Fragrance Fragrance is an independent price-comparison service, not a retailer or marketplace. We do not sell, stock, ship, or accept payment for products. Purchases are completed on third-party retailer sites. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by fragrance brands. How buying works.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

What does Bois de Violette smell like?

Bois de Violette is a masterclass in the interplay between soft flora and structural wood. At its core, the fragrance is a dialogue between a dry, pencil-shaving cedar and a delicate, powdery violet. Unlike many violet fragrances that lean toward sugary candy or heavy cosmetics, this scent feels grounded and earthy. The addition of cardamom provides a subtle, cool spiciness that bridges the gap between the floral sweetness and the resinous wood. Wearing it feels like stepping into a serene, sun-dappled workshop where fresh cedar planks have just been sawn, while a breeze carries the scent of wild violets from the forest floor outside. It is green and architectural, offering a sense of quiet sophistication. Over time, the sharpness of the wood softens, leaving a refined, slightly creamy trail that feels intimate and personal rather than loud or aggressive.

Details

House: Serge Lutens
Gender: unisex
Year: 1992
Longevity: 7.3 / 10 · 71 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 6.2 / 10 · 69 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (38 votes), Spring (34 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Leisure (35 votes), Evening (33 votes)
Scent Profile: Woody, Floral, Spicy, Green, Powdery
Perfumer: Christopher Sheldrake, Serge Lutens

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

Enthusiasts frequently compare this to other cedar-heavy scents in the Serge Lutens lineup, specifically noting its close relationship to Féminité du Bois, though the violet replaces the fruitier plum notes found in its sibling.
There is a notable sentiment regarding reformulation; long-time collectors often discuss differences between older batches and the current "bell jar" editions, with many mourning subtle changes to the original composition.
While the fragrance is celebrated for its elegance, performance is a common talking point. Some users report impressive longevity that lasts throughout the day, while others find the sillage to be quite intimate and understated.
It is widely considered a versatile, unisex option that excels in transitional weather like fall and spring, often described as a "cashmere sweater" scent that pairs well with refined, understated clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bois de Violette suitable for daily wear?+

Yes, it is highly regarded for leisure and daily use. Because its projection is more intimate than loud, it works well in professional settings or personal environments where a heavy scent would be intrusive.

How does the cedar in this fragrance compare to other woody scents?+

The cedar note here, a signature of perfumer Christopher Sheldrake, is clean and aromatic rather than smoky or heavy. It provides a structural, "pencil-shaving" dryness that keeps the violet from becoming overly sweet.

Is this fragrance better suited for men or women?+

It is marketed and widely worn as a unisex fragrance. The balance of spicy cardamom and dry wood keeps the floral violet notes from feeling traditionally feminine, making it a favorite for anyone who enjoys sophisticated wood-based scents.

Does this fragrance last a long time?+

Performance can be subjective, but many users find that while the scent stays close to the skin, it has significant staying power. It is often described as an elegant scent that reveals itself in close quarters over many hours.

Appears in Collections

Unisex Fragrances3693 90s Fragrances340 Fragrances Starting With B501

Similar Fragrances

Serge Lutens

Gris clair...

Eau De Parfum

Lorenzo Villoresi

Patchouli

Eau De Toilette

Guerlain

Vetiver

Eau De Cologne

Violet

Un Air d'Apogée

Violet

Nuée Bleue

Diptyque

Vetyverio

Eau De Toilette

Diptyque

Vetyverio

Eau De Parfum

Yves Saint Laurent

Cuir

What does Bois de Violette smell like?

Bois de Violette is a masterclass in the interplay between soft flora and structural wood. At its core, the fragrance is a dialogue between a dry, pencil-shaving cedar and a delicate, powdery violet. Unlike many violet fragrances that lean toward sugary candy or heavy cosmetics, this scent feels grounded and earthy. The addition of cardamom provides a subtle, cool spiciness that bridges the gap between the floral sweetness and the resinous wood. Wearing it feels like stepping into a serene, sun-dappled workshop where fresh cedar planks have just been sawn, while a breeze carries the scent of wild violets from the forest floor outside. It is green and architectural, offering a sense of quiet sophistication. Over time, the sharpness of the wood softens, leaving a refined, slightly creamy trail that feels intimate and personal rather than loud or aggressive.

Details

House: Serge Lutens
Gender: unisex
Year: 1992
Longevity: 7.3 / 10 · 71 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 6.2 / 10 · 69 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (38 votes), Spring (34 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Leisure (35 votes), Evening (33 votes)
Scent Profile: Woody, Floral, Spicy, Green, Powdery
Perfumer: Christopher Sheldrake, Serge Lutens

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

Enthusiasts frequently compare this to other cedar-heavy scents in the Serge Lutens lineup, specifically noting its close relationship to Féminité du Bois, though the violet replaces the fruitier plum notes found in its sibling.
There is a notable sentiment regarding reformulation; long-time collectors often discuss differences between older batches and the current "bell jar" editions, with many mourning subtle changes to the original composition.
While the fragrance is celebrated for its elegance, performance is a common talking point. Some users report impressive longevity that lasts throughout the day, while others find the sillage to be quite intimate and understated.
It is widely considered a versatile, unisex option that excels in transitional weather like fall and spring, often described as a "cashmere sweater" scent that pairs well with refined, understated clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bois de Violette suitable for daily wear?+

Yes, it is highly regarded for leisure and daily use. Because its projection is more intimate than loud, it works well in professional settings or personal environments where a heavy scent would be intrusive.

How does the cedar in this fragrance compare to other woody scents?+

The cedar note here, a signature of perfumer Christopher Sheldrake, is clean and aromatic rather than smoky or heavy. It provides a structural, "pencil-shaving" dryness that keeps the violet from becoming overly sweet.

Is this fragrance better suited for men or women?+

It is marketed and widely worn as a unisex fragrance. The balance of spicy cardamom and dry wood keeps the floral violet notes from feeling traditionally feminine, making it a favorite for anyone who enjoys sophisticated wood-based scents.

Does this fragrance last a long time?+

Performance can be subjective, but many users find that while the scent stays close to the skin, it has significant staying power. It is often described as an elegant scent that reveals itself in close quarters over many hours.

What is the best season to wear Bois de Violette?+

Most enthusiasts prefer wearing it during the fall and spring. The cool spice of cardamom and the woodiness shine in the crisp autumn air, while the green, floral violet notes complement the blooming energy of spring.

What is the difference between the spray bottles and the bell jars?+

Bois de Violette is often sold in the iconic Serge Lutens bell jars, which are splash bottles. Many enthusiasts use pipettes to transfer the liquid into smaller atomizers for easier daily application, as the fragrance is highly prized and often involves careful sourcing from specialty boutiques.

Accords

Notes

HeartCardamom//Cedar//Violet

No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

Similar Fragrances

Serge Lutens

Gris clair...

Eau De Parfum

Lorenzo Villoresi

Patchouli

Eau De Toilette

Guerlain

Vetiver

Eau De Cologne

Violet

Un Air d'Apogée

Violet

Nuée Bleue

Diptyque

Vetyverio

Eau De Toilette

Diptyque

Vetyverio

Eau De Parfum

Yves Saint Laurent

Cuir

Where to buy Bois de Violette

No tracked prices yet.

We don't track a retailer offer for this fragrance yet — check the Amazon link below for current availability.

Amazon

Price not trackedBuy

No price tracked yet. Join the list and we'll email you if one shows up.

Fragrance Fragrance is an independent price-comparison service, not a retailer or marketplace. We do not sell, stock, ship, or accept payment for products. Purchases are completed on third-party retailer sites. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by fragrance brands. How buying works.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

Appears in Collections

Unisex Fragrances3693 90s Fragrances340 Fragrances Starting With B501