This summer Versailles was the most marvelous place in France, especially in August, since the city was running a 24-hour party, “Les Grandes Eaux Noires” (Great Nocturnal Fountain Waters), from the 1st through the 23rd. The shindig included spectacular fountains, fireworks, art and music. This special program was open to the public, just like in the 17th and 18th centuries, when Louis XIV’s court was frolicking in those splendid gardens. Certainly, this event could definitely compete with the royal festivities of yore.
Yes, the French truly know how to throw a grand party for all the senses, one of these being the sense of smell. Surprised? Why would you be? France has always been at the forefront of thrilling your olfactory nerves. So it was quite expected that part of the Versailles spectacles was realized by a perfumer, Francis Kurkdjian, who recreated some of the scents which could be experienced during the Sun-King’s reign. For the Salle de Bal, Kurkdjian created special candles which emanated the same scent as the dancers’ powder of Louis XIV’s court. About 600 candles were lit each day of the event.
Francis was also responsible for the pleasant smells surrounding the Bassin de Latone, the fountain that dates back to the late 1500′s, designed by Fransois Mansart and Andre Le Notre, sculpted by Gaspard and Balthazar Marsy. The fountain released thousands of bubbles from its center, scented with the smells of Louis XIV’s favorite fruits: strawberry, peach, melon.
According to mimifroufrou, in the Bosquet des Trois Fontaines, other perfumed creations were made, such as rose-scented fountain water. Kurkdjian has also re-created one of Marie-Antoinette’s favorite perfumes, which is actually on sale in Versailles. The Queen’s perfume is called M.A.Sillage de la Reine.
Apart from his original creations during the Versailles spectacles, Francis is also known for his other scents: Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, Fragile, Le Male, Narciso Rodriguez for Her, Narciso Rodriguez for Him, Fleur du Male, Guerlain Rose Barbare and more. He won the prestigious Fransois Coty prize in 2001.
Francis, the 38 year-old perfumer of Armenian origin, dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer as a child, then – a couturier, but he was destined for creating scents.
He expressed his hopes for the future in an interview with Liberation.fr,
After the success of Versailles spectacles, he wants to go quick and far: refusing to be “just a noise”, he intends to create his own brand. “Like a dancer, who, exercise after exercise, learns to move his leg higher and higher,” he adds.
Versailles’ “Les Grandes Eaux Noires” spectacles were indeed very original and provided more proof that the French are indeed rich in culture and good taste…and let’s add good smells to the list as well.
Photo: © foi
