Description
L`Occitane en Provence launches its new perfume for women named Arlésienne. The fragrance is inspired by the Venus of Arles, a Roman statue discovered in 1651 and everything that it represents—the woman of Provence, the ideal of female beauty and the muse of artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Léo Lele, Mistral, Bizet, Christian Lacroix and many others.
L`Occitane creates a floral bouquet that mirrors the story of Arlésienne. Her grace is presented by roses, her fiery temperament is evoked by saffron and violet depicts her mystery. The composition begins with the freshness of mandarin and the peppery character of saffron flower in bloom. The heart captures rose from Grasse complemented by lily of the valley. Violet at the base is accompanied by milky sandalwood, blonde woods and tonka bean.
The fragrance is available as Eau de Toilette with an accompanying collection.
Arlesienne was launched in 2014. The nose behind this fragrance is Karine Dubreuil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g05N8-nbKE&rel=0
payottorsSX – :
This was my personal favourite until I discovered Montale Roses Musk and Guerlain Shalimar. I am a huge Loccitane fan and I used to layer it with the soap/ shower gel, body lotion, perfume and hand cream. I also had the hair mist.
Roses Violet and Sandalwood come together to create a magically feminine experience. For me this is about a strong powerful woman who is very modest and sweet, loved by all.
The only reason why I don’t want this as a signature fragrance is that it hardly lasts for an hour on my skin and clothes inspite of using 8-10 sprays. A winner for me, I will continue to use this.
DarkDampir – :
I smell mostly rose in this one. A crushed, sweet, powdery rose, like in a park or at a flower market on a warm humid evening. Very nostalgic and comforting, but also vivacious. Uplifting too.
It’s a soft scent, but with a good longevity. I could still smell it distinctly on my skin after two hours, while most lights scents tend to change or be gone by that time.
I initially thought there was something grannyish about this. It likely attracts younger people, too.
lexaxa – :
I’ve written this review in real time so please bear with me.
I’m really not sure what to make of this one.
Initially all I get is the sharp highly concentrated smell of floral vodka. Even after it’s had time to dry down and mellow I’m getting the same harsh sharpness just not so loud.
My daughter tells me it’s lovely. So I’m going to take her word for it.
When my wrist is warmed I pick up a delightful soapy smell which reminds me very much of Lushes (Gorilla Perfume) Death and Decay so I think I’m picking up the Tonka Bean then the Rose* as they are the only 2 common ingredients.
As a little experiment I’ve done a side by side test of the 2 perfumes. This has proved interesting because now when I smell Death and Decay from the tin I’m picking up a cleaner sharper floral layer, and the Arlesienne really blooms! with Rose coming right to the forefront in a glorious burst.
Both perfumes are delightful and together they make an interesting statement.
*death and Decay is Damascus Rose whilst Arleseinne is rosa centiflora however both roses are genetically related.
Jiesta – :
I keep reading about reformulatkons, but right now L’Occitane is having a sale and selling the original formulation. So go check it out if you see this in time, if not, I’ve bought one and I’m happy to sell it.
kwq604speagoessenda – :
This. This is my soulmate scent and it kills me that L’occitane changed the formula. It was perfect the way it was. I like the new version well enough, but the original was just perfect. The new one has a tad too much saffron, making it spicier. Where as this, it’s rosey and powdery. I have a large collection of fragrances and this is always my favorite. It’s so feminine, romantic, classy, youthful and fresh. It’s a stunning scent. I wear it year round, day or night.
cheamirhan – :
It opens with a very velvety rose that is just beautiful. on my skin it dries down to become very woody, a bit like a rose pot pourri and on like clothes it keeps a clean peppery sandalwood note. Overall its a dry, woody almost smoky rose <3
zai50 – :
Pleeeaaasseee
Can someone tell me which perfume could replace this one?. Its now replaced and the new one is NOT the same. I need something like the old one smelt, it was my buddy, now its gone 🙁
saneq1 – :
Grassy green rose at first that reminds me of Burberry Body. Like many L’Occitane scents, it does not bowl you over with a complex bouquet. It’s mostly rose and violet. At times it smells wine-like, with a sharp geranium rose, and other times it smells like violetty make up powder. Its not my favorite scent in my collection–but I am glad I have it, since I can use it when I run out of Burberry Body.
ELABYGA – :
Strong sandalwood and orange then later comes rose. Few minutes later, rose and orange was gone, leaving mild scent of sandalwood and white wood. Violet and lily later pops out but it is not too strong. I was trying to avoid it because of the strong sandalwood but it got me addicted to smelling it. Sort of like aromatherapy effect I guess? And I just love how it gets after. Fresh soapy scents..
levko1 – :
I like rose and violet together. Arlesienne fits nicely into my wardrobe as it feels like an aromatherapy of sorts. This scent seems demure to me because of the rose and violet but it has an underlying spark of energy.
Arlesienne opens with a mouthwatering fruity note. The fresh young rose and violet are detectable but the effect is quite delicate. The lily of the valley blends with the peppery saffron to give it some zing. The violet and sandalwood provide a lovely foundation. The overall effect is subtle, soft, warm and feminine.
For those not keen on powder, it would be worth a try if the notes sound interesting to you. There’s not too much powder here.
boofefriemi – :
Full disclosure: I received this bottle for free through a L’Occitane promotion. I am not being compensated for any reviews and I have no relationship with L’Occitane other than as a customer.
I don’t know if the bottle I received is a different formula or if this is a relaunch or what. The promo was for “The New Arlesienne”.
This is a very lovely light floral. The violet note dominates and it’s a little on the sweet side, but the saffron saves it from being candy sweet and the sandalwood gives it a nice grounding base and keeps it from being too ethereal.
It comes on a little shrill upfront for my taste, and honestly if I were smelling it in a shop I might not even be inclined to try it on myself. However, having given it a few moments to calm down I find the drydown is very nice and the shrill note is entirely gone. I can see myself wearing this quite a bit in the Spring and Summer.
Eugeniya – :
Im so in love with this fragrance!! felt like a kiss directly on the petals. If you like floral scents fragrances , you’ll definitely like Arlesienne! Thank u L’occitane for make this parfume ❤
Diimazz – :
Arlesienne was the one bottle I kept going to in the store. I tried it on and spent the most of the afternoon nose glued to wrist…. Each time, I got a vision of myself hugging my mom. I bought a bottle for her, naturally, and will give it to her on Monther’s day (tomorrow!). Never would she buy such a perfume… I mean… saffron? She would never identify with this sort of spicy. Yet, I insist she owns it, I have a hunch she will love it. The write up says ” Her grace is presented by roses, her fiery temperament is evoked by saffron and violet depicts her mystery.” That’s her!
Afon200510 – :
i got this last summer in search of a refreching qwest for bright bubbly champagne like wispy florals
it does deliver the beauty of everecence it has an extremely efeverescent quality a crisp clean vibrant accord yet in my skin it turns a bit mellow creamy almost soapy it has a a natural light floraly almost rosy scent a honey dew and actual honey like vibe its a chloe type of fl orally waxy accord a white floral with berries and a super pungent vibrant alive crispy floraly accord it just sings notes of joy can be worn day or night more of an afternoon scent it an all occasion more of a general wear type of safe everyday sent with a character and personality that just says i am here to stay close to you and everyone will compliment you on your perfume …
the saffron adds a subtle hint of mellow sweetness the rose adds some warmth and vibrancy the tonka in the base makes it last and linger in a resinous way musky light the mandarin orange makes it bright in a crisp way
al in all it is a beautiful perfume well composed made with love fits all those who want an easy going perfume with warmth and vibrancy in a clean effervescent way
OrbiblybeeD – :
So beautiful and inoffensive.
FriendClaire – :
I bought this perfume because I received a sample of the Arlesienne lotion from L’occitane in the mail. When I put on that lotion, the scent of a big bouquet of sweet rose and violets and french-milled soap permeated the room. Simply gorgeous.
The EDT smells like lotion, with perhaps less soapiness compared to the lotion, although not as long-lasting unless sprayed on hair. This is a winner from L’occitane, a youthful and clean rendition of rose and violets, a far cry from their traditional rose perfumes, like Rose 4 Reines, which I could not stand.
voronoj pave – :
I’ve never wanted to wash a perfume off my arm so quickly then when I tried Arlesienne, not because it smelt bad, but there was just something about it that gave me the creeps, I don’t know how else to explain it, it would be like walking into Grandma’s room and finding that she’d been dead for three days, it just made me feel very uneasy, perhaps there is something in it that I associate with a negative memory of something but I can’t really think of what it could be, there is just something really wrong about it to me that I find distressing, weird hey. But if I try and block all that out the other thing I wanted to say about it is that I actually found it a bit masculine too, maybe it’s the sandalwood, but after a little while I could imagine smelling it on a man.
Gusarwyfjc – :
I love rose and sandalwood fragrances…so this is one of my favorites. I just adore it. Youthful and feminine. Definitely worth a try if you are looking for something new and unique
Bercana – :
I have to agree with a lot of the reviews, this is simply a very nice fragrance, for me especially in this time of spring and I can see myself wearing this into mid or late summer.
A very even blend, bright top notes, rich heart and warm dry down. I only have a small bottle but I can see myself buying more of this, probably the best of their fragrances so far.
fpz185intitytek – :
L’Occitane just love their roses, violettes and peonies, don’t they? 🙂 and Arlesienne is no ecxeption to this line. This fragrance takes its place in the Occitane flowery pantheon, with emphasis on the violet with woody undertones. The opening is rather fruity, delectable and somewhat childish, but not too sweet. As all Occitane openings, it does not last very long before transitioning to the flowery heart.
There is something very yummy about Arlesienne, an almost edible musky facette of the violet note. The sandal wood is also very prominent to my nose, next to the safron. There is something peppery and warm about this. Reminded me of the discontinued Delice des Fleurs.
Thankfully, the fragrance is not too sweet and ends up smelling soapy, faintly woodsy and warm, in a nice and quietly consistent way. The lasting power is quite good, it holds through the entire day and stays even overnight on hair. Given that I am using a mini perfume without a spray, longevity is great.
Arlesienne is not an outstanding, big floral, but simply comfortable and wearable for everyday, and I think it is alright in colder weather for its uplifting effect. It makes me think of a walk by the sea in winter where the only warm thing would be you, wearing this scent. I love it, even though I am not a violet person myself. As other Fragranticans point, it is quite similar to Chloe Love Eau Florale, but is warmer.
Sidenote: Arlesienne is definitely gift-worthy. I’ve had quite a few “Ooh what are you wearing? It is gorgeous!” “It’s that perfume again!”. Frankly, I couldn’t see it coming, but people like it a lot, obviously. The handcream is well worth it as well. The fact that they rarely stock Arlesienne in their Bulgarian stores makes it even more appealing.
sirena – :
Based on the notes I thought I’d really like this but it sits way too sweet on my skin and smells like a cheap Bath and Body Works teenager body mist. Darn.
werbSealejurl – :
Sniffing on this made me feel that I just meet again with my long lost love.
My eyes were so wide opened as I instantly remember the powdery violet-rose combination that I strongly adore on Delice des Fleurs.
Another delicious perfume crafted by L’Occitane.
Very pretty. This fragrance, just like Delices des Fleurs, gives me that “happy scent”. It’s a definite mood fixer. Longevity’s a killer. One test spray on my wrist lasts for more than 12 hours.
This time, there’s no way I’m gonna lose you again! Stocking up, starting tomorrow!!!
pp1956 – :
I am a sucker for L’Occitane, I just love the vibe of the shop, so I sometimes purchase things from there that I don’t really mean to buy. This fragrance was one of them.
It’s actually a lovely, inoffensive scent, with a citrus opening followed by duelling heart notes of rose and violet. Pretty enough, but not particularly long lasting and not especially memorable. I like to wear it on a hot day when I’m not particularly concerned about impressing anyone. It’s a simple scent, not sophisticated, and longevity is short.
Luckily I only purchased a small bottle, so I’ll use it up and move on to other beauties.
thestorms – :
Unlike some (too many) pretentious perfumes of today, L’Occitane scents (and other products in general) are offered with a shy attitude that I deeply admire.
I love shopping at L’Occitane because their personnel is kind, informed, witty and very very polite.
Unfortunately I can’t say the same for other brands where being snooty seems a must and a positive quality.
I love the scents by L’Occitane because in their simplicity they are little gems.
Not all of them I love with the same intensity, but certainly this Arlesienne deserves some attention.
I agree with Mellyhelly (her reviews are always spot on) that perhaps this is not the best season for such a release but in my opinion I think this says a lot about L’Occitane philosophy: “We have this scent ready to lauch, autumn is around us with its gloomy days, we offer you a shining thing to cheer you up. We do not care about marketing, we want to cuddle our customers in a fragrant embrace”.
Yes, that’s Arlesienne, a fragrant embrace.
Arles is a lovely city, very Roman (think about Lyon, Verona, Rome …) and with the same charm and class these cities do possess.
The essence of Arles is captured here with vivid flowers; I was afraid about saffron as it’s a note I do not particularly love, but it’s very intelligently dosed here.
Of course rose and violet here play the leading role and in my opinion not in a so soapy way as other reviewers have noted.
Sillage is nice and so is lasting power.
If someone told me this scent was released around 1920 I would believe that.
I’m impressed that browsing through the ingredient list on the bottle label the natural extracts are not so few as in some high end brand scents.
Chapeau bas à L’Occitane!
Haalty – :
I’m wearing the body lotion right now. What a smell! It’s heavenly, since I’m a rose and violet lover.
Well done, L’Occitane!
mihail-m – :
Arlesienne is clean and soapy. The opening is realy pleasant, beautifully floral, unfortunately after a while it turns into a powdery soap. It’s not really a rosy scent, but violet definitely. Not the kind of scent I would buy, but for soapy scents lovers it’s worth a try
ignat367 – :
Thanks for the warning cause I have horrible allergies but I love soapy scents so this is a must try but I’ll try to be careful & spray the fragrance from a distant. I’ll come back with an update as I think it’s available now in stores where I live.
roosetiedge – :
Try before you buy! I had a strong allergic reaction (headache, swollen sinuses, watery eyes) when I eagerly opened and sampled this fragrance. Instant angst! Beware.
bonoonellc313761 – :
A fresh and mildly tart rose through a soft focus filter due to the violet. The saffron lends a hint of earthiness to the base but is otherwise largely absent.
Arlesienne is not nearly as powdery as I expected it to be, but it does smell like an expensive velvety rose with a heart of soap as Mellyhelly observed, cushioned by the other supporting notes. Longevity seems like it could be seriously lacking, but I need to test further to confirm.
What I love about this one is the total absence of sweetness and/or corrosively sour citrus. It’s simply a very calming, clean and slightly modern rose. It reminds me of deep red and purple stained glass windows, and hushed tones.
It’s also a welcome departure from the standard L’Occitane Rose-Peony combo.
The nicest release from this house in quite some time. Thank goodness. I was beginning to lose hope.
Update: I do detect a bit of sandalwood on the far drydown.
sevag – :
Nice new release from L’Occitane. This is a pure floral with a brisk opening and a soapy edge. Wearable, frilly, casual, perhaps not the right season for a launche, since this smells like your typical springtime floral. I wanted the tonka bean to be more prominent and warm but it’s not. Nothing exceptional but good for the price.
Edit:
on multiple test this perfume was not totally me.
It’s nice, very feminine, not too powdery after all and with a good enough rendition of violet that becomes dominant in the blend. Vaguely similar to old Gloria Vanderbilt IMO.
The problem is that it’s too much of a simple composition. It smells just nice. There is a note that I cannot say and it makes it a little musty. Not sure what it is but it’s very similar to Cacharel Eau d’Eden.
Arles a great city, Arlesienne is a nice enough perfume.