Biarritz smell like?
Paris-Biarritz belongs to Les Eaux de Chanel, launched in June 2018 with Paris-Deauville and Paris-Venise. Olivier Polge composed all three. Each eau tells the story of a place in Gabrielle Chanel's life. Biarritz is the seaside resort where she opened a couture house in 1915. The opening relies on Sicilian mandarin, backed by grapefruit and bergamot. It's bright without any harsh sourness. Lily of the valley then takes over with green facets. Several critics also pick up a marine effect, like a salty breeze, which the official list leaves out. The base is very light. It's little more than a musk accord, so don't expect depth or a lasting trail. Critic Persolaise compares it to Cristalle, another green citrus from the house. Paris-Biarritz feels airier and more aquatic. Of the original trio, this is the one we would buy first.
When to wear it
A holiday eau to spray freely on skin and clothes. Plan on reapplying after about three hours.
It belongs to the Citrus family. Paris-Biarritz is one of 45 creations by Chanel in our encyclopedia.
