La Trouverie

Endemic to the Mediterranean basin, it was already highly prized in Roman times to perfume linen, freshen the breath or for its antiseptic properties. Its name comes from lavare, "to wash". For a long time, the south of France was the first producer of Lavandula angustifolia, but today its culture is worldwide. Although it can also be distilled, Francis Kurkdjian prefers to work with French lavender absolute obtained by extraction with volatile solvents. Less rising than the oil, its aromatic herbaceous notes, reminiscent of shaving foam as well as sun-warmed hay, are used in the heart and base of a perfume.

Endemic to the Mediterranean region, this shrub was already highly prized in the Middle Ages, and cultivated by monks in gardens of medicinal plants; it was used as an antiseptic and a tonic, among other things. Mixed with alcohol, Rosmarinus officinalis was also the major component of the Queen's Eau de Hongrie in the 14th century, renowned for its alleged rejuvenating properties. The oil is obtained after distillation of its blooms. It has fresh, aromatic, herbaceous, camphorated and slightly woody inflections. As a top note, rosemary is used in the composition of some colognes and in many men's fragrances.