L’Artisan Parfumeur Timbuktu (Bertrand Duchaufour 2004) Fragrance Review + Out of Africa Draw

bertrand duchaufour african mask

Bertrand Duchaufour 2008

Over the past nine years of corresponding with master perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour, he often tells me of his trips around the world. When I asked him of his passion outside of perfumery, he answered "African Art, it is very important to me”, and between 2009-2010  he had made two journeys to the continent.  M. Duchaufour has been inspired by Africa’s deserts, wind and sand as well as ancient rituals and incense, themes often present in his vast portofolio of fragrances.

Timbuktu_LartisanParfumeur

 Africa beats strongly in Bertrand Duchaufour's heart and if you are new to L’Artisan Parfumeur  or to the works of Bertrand Duchaufour, Timbuktu is a perfect place to stamp your olfactive passport. Created in 2004, it is a study in simplexity.  I once asked M. Duchaufour what makes a great perfume…his answer,   "I am sure of one thing; time is the best judge of a fragrance”. And Timbuktu is, still, after 11 yrs, one of his finest fragrances for the House. It is also classic Duchaufour.   Contributor Sebastian Jara and video fragrance reviewer for the popular YouTube channel Looking Feeling Smelling Great asked me which L’Artisan Parfumeur scent would be a good introduction to  his viewers and I answered a trip to Timbuktu.

Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Timbuktu by L`Artisan Parfumeur Review + Giveaway!

Follow us on instagram @cafleurebon and @lookfeelsmellgreat

Thanks to the generosity of  the US Team of L’ArtisanParfumeur we have a 100ml bottle of Timbuktu for registered reader in the USA only (you must do this and use your user name or your comment is invalid). To be eligible please leave a comment with what you enjoyed specifically about Sebastian’s review, where you live, and if you have a favorite L’Artisan Parfumeur . Draw closes 12/4/2015

Editor's Note: Timbuktu was one of the select few fragrances awarded five stars by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez in the book Perfumes:The Guide  A-Z (2008) 

We have not announced the random winner of M.Micallef Gaiac yet, but stay tuned and check back.

We announce the winners only on site and our Facebook page, so like CaFleureBon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will just be spilled perfume

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58 comments

  • acgreens says:

    Ive been interested in this fragrance for a while but worried about its projection and longevity since id heard not the best things about it in those categories. But I would like to try it out. Great review Sebastian:)

  • acgreens says:

    Oh and I live in Utah. And Ive only tried Tea for Two and Dzhongka. Good stuff. Would like to try others:)

  • Karo says:

    Thanks for this giveaway. Sebastian did an amazing review. I love the fact that Timbuktu has an African influence. Incense is one of my favorite genres of fragrances and being combined with the green notes sounds amazing. I live in the U.S..

  • eric meyers says:

    Love anything with a incense vibe, sebastian has a way of describing fragrances that make you want to iwn all of them no matter the cost.

  • estgrey says:

    I enjoyed hearing about the background and passion Duchafor has for Africa. I’ve only tried one other fragrance from L’Artisan Perfumer that was oud based so I don’t have a favorite yet but really want to try Timbuktu because of the great reviews.

  • Vladimir Tanascuk says:

    For me this is B.D. AT his best game. it just feels different and unique….
    Looking Feeling Smelling Great….. nice and classy work

    enjoy

  • Steve A says:

    Timbuktu IS my favorite L’Artisan (though I like others). It is like a “white light incense” as Sebastian says. This will be great to have a bottle of for the coming winter. USA

  • Maya says:

    I like the idea of a “white, light incense”. I rarely like deep and dark incense. Sebastian’s description of Timbuktu as a dry, basically vetiver scent but being wet underneath is puzzling but interesting. I love L’Eau du Navigateur by Jean-Claude Ellena and Jean-Francois Laporte! It makes no sense at all that it was discontinued. Live in the US.

  • Adam Baskin says:

    I’ve samples Tibunktu and it was an amazing experience and I would love to be able to have experience as often as possible. It would mean so much to me to win the bottle and think about how wonderful the l’artisan house is as it would be the first bottle of the house I own and what a way to start. I love the patchouli vetiver notes in the one and incredible well blended it is. Thanks for the consideration!

  • Ben says:

    I’m in Wisconsin and would love to try this vetiver smoky fragrance in this cold weather! I loved Sebastian ‘s review and how he described the main notes for his nose as well as the notes that are put into the fragrance. I don’t have a favorite perfumer yet but maybe after I try this one I will change my mind.

  • fazalcheema says:

    It is clear from Sebastian’s review Duchaufour has tried to take perfumistas through this perfume, focusing on many notes that make one think of Africa such as vetiver and incense. My fav. from the house is Tea for Two. thanks a lot for the draw. i am in the US

  • lueylu79 says:

    Another great review from Sebastian. I like that this fragrance same one of my favorite notes, which is vetiver. I have never tried anything from this house. Live in the u.s.

  • rin_nd says:

    I am a big Vetiver fan and love the description with the other base notes, green, dry, woods and light incense. I have loved Timbuktu in the tiny little dots from a carded sample. I like L’Artisan Parfumeur a lot, and may others that Duchaufour had created (love his interest in Africa). There are many I want to try. I live in the US, thanks for the draw.

  • Burak says:

    Really big fan of the house. I own 6 fragrances from the house and they are all unique and amazingly unique.

  • atuckeronline says:

    I think Sebastian is right about the smoky dryness of Timbuktu and that it is a great fragrance, but I don’t get the wetness underneath myself. I would say it almost has a soapy incensy quality you don’t smell everywhere and was a nice surprise to my nose when I first tried it. It is one of my favorites by l’Artisan, but my absolute favorite is Patchouli Patch. I am in the US (AL). Thanks for posting on this great scent!

  • bhaffar says:

    This has been on my to smell list for a long time and would love the chance to win this fragrance. Sebastian from Looking, Feeling, Smelling Great on YouTube sent me here after viewing his review of this fragrance. I like how Sebastian describes the fragrances he reviews – he paints a picture with his words that really give me a good idea of what a fragrance smells like without me ever having smelled it. I had Tea for Two and Batucada and would like to smell many others from this House.

  • jiminy says:

    I’d had a sample of Timbuktu for the longest time and never got around to, well, sample it properly. It was only early last month that I wore it for a good three days straight and was sad when I finished it. I liked how Sebastian’s description of the dryness in Timbuktu with that ‘wetness’ that feels like is almost struggling to force itself from behind the barrier of dryness. I get that same feel, almost like it’s a snapshot of that instant in time where the dryness balloon is about to burst and let the ‘water’ out.

    I live in the US. My favorite L’Artisan fragrance is Dzing!

  • John says:

    Timbuktu is a great one indeed. Keep meaning to acquire it, but just never got around to it. Nice juice

  • WaltherP99 says:

    His giving his honest opinion every time-that’s the thing i like the most about Sebastian aka Man Loves Cologne.Never smelled Timbuktu before.
    What i got and love from L`Artisan -Ananas Fizz , Vanille Absolument,Premier Figuier Extreme and Noir Exquis .Virginia USA

  • Mulletsafari says:

    Thank you Sebastian! I always love the professional production of his videos. The Timbuktu review really put the scent in the proper setting to make me appreciate the culture and history that went into this scent. The abundance of knowledge makes me want to revisit the scent.

  • guardianadee says:

    I love how Sebastian included the imagery with the fragrance. To me, fragrances are not only for the olfactory senses. They remind you of a certain time, place, a feeling. I live in Illinois so it is very enticing to hear about the dark and yet festive image that comes from Timbuktu. As for my favorite fragrance, I’d have to say that I enjoy Nuit de Tubereuse. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • King Ted says:

    I enjoy the fact that Sebastian always gives his honest opinion on fragrances. I live in Florida and I never tried any of the fragrances from this house.. I’m looking forward to getting my nose on Timbuktu, sounds very interesting.

  • ringthing says:

    I haven’t smelled Timbuktu since my early perfumeista days but I am a huge Duchafor fan. And I hardly ever visit YouTube so I started following lookfeelsmellgreat on Instagram and fell down a video wormhole lol. I enjoyed Sebastian’s clear and concise review of Timbuktu, especially the way he describes many L’Artisan scents as having a clear sheen, that’s so true, and his enthusiasm for the way the vetiver, papyrus and patchouli combine. Passage d’Enfer is a favorite of mine for the “white” clear incense. Thanks Sebastian, L’Artisan and CaFleurebon for the review and opportunity!

  • TravisO says:

    Thanks for the review and giveaway Sebastian and Cafleurebon. I like when Sebastian mentions a dark and mysterious scent. I really like Dzjng from the line myself. Hailing from Hawaii. Mahalo

  • ScottF says:

    What I loved about Seb’s video is how he is able to really paint a picture of what a fragrance smells like and how it will make you feel. I havent gotten my nose on this one but I seem to share a similar taste in frags as Seb…..must be the love of Vetiver!!! I spend some time in Orlando florida during the colder months.

  • Len says:

    Great review Sebastian! I think you are the best out there and the background on Timbuktu really added. I had no idea it was based on a African love potion. I like dry fragrances land the wetness you describe that tries to push through is intriguing. My favorite LArtisan is Dzongkha
    I do like incense scents

  • Amber says:

    I love the African Art connection, it’s something I am really fascinated by as well. I’m in the US.

  • flarie75 says:

    Thank you for your generosity. I love hoe Sebastian describes the note breakdown. My favorite from L’Artisa is is tea for two. I live in Gum Springs.

  • gitmodoug says:

    Fantastic review as usual Sebastian. Your reviews are always very fun to watch. I’m in the united states and my favorite from the house is Fou d`Absinthe.

  • reginagar says:

    What I always enjoy from Sebastian Jara’s reviews is how natural his opinions are presented. Very unbiased. Lovely.

    I’m in Clark County, the fragrance from L’Artisam Perfumeur that I like is actually Timbuktu, I remember smelling it before and loved it. I hope I win!

  • tiafelaaleman says:

    Dzing! is the best perfume from L’Artisan. I loved Sebastian’s review of Timbuktu. I’m intrigued by the notes, I would like to try this.

    I live in Arkansas.

  • flarevoice says:

    Hey Sebastian, that was a great review. I’ve always enjoyed watching reviews from Looking, Feeling Smelling great, he has a vast collection and knowledge about fragrances.

    I am located in Arkadelphia. I have a favorite fragrance from L’Artisan, it is Traversee du Bosphore.

  • Staceyw says:

    I tried a sample of this one a few years ago when I was just starting my perfume hobby and wasn’t sold but hearing his review I’d like to try it again as I think I would appreciate it much more now. My current favorite L’Artisan is Noir Esquis and I’m in the U.S. Thanks!

  • lionceau says:

    Another great review, Sebastian! The description of this one sounds nice. Tea for Two is my favorite but would love to explore more from the line.
    Thanks for the draw! USA

  • Lawton jeffcoat says:

    This sounds like a great woodsy earthy fragrance!
    I like the backstory to it and it invokes my imagination quite well. I like earthy vetiver scents. 🙂

    Thank you and sebastian for this opportunity.
    Kind regards. Lj

  • renatagar says:

    What I loved most about Sebastian’s review is the inspiration from the perfumer to create this fragrance.

    Tea for two is the best from this house in my opinion.

    I’m in the United States!

  • gitmodouga says:

    Fantastic review Sebastian. Great job! The best part is when you talked about the inspiration from Bertrand Duchaufour.

    I love all of the fragrances from L’Artisan Perfumeur, Although my favorite is premier figuier.

  • girasole638 says:

    I love, love, love Timbuktu! I’ve been jealously guarding the last few mls in my mini bottle but would love to be able to wear it freely without worry of running out! I like that Sebastian includes information about the nose and inspiration of the scent in his review. I always love a bit of context! Limiting myself to just one L’Artisan favorite is almost impossible, but there are three that are definitely at the top: Dzing!, Skin on Skin (another gorgeous Duchaufour creation) and Tea for Two. Thanks so much for the opportunity! (I’m in the US)

  • benjariell says:

    I enjoyed the blog media intro.. 🙂 I enjoyed how Sebastian went to great lengths to try to explain to the viewer what the fragrance smells like. Amazing job. I live in Oklahoma and I have not yet smelled L’AP perfumes yet.

  • Kadu says:

    Great Review Sebastian. I’m a big fan of L’Artisan Parfumeur my favorite is Batucada along with Tea for Two. I haven’t tried Timbuktu yet but according with Sebastian’s review this one sounds to be a great vetiver scent and vetiver is one of my favorite notes. I’m curious smoky dryness of Timbuktu.

    I’m in the US

  • Greg says:

    This is on the top of my list of MUST HAVE fragrances. Wonderful giveaway and another great review. Thanks Sebastian!

  • Walter Epting says:

    I’ve never tried this fragrance, but i really like the way Sebastian described it.I’ve only tried patchouli patch from this house,so i’m interested in trying some others,cheers!

  • Moliterno says:

    What a great review Sebastian. I’ve nerver tried any L’Artisan Parfumeur but I’ve heard good thing about Tea for Two. This is the first review I saw about Timbuktu and sounds me to be a very interesting fragrance. I’d love to try Timbuktu one day.

    I’m in the United States

  • Patty P says:

    I enjoy the mix of video reviews this site offers along with the straight reads. I like half a dozen or more L’Artisans. Still, Mure et Musc remains my favorite. 🙂 USA

  • JazzBelle says:

    I always thoroughly enjoy Sebastian’s reviews. Bertrand’s travels to Mali and attendance at the ceremonies there sounds fascinating! I love Sebastian’s reviews – they always make me feel as though I just sniffed it myself. I know scent is so hard to describe, but Sebastian is excellent at it!

    Timbuktu sounds like a fascinating unique incense. I love vetiver so I will love this perfume. I also love patchouli. I love how this fragrance is festive, but also “dark” as Sebastian describes it. I love the the sheerness of L’artisan perfumes. It’s helpful to know that spring and fall are the best seasons to wear Timbuktu.

    My favorite L’artisan perfume of the moment is Rose Privee. Would love love love to add another to my collection!

    I live in the USA. Thank you!

  • Derek says says:

    Sebastian hit the mark with his take on this fragrance. I’ve only had samples but it is a nice, light, and complex scent that evokes individuality. You’re not going to smell like someone else and its not going to offend anyone. I live in the united States. Thank you

  • psebi101 says:

    I like that he is describing the fragrance with references, not only notes. I live in the US. My favorite L’Artisan is Coeur de Vetiver Sacre.

  • Cynthia says:

    I like the review of the ingredients which are representative of Africa. My favorite L’ARtisans is Dzongkha and The Pour Un Ete. I live in the USA. Thank you.

  • Ginny M says:

    Charming! I liked Sebastian’s analogy to walking through dry woods with moisture lying just underneath every step. I really get that notion! I live in the U.S. and, while Duchaufour is my favorite L’Artisan parfumeur (I especially adore Dzongka), my current favorite scent from the house is Mure e Musc Intense! Thanks for the draw!

  • Diego says:

    Great review Sebastian. Timbuktu is a very nice and unique fragrance like you said. I tried Timbuktu a little time ago and the insence was very pronounced on my skin working together with vetiver and the picture that came to my mind was a fire pit in the savannah. I really can see the this been ininspired by ritual in Africa. My favorite L’Artisan Parfumeur is Premier Figuier Extreme.
    I’m un the US

  • minteacup says:

    Sebastian’s review really made me wish I had a sample of Timbuktu to sniff along with him! I have not tried this L’AP, but I have a bottle of Safran Troublant and I might go for more Mimosa pour Moi when I drain my decant.. I’m in the US, thanks for the draw.

  • Mim says:

    My favorite part of Sebastian’s review was where he described the dry/wet feelings in Timbuktu’s development. It’s hard to put into words, but the experiences of dryness/moisture and also temperature are very real even though I don’t know how smell alone would do that? But it’s an essential component of the experience.

    I feel like I got a great sense of the scent, with vetiver green woodsy
    translucency, and it appeals to me greatly!

    Tea for Two and Safran Troublant are my two favorites, but I enjoy most of them.

    I live in the USA. Thank you!

  • Le Parfum says:

    Hernando Courtright’s favorite Star Wars character is James Earl Jones as Darth Vader.
    Aaron Potterman’s favorite Star Wars character is Jeremy Wallach as Boba Fett.
    Ermano Picco could care less about Star Wars.
    Jasia Julia Nielson’s favorite Star Wars character is Adam Driver as Kylo Ren.
    Liza Wade’s favorite Star Wars character is Chewbacca.
    Bettina Korp’s favorite Star Wars character is Max Von Sydow as Lor San Tekka.
    Michael Singels’ favorite Star Wars character is Billie Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian.
    Pam Barr’s favorite Star Wars character is Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia.
    The Nosey Artist’s favorite Star Wars character is Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan Kanobi.
    Elise Pearlstin’s favorite Star Wars character is Harrison Ford as Hans Solo.
    Michelyn Camen’s favorite Star Wars character is R2D2.

    In the USA and my favorite Star Wars character is Hans Solo

    – Elisire 50 ml of Ambre Nomade
    – M.Micallef 100 ml Gaiac
    – Olfactive Studio 100 ml bottle of Selfie
    – Daniel Josier Josune
    – YS Uzac 50ml of Dragon Tattoo
    – Erik Kormann 50 ml November

    how can be it possible, some beauties that went unclaimed.