XIV: The perfume of Louis XIV by La Savonnerie Royale
During the reign of Louis XIV, perfume occupied a central place at the court of Versailles and in French aristocratic society. The king himself—nicknamed the "Sun King"—was passionate about fragrances and contributed greatly to their popularization.
Perfumery in the time of Louis XIV
Perfumery was booming at this time, with master perfumers developing sophisticated fragrances for the court and nobility. Louis XIV himself was known for his love of perfumes, and his reign saw the popularization of many fragrances. Initially attracted to strong scents based on civet and castoreum, Louis XIV later turned to gentler orange blossom fragrances to ward off migraines.
In the 17th century, perfumes were often complex blends of flowers, fruits, spices, musks, and resins. They were applied to gloves, leather goods, handkerchiefs, or fans. Perfumery was used not only to mask body odors, but also as a means of personal expression and social distinction.
The role of perfume under Louis XIV
Perfume played a vital role in the royal court, symbolizing both power and sophistication :
Expression of fashion & status.
A symbol of refinement and prestige, perfume was used to express sophistication. It was considered an essential part of the daily routine of nobles. Owning and wearing perfumes was a sign of high social status.
Hygiene & social practices.
At a time when personal hygiene relied more on perfumes or powders than on water (often avoided for fear of illness), perfumes served to mask body odors and create a trail around oneself. Baths were rare, and perfumes served to maintain appearance and hygiene.
Innovation & creativity.
The reign of Louis XIV saw significant advances in perfume creation. Perfumers developed complex compositions based on various flowers and essences harvested from the famous Orangery at the Palace of Versailles. The court of Louis XIV helped establish France as a center of the art of perfumery, a legacy that continues to this day.
Court culture & etiquette.
Perfume was part of court rituals and was used at social events, receptions, and ceremonies, including the fountains of the Palace. Etiquette often required nobles to wear perfume, reinforcing the image of the Versailles court as a place of avant-garde and sophistication.
Under Louis XIV, perfume was much more than just a beauty accessory. It was an essential component of court culture, personal hygiene, and social expression.
Today, although perfume has become more accessible, perfume houses still present it as a luxury product. Used as an olfactory signature, it reflects the personality, mood, and style of the wearer.
It creates an aura around its owner. Beyond coquettishness, a fragrance revives memories and emotions. Choosing your own perfume - for your body or home - then becomes a form of personal expression. A subtle way to communicate without words, to stand out, and to leave an impression on others.
La Savonnerie Royale signs its Louis XIV perfume
History and heritage enthusiasts, discover our XIV collection, inspired by Louis XIV, the Sun King. Our range of body and home products features a fresh, floral fragrance, dominated by notes of orange blossom and jasmine. A scent reminiscent of the elegance and grandeur of the Palace of Versailles and the Orangerie.
Structure of perfume XIV :
- Top notes: Lemon, Bergamot
- Heart notes: Green notes, Orange blossom
- Base notes: Jasmine, Neroli
Perfect for those seeking a regal sensory experience, the XIV collection features scented soaps, room diffusers, and luxury candles, capturing the essence of French history and heritage.
Add a touch of majesty to your everyday life with our collection of luxury soaps, natural soaps, scented candles, colored candles and home fragrance diffusers.