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What does Fourreau noir smell like?

Fourreau Noir is a shadowy, gothic take on the traditional fougère, stripping away the freshness usually associated with lavender and replacing it with something far more mysterious. The opening is sh...

Details

House: Serge Lutens
Gender: unisex
Year: 2009
Longevity: 8.0 / 10
Sillage: 7.1 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Smoky, Sweet, Woody, Gourmand
Best Seasons: Fall, Winter
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out
Perfumer: Christopher Sheldrake, Serge Lutens

Community Insights

Based on 9 discussions

RedditFragrantica

The consensus on performance is high, with enthusiasts noting that the scent persists for ten hours or more, though it transitions from a sharp, projecting opening to a more intimate, creamy skin scent.
Many users highlight its polarizing nature; while some find it poetic and melancholic, others are challenged by the medicinal, almost "shaving cream" quality of the lavender and the initial synthetic sharpness.
It is frequently recommended for those who typically dislike lavender, as the smoky, resinous treatment of the note bears little resemblance to standard herbal or soapy versions of the ingredient.
The fragrance is overwhelmingly favored for cold weather and formal evening wear, with many describing it as too heavy or "dark" for casual daytime use in the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fourreau Noir suitable for someone who dislikes sweet fragrances?+

While it has gourmand notes like tonka bean and almond, the sweetness is tempered by heavy smoke and medicinal lavender. It is a "dark" sweetness rather than a sugary one, making it a good choice for those who prefer woody and smoky profiles over traditional desserts.

How does the lavender note behave in this composition?+

The lavender here is not fresh or floral. It begins with a sharp, medicinal, and slightly metallic quality that eventually softens into an herbal, licorice-like hum that anchors the sweeter base notes.

Is this fragrance better suited for men or women?+

It is marketed as unisex. Men often appreciate the smoky, woody, and shaving-cream-like facets of the lavender, while women may find the creamy almond and tonka bean drydown more familiar.

What is the best season and time of day to wear Fourreau Noir?+

It is most effective in the fall and winter. Given its smoky, nocturnal character, it is widely considered an evening scent, perfect for nights out or formal events in cooler weather.

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Unisex Fragrances3693 2000s Fragrances1079 Fragrances Starting With F283

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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

What does Fourreau noir smell like?

Fourreau Noir is a shadowy, gothic take on the traditional fougère, stripping away the freshness usually associated with lavender and replacing it with something far more mysterious. The opening is sh...

Details

House: Serge Lutens
Gender: unisex
Year: 2009
Longevity: 8.0 / 10
Sillage: 7.1 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Smoky, Sweet, Woody, Gourmand
Best Seasons: Fall, Winter
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out
Perfumer: Christopher Sheldrake, Serge Lutens

Community Insights

Based on 9 discussions

RedditFragrantica

The consensus on performance is high, with enthusiasts noting that the scent persists for ten hours or more, though it transitions from a sharp, projecting opening to a more intimate, creamy skin scent.
Many users highlight its polarizing nature; while some find it poetic and melancholic, others are challenged by the medicinal, almost "shaving cream" quality of the lavender and the initial synthetic sharpness.
It is frequently recommended for those who typically dislike lavender, as the smoky, resinous treatment of the note bears little resemblance to standard herbal or soapy versions of the ingredient.
The fragrance is overwhelmingly favored for cold weather and formal evening wear, with many describing it as too heavy or "dark" for casual daytime use in the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fourreau Noir suitable for someone who dislikes sweet fragrances?+

While it has gourmand notes like tonka bean and almond, the sweetness is tempered by heavy smoke and medicinal lavender. It is a "dark" sweetness rather than a sugary one, making it a good choice for those who prefer woody and smoky profiles over traditional desserts.

How does the lavender note behave in this composition?+

The lavender here is not fresh or floral. It begins with a sharp, medicinal, and slightly metallic quality that eventually softens into an herbal, licorice-like hum that anchors the sweeter base notes.

Is this fragrance better suited for men or women?+

It is marketed as unisex. Men often appreciate the smoky, woody, and shaving-cream-like facets of the lavender, while women may find the creamy almond and tonka bean drydown more familiar.

What is the best season and time of day to wear Fourreau Noir?+

It is most effective in the fall and winter. Given its smoky, nocturnal character, it is widely considered an evening scent, perfect for nights out or formal events in cooler weather.

Does Fourreau Noir change much after you spray it?+

Yes, it is a non-linear fragrance. It undergoes a significant transformation from a cold, sharp, and smoky opening to a warm, creamy, and sweet woody drydown over several hours.

How does the almond note contribute to the scent?+

The almond provides a nutty, slightly bitter creaminess that bridges the gap between the herbal lavender and the sweet tonka bean, adding a smooth, velvety texture to the heart of the perfume.

Accords

Notes

HeartTonka bean//Lavender//Almond//Smoky notes//Musk

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Unisex Fragrances3693 2000s Fragrances1079 Fragrances Starting With F283

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Serge Lutens

Gris clair...

Le Labo

Thé Noir 29

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Where to buy Fourreau noir

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

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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.