Bleu, Blanc et Rouge Parfums + Bastille Day Draw

René Gruau©

"Bastille Day" (pronounced Bast-ee) is known in France as "Le 14 Juillet" (July 14th), it is our day of Independence (from the Monarchy). On the 14th of July of 1789 , the peasants stormed the Bastille jail, and it became the starting point of the Revolution, which lasted a few years, until Napoleon became the first Emperor of France, and then the Republic of France, as we know it now (we are currently in its 5th version). But today, the French do not really think history, they just want to have fun, being happy, feel free and patriotic, dance in the street with family and friends, watch fireworks and celebrate France!" – François Damide, Founder of Crafting Beauty

Bleu, Blanc et Rouge Parfums-The French Flag photo via Neela Vermeire

The flag came out during the French Revolution it’s a reunion of the white which is the color of the Royals, the blue and the red the colors of the city of Paris” –François Duquesne, Founder of Maison Duquesne Inc  

In honor of Bastille Day and Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité" we chose three Bleu, Blanc et Rouge Parfums: 

René Gruau©

Chanel Bleu (2010, Jacques Polge): Blue symbolizes la liberte. It is the colour of the people, of Paris and of freedom, so who better to represent it in fragrance then that most French of all couture houses, Chanel? Chanel Bleu, which came out in 2010, has the right touch of free-spiritedness to represent the first shade of the tricolour: a woody fougere, an aquamarine aquatic, a spicy citrus. Throw in a handful of burnished spice, a touch of incense, and rest it all on an earthy, warm base, and you have a fragrance liberated from conventional categories. In parfum strength, Bleu is all about that base: darker notes of vetiver, cedar and sandalwood lean into a foundation of patchouli and spice. On the other end, the EDT is a chipper, spicy aquatic: nutmeg and pepper dominate the opening and ginger and cedar jostle for attention. The EDP, the best structured of the three iterations and the most unisex to my nose, balances those spicy and aquatic notes while giving that resinous, woody base breathing room in the dry-down. This Bleu has unusual depth for an aquatic, and a sassy freshness not often found in classic fougeres. Don your Breton pullover, splash some Bleu on your wrists, and feel free to belt a few bars of La Marseillaise. Notes: Lemon, pink pepper, mint, nutmeg, "Deep Blue Sea" accord, grapefruit, jasmine, ginger, cedar, vetiver, frankincense, sandalwood, patchouli, labdanum. –Lauryn Beer, Sr. Editor

René Gruau©

Blanc as the central slice of the French flag stays for egalité, equality, so an obvious connection in my mind was the delightful spiced woods in Lumière Blanche, one of my favorite from Olfactive Studio (2012). Not only do men love the citrus tinged sparkling cardamom initial blast, but also women surrender to the almondy sandalwood snuggle; so well balanced by perfumer Sidonie Lancesseur just one step before the obvious edible. Equally enjoyable for les garcons et les filles.

Massimo Vitali

Also the picture creative director Céline Verleure chose from Italian photographer Massimo Vitali portrays a fascinating place connected with equality. The saturated radiance both this woody-oriental and the Turkish steps (Scala dei Turchi, Sicily) exude is a symbol of cultural melting pot that saw Greek, Romans, Arabs and French leaving their contributions. That's the best equality and integration meaning I can think of, the idea each culture has its precious two cents for humanity. – Ermano Picco, Editor

René Gruau©

Rouge is the color of Fraternité: When I think of the words “rouge” and “Paris”, I smell Hermès Rouge parfum: quintessential (sic) lustrous sophistication housed in a curvaceous baroque red and gold flacon, elegant and ageless as France herself. Rouge is self-possessed, worldly and always soigné: one feels well-dressed even if it’s all you choose to don that day. Perfumer Akiko Kamei created the first version of Hermès Rouge in 1984 with Raymond Chaillan: it was known as Parfum d’Hermès then. I have both versions, including the 2000 Rouge (likely reformulated since) which smells like a magnificent aldehydic woody floral chypre despite its current listed materials.

Catherine Deneuve ​Via fanpop.com

Green notes sparkle, suggestive of galbanum, hyacinth and balsamic vetiver. It’s hypnotic – not narcotic in nature, more Catherine Deneuve than Simone Signoret. Warm, cool, endlessly alluring and chic: France to a T. Notes: iris, rose, ylang ylang, resins, sandalwood, vanilla, cedarwood, labdanum, myrrh, amber -Ida Meister, Sr. Editor

  Art Direction: Michelyn Camen

Thanks to Céline Verleure we are offering the “blanc” in our Bleu, Blanc et Rouge Parfums draw… 100 ml bottle of Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche for a registered reader in the USA, EU or Canada.  Remember you must be a registered reader. Be sure to register here .Please leave a comment with your thoughts on our selections of Bleu, Blanc et Rouge Parfums for Bastille Day and where you live.  Draw closes 7/16/2018

We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our Blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

63 ÷ 7 =

37 comments

  • Baccarat Rouge would work too. Chanel Bleu is great! I would love to try Lumiere Blanche. Thankyou for the chance. Happy Bastille Day! I live in the US.

  • Just Add Light says:

    All wonderful choices. I’ve been a big proponent of BDC EdP since its illustrious debut in 2014. As for the men in red, I wouldn’t object to Guerlain’s original Habit Rouge EdP either. Something about that floral leather that just screams France to me. Canada.

  • DespinaVnt says:

    Thank you for the lovely olfactory tribute to the 14th of July!
    Chanel Bleu is a favorite of many, but my heart is closer to Hermès Rouge.
    I’ve yet to try Lumière Blanche, its balance between masculinity and femininity, hot and cold, freshness and warmth sounds just wonderful.
    I live in France!

  • Ivan.napoleon says:

    Bleu of course my fav or baccarat rouge.
    Thanks for the opportunity
    Miami Florida

  • FearsMice says:

    While I’ve smelled Bleu and worn Rouge, Lumiere Blanche is the one that really wins my heart. I’m in the USA; thanks for the draw.

  • Happy Bastille Day!

    Fantastic selection some real goodies there,for blue another that would have worked is Bluebijou by Piotr Czarnecki.And I had no clue what the colors of the French flag meant so pretty interesting tidbit in this article. And as for Lumiere Blanche it has a wonderful note breakdown, so many I adore would love to try one day soon….I live in Canada

    Thanks for fabulous giveaway and article !

  • Great choices; the Blanche (which was my lovely grandma’s middle name) sounds especially wonderful with the blend of citrus and cardamom. USA – thank you for the draw!

  • Scented Hound says:

    Thank you Celine Verdeure for offering the opportunity to have a central slice of the french flag via Lumiere Blanche. You now follow our Friday the 13th with a Happy Bastille Day! I will be dancing in the street along with you in celebration of equality. Waving from California.

  • Lovely choices in honor of France’s Bastille Day. Thank you Céline Verieure for the opportunity to sniff Lumiere Blanche. USA

  • fazalcheema says:

    I have smelled two of the three mentioned in this article which are Bleu and Rouge. I must say I am surprised by Bleu’s popularity because I smelled it soon after it was released and I didn’t anticipate its popularity. I believe I have rouge in parfum formula. I have not smelled Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche but I have Still Life from this brand. thanks for draw. I am in US

  • Altough I tested only briefly Hermes Rouge, I have to admit that the assosiacion with Catherine Deneuve is perfect. That perfume would fit her style like a glove.

    I am from EU. Thank you and Happy Bastille Day!

  • Lori Laws says:

    Bonne fête de la Bastille! The selections were perfect for this article. I also thought of Baccarat Rouge for the red. Hermes Rouge is near and dear to my heart! I would love to have the Lumiere Blanche and thanks to Céline Verieure for the generous draw. I live in the US!

  • Harbinger says:

    I love this selection for bleu, blanc et rouge….especially the blanc. Thank you for this draw, I am in the US. Happy Bastille Day to those who celebrate.

  • Aquafortis says:

    AH lovely selections for Bastille Day! I live in the US and would love to try the Lumiere Blanc. Vive la France!

  • aurora_ru says:

    First of all: VIVE LA FRANCE!!! :))

    Secondly: thank you for another great article. I am a big fan of fragrances with rouge vibes: Cardinal Rouge, Multiple Rouge, Rouge Avignon… Hermes Rouge parfum does not feel so red to me, but it is very French, yes.

    I have once tryed Lumiere Blanche, but i don’t remember it. The photography that comes with fragrance is very lovely. Thank you for the draw, I live in the EU.

  • I have not tried those perfumes which are mentioned in the article. But I would very like to try Lumiere Blanche. It sounds very summery from the base of the notes. Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • I was crossing my fingers Blanc would be the one! I’ve been so curious about Lumiere Blanche, especially since I also love the image associated with it – that blinding white beach dotted with people. I haven’t smelled any of your choices so they’re all intriguing. From my own collection, my immediate thought for blue was Yves Rocher’s Cedre Bleu, now discontinued. My white would be Bvlgari’s The Blanc, and my red, Histoires de Parfums Moulin Rouge.
    I once sat in traffic on Bastille Day in France so I can definitely attest to how much the French love today’s festivities and holidays 😉
    I would really love to try (and own!) Lumiere Blanche – I think it’s just my kind of scent! I’m in the US. Many thanks!

  • I have not tried only Hermes Rouge, and like Lumiere Blanche and Chanel Bleu. Lumiere Blanche is nice perfume, but I need more sillage in this perfume. Bleu de Chanel is beautiful, but I sick and tired.
    US

  • NiceVULady says:

    They sound like really lovely selections–all of them. I’d love to try the Lumiere Blanc. Sounds like something I would really like. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the USA.

  • Oh, I agree with you – Blanche sounds like the nicest of the 3. I am not much of a fan of Chanel Bleu.
    I live in the US.

  • Baccarat rouge is just fantastic, chanel bleu is good but just good in my humble opinion. I would love to give a sniff to Lumiere Blanche, after reading the notes i think i’ll like it. Thanks for the draw, i live in the EU.

  • I liked the selection of Chanel Bleu, Lumiere Blanche et Hermes rouge.
    I like Lumiere Blanche- very soft milky aroma
    Thank you for this draw.
    Happy Bastille Day!
    US

  • Nice selections. I too like Lumber Blanche and would welcome being chosen in this draw. US

  • perfumelover67 says:

    Great selections to honor and celebrate Bastille day! I have tried Chanel Bleue and Hermes Rouge and Rouge is a big favorite. I have never tried Blanche, but based on reviews it sounds delish! I am in the USA. Thanks for the draw.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    Happy Bastille day!! Hopefully the French will have an extended celebration tomorrow for World Cup. I was cheering for Belgium, but now they are out. I am not familiar with any of these 3 choices. The Luminiere Blanche with the almonds sandalwood snuggle sounds fantastic!! For the Red, I would have gone with Hermes Rhubarb Eclat, I wore that today! It’s also a good choice for July, sparkly and crisp! I shall have to look into Hermes Rouge. USA. Thanks for the chance! Go France!!!!

  • Great article, and Happy Bastille Day!! All three choices sound great, although the only one I’ve had the pleasure of trying is Bleu de Chanel. It’s one of my favorites! I’m located in the United States. Thanks for doing this draw!

  • I absolutely agree with the EdP being the best version of Bleu.The EdT seems to harsh without the much needed amber to round it out, and the Parfum, if anything, just seems to lack the elegant incense drydown that is my favorite aspect of Bleu.

    Rouge Ive smelled, but as a man never worn, so I can’t really comment on it.

    As for Luminiere Blanche… wow, Ive never smelled this one at all but it sounds wonderful and right up my alley, Im thrilled to see this as the one up for the draw!

    I live in Europe. As always, thanks for the draw!

  • I thought of lheure bleue immediately. Rouge Hermes was great choice! I have smelled lumiere Blanche awhile ago and remember liking it very much.i like Ermano’s inclusiveness
    I live in the EU

  • I am only familiar with Hermes Rouge which I dearly love and I heard really good things about Lumiere Blanche.
    A comforting scent, good choice in my opinion, lets celebrate France!
    From EU, Lithuania.

  • WaltherP99 says:

    Tnx a lot for this nice draw.
    Í do own all 3 versions of Blue de Chanel – EDC,EDP and Parfum.Rouge by Hermes is a fragrance i strongly dislike , but i don’t like Hermes fragrances at all with the exception of Ambre Narguile and Vetiver Tonka.
    Love Olfactive Studio house-own 100ml of Chambre Noire and Ombre Indigo, and small decants of Still Life in Rio,Selfie and Close Up.
    Chambre Noire is compliment monster on my skin.Every time i’m wearing it i’m getting at least 2 compliments-no joke.
    The only thing i don’t like about the brand is changing the bottles – older bottles like my 100ml Chambre Noire both look and feel much better…imo.Right now i’m watching my old bottle of Chambre Noire and the new bottle of Ombre Indigo right next to it , and i’m like “Why????”
    Just like Xerjoff with their new bottles-same mistake…for no reason.
    Virginia USA and London UK

  • doveskylark says:

    I’m commenting on the day that France won the World Cup. Congratulations! I found all the selections to be so elegant and each would allow even this die-hard yankee to celebrate a little joie de vivre. I am glad that Lumiere Blanche is the prize. I am very curious about the sparking cardamom blast.
    I live in the USA.

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    Vive la France
    Blue De Chanel parfum is now my husbands signature scent , and i do like it a lot.I’m not familiar with Rouge Hermes , but as for Olfactive Studio – i am a fan for sure.
    I do have in my collection 100ml bottles of Close Up and Ombre Indigo , but i’m running very low on the 2nd one.Hope it’s not discontinued , because it was not available on EU version of the official site.I prefer to buy it from EU/Europe , rather than from US when i get back, because it’s a bit cheaper over here.
    By the way both Close Up and Ombre Indigo are blue bottles fragrances , so they fit the Bleu Bastille Day theme .
    Last 3 months back and forth between US and Scotland

  • minteacup says:

    It was a big weekend for France to be sure. 🙂 I haven’t tried any of the red, white, and blue perfume selections, though I think I must have smelled Chanel Bleu at some point! The one that intrigues me most is Lumiere Blanche, so I am crossing my fingers for this lovely draw! Lumiere Blanche sounds right up my alley for a low-key day when I’d like something comforting but a bit chic. In the meantime, I could really use an almond croissant or macaron. I’m in the US. Thank you!

  • The Lumiere Blanche is my favourite in this trio, I have the scented candle and it is so good and gentle scent. I’d love to try the perfumes. I live in Poland.

  • jeremyn87 says:

    Bastille Day celebrations which I have been to were generally fun and casual, so these scents are appropriate. I have only smelled Bleu though. But the others sound excellent and summery too. I’m in the US, thanks

  • Oh, i like the sound of “sandalwood snuggle”! Your review mashes me want to sniff Hermès Rouge and Chanel Bleu in context. Haven’t tried any olfactive studio.. Thank you for the draw, I’m the US.