The Jardin du Parfumeur has opened in the orangery of Châteauneuf at the heart of the Trianon domain in Versailles [1].
The garden represents a fusion of horticultural science and the art of perfumery. By showcasing the raw botanical elements used in fragrance creation, the site connects visitors to the historic olfactory traditions of France.
The space was created through a collaboration between the Trianon gardeners and Maison Francis Kurkdjian [1, 2]. This partnership aimed to celebrate perfume heritage by translating scent profiles into a living landscape. The garden officially opened to the public on May 30, 2023 [1].
Visitors can engage in an olfactory walk led by chief gardener Alain Baraton and perfumer Francis Kurkdjian [1]. The walk guides guests through a curated selection of scented plants designed to evoke specific aromatic memories and professional perfume compositions.
The botanical collection includes a variety of fragrant species. The walk specifically showcases roses, jasmins, and kiwitiers [1]. These plants are arranged to demonstrate how natural scents transition from the soil to the final fragrance bottle.
Journalist Anna Sigalévitch of Le Mag de l'été documented the experience, highlighting the synergy between the gardeners and the perfumer [1]. The project serves as a living museum where the olfactory senses are prioritized over visual aesthetics, a departure from traditional garden tours.
The Jardin du Parfumeur remains a permanent addition to the Versailles estate, integrating the luxury of modern perfumery with the classical architecture of the orangery [1, 2].
“The garden officially opened to the public on May 30, 2023.”
The establishment of the Jardin du Parfumeur signals a shift toward sensory-based tourism at Versailles. By partnering with a private luxury house like Maison Francis Kurkdjian, the estate bridges the gap between historical preservation and the modern commercial fragrance industry, positioning the Trianon domain as a center for both botanical study and luxury art.
