In 2011, Diptyque released a fragrance called 34 Boulevard Saint Germain. Designed to remind the wearer of the cacophony of fragrance one would experience on entering the flagship store at that address, it was very “Diptyque” in character. Although I sniffed at it several times, I was never quite compelled to thoroughly explore it. This spring, another version was released, L’Eau du Trente-Quatre, to represent the greener aromas that emerge in the shop when Paris heats up in the summertime. With aspects of the original Diptyque L’Eau blended with the 34 Boulevard Saint Germain, it is a more refreshing interpretation of the miasma of fragrances that represent Diptyque.

Inside the boutique at 34 Boulevard St. Germain

When I say “cacophony” and “miasma”, please don’t think that it is an olfactory assault. I am fortunate to have a stand-alone Diptyque boutique in my city, and walking into it is always a joy. With the displays of perfume and walls of candles it can’t help but smell amazing in there, and I can wander around smelling and basking for quite some time. I’m sure the French flagship is similarly delightful, and I can understand why they wanted a perfume that represented that experience.

Paris in the Summer by Bonnie Goedecke

L’Eau du Trente-Quatre goes on with a fresh blast of bitter citruses. It is refreshing, but not sweet. There is a green aspect that is very natural-smelling , like crushing a leaf in your hand. It’s not the delicate green of grass, but the more chunky green of an herbaceous tree. As the scent progresses on skin, it softens and becomes more complex. It is woody and herbal, with a light floral breath, and the citruses recede into the background, peeking through now and then.

Vintage Photo, Paris

I was lying on my bed reading a few hours after applying, relaxing after running errands, and since my nose was pretty close to my arm, I took a few huffs. The perfume was hazy and down-to-earth, close to my skin but definitely present. If I inhaled deeply, I still got a hint of the great citrus that wanders through the scent from top to bottom. It’s my favorite part of this fragrance, actually.

Summer Evening in Paris by Childe Hassam

I think L’Eau du Trente Quatre would be a great alternative to some of the brighter, splashier summer scents around. It has more grounding qualities while still being airy. It’s like a very warm, soft breeze coming off an herb garden. It would be a scent to wear in spring and summer, and I think it would be fantastic on a warm evening.

Notes: Bitter orange, verbena, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, nutmeg, juniper berries, cinnamon tree leaves, birch tree leaf, Egyptian geranium, tuberose, Virginian cedarwood, patchouli, incense, Spanish cist [probably cistus], musks.

I received my sample from the San Francisco Diptyque boutique, and I have an extra for one lucky US reader. Let us know your favorite Diptyque or summer perfume, and make sure to tell us you are in the USA… Draw closes April 5, 2013.

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

–Tama Blough, Senior Editor