Our take
What does Jardins de Bagatelle smell like?
Jean-Paul Guerlain created Jardins de Bagatelle in 1983. The name refers to the Bagatelle park in the Bois de Boulogne, famous for its rose garden. Yet rose isn't in charge here. Tuberose leads, surrounded by neroli, gardenia and lily of the valley. The opening is bright with bergamot and lemon, and a violet adds a light dusting of powder. The heart is dense. Narcissus, iris and orange blossom join the bouquet until you can no longer pick out single flowers. This is a 1980s perfume, generous and unapologetic. The base is the surprise. Civet brings an animal edge that stops the bouquet from feeling too clean, with patchouli, cedar and vetiver underneath. Compared with Dior's Poison, released two years later, it is much brighter and less fruity. It remains one of Guerlain's most overlooked white florals.
When to wear it
Wear it on a hot day or to an outdoor wedding. One spray on the chest is enough because it carries far.
It belongs to the Floral family. Jardins de Bagatelle is one of 89 creations by Guerlain in our encyclopedia.
