Caron

Often often coined the “Belle Epoque”, Paris in the early 1900s is unparalleled in terms of history and culture. After surviving two major wars, France was blessed with a period of affluence and optimism. With peace and prosperity in full swing, the arts and culture prospered immensely. It was as though people were anxious to make up for lost time after a long period of hardship.

It is no wonder then that this era saw the birth of many perfume houses, including the esteemed House of Caron in 1904. With perfumer Ernest Daltroff at the helm, accompanied by his muse and co-creator Félicie Wanpouille, Caron was responsible for creating many vintage favorites such as Narcisse Noir, Nuit de Noël, Tabac Blond and Bellodgia.

Caron was taken over in 1998 by Patrick Alès, chairman and owner of Alès Groupe (formerly known as Phyto-Lierac). Caron remains in existence today, under the nose of Monsieur Fraysse, in-house perfumer. Caron is unique among perfume houses today for not being tied to a fashion house.

Today I share with you some photos of the sumptuous interiors of the two Caron boutiques in Paris,  located at 34, Avenue Montaigne and 90, Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré. The photographs are courtesy of Caron Paris © and Monsieur Bragmayer.

While stateside there is no avoiding major retail stores when one is in search of fine fragrance, the experience of walking into a specialty boutique is a luxury of uncomparable delight. The urn bottles are simply divine, the stuff of dreams…