Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur De La Nuit Review (Isabelle Doyen and Camille Goutal) + Smells & Shadows Giveaway

Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur De La Nuit

Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur De La Nuit by Karl©

I was immediately intrigued by Voyages Imaginaires straight after the brand appeared on Indigo Perfumery’s live Instagram session on April 24th. The perfumers’ creative vision to produce an olfactory trip using only natural raw materials was a lofty ambition with risks attached so when I received the call from founder Camille Goutal that their range was on its way to me to sample, I was struck by the butterflies of excitement associated with a special new experience. Voyages Imaginaires is the brainchild of both Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen, and their philosophy is to take us on a voyage to the heart of creation. They invite us to explore perfumes that take us to new horizons and bring to us through their own lives expressed in each perfume a change of scenery and mindset as to what all natural fragrances can be.

 

Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen

Camille Goutal & Isabelle Doyen of Voyages Imaginaires – Image courtesy of the brand

The challenge to bring to market haute couture perfumery using a restricted palette of all-naturals is both costly and time consuming. Associated with this is their eco-friendly presentation made from biodegradable cellophane and virgin box of FSC-labelled textured paper.

Voyages Imaginaires perfumes

Voyages Imaginaires Bottles edited by Emmanuelle©  Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur de La Nuit on left

The bottles are 75ml vaporisers of translucent glass, which are refillable and the cap a raw expression of structure. The painstaking work involved to develop these products are a signature of a brand with a vision of purest quality and elegance. All this would be to no end should the scents fail in bringing one pleasure and are original in both concept and olfactive experience.

Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur de la nuit

 Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur de La Nuit double sided label bottle – photos by Voyages Imaginaires, edited by Emmanuelle©

Enchantment and emotion are close to Camille Goutal’s and Isabelle Doyen’s hearts. As someone who draws her inspirations from the love of music, art and literature, her signature is evident when spritzing  Voyages La Couleur de La Nuit La Couleur De La Nuit. So tonight, let us saunter across the city of light and enter the nightlife of 1880’s Paris.

Moulin Rouge in Paris

Moulin Rouge via wikipedia

‘These evocations of another world, these wild conflagrations, these twilight tones, these overexcited emanations disappeared in their turn and a hallali of colours burst, prestigious, unheard of.’ J.K. Huysmans, Les Similitudes, Croquis Parisiens (1880)

The excerpt from ‘Les Similitudes’ above by J.K. Huysmans is a poetic painting of mind-blowing proportions and a sensory escapade, describing late night caprices, it played a distinct part in the inspiration of Isabelle Doyen Perfumer of Voyage Imaginaires in beginning her fragrant journey. Reading ‘Les Similitudes’ draws colourful visions across one’s mind and is a dizzying recollection of the smells and shadows of twilight in Paris witnessing the cabaret scene in wonderful technicolour.

Our imagination allows us license for creativity and our own escapades. When I wear a perfume such as this, it opens a specific mood and is like linking together the final pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and experiencing Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur De La Nuit was like passing through the looking glass into another realm and understanding precisely the vibe that it was intended to create. Whether in Europe, the USA or Asia; the twilight haze of reflections on damp sidewalks is something we can all relate to. And so, we travel to an evening in the city of lights circa the 1880s: picture yourself here, it is marvelously outlandish, and neighborhoods swell with rich cabarets offering up all types of nightlife sojourns. From the sublime to the seditious, patrons visit gothic nightspots themed around heaven and hell, all kinds of venues are on offer here in Bohemian Paris. Voyages Imaginaries La Couleur De La Nuit opens with an aromatic accord built around lavender, rose and geranium. This is our opportunity to casually meander through wet streets with our heels crisply striking the cobbles taking in the ruby lit windows of late-night bars and cafes. The lavender and geranium provide the sparkle and cool aloofness and the rose keeps the fresh aspects going whilst also warming up proceedings. This exhilarating prelude gives way to a slinky and seductive bewitching sweetness as we are met with a voluptuous vanilla in combination with fir balsam that projects us straight into the vivid scene of daring private members clubs of a bygone era. You get the sense of dark speakeasies and clandestine escapades. We travel deeper down the steps into the vaults where ouverte personalities recline on garnet chaise lounge sofas in anticipation of the festivities to come. The fervor is brought across when these notes mingle with a fierce patchouli which beckons us closer to discover what lies beyond the velvet red curtains.

 

 courtesy of Creative Commons

It is a sweet seduction; the amber and woody nuances turn light to black… the notes mix and give an impression of slightly sticky lips like a lingering tender midnight kiss. The depth of La Couleur De La Nuit becomes a languorous essence that mingles so smoothly as to transform with the heat of bodies in flux. One seems to lose one’s wits in the caress of these passionate tones which sway between sweet and deep. As the scent descends further honeyed aspects pulse through and we reach the climactic resolution of a chypre with chameleon like qualities. This is slow perfumery that unfurls its secrets over time and the olfactory experience is unique and unexpected with lacquered layers and a seductive heart. Although I can imagine that it may be polarising; be aware, it does break the mold,  Voyages Imaginaries La Couleur De La Nuit is a scent for connoisseurs, as what you experience in the beginning is completely juxtaposed by the ending.

Karl Topham, Editor

Voyages Imaginaires, La Couleur De La Nuit launched in 2020.

Notes: Lavender, Rose, Geranium, Fir Balsam, Vanilla, Patchouli

Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur De La Nuit kindly sent to Karl for review purposes.  Opinion are my own and I wore it to a wedding recently… big compliments getter

Please Read: Michelyn & Ermano’s Best of 2021 where Voyages Imaginaires was voted best Natural Fragrance House.

Ida Meister’s review of Tea & Rock N Roll and Emmanuelle Varron’s House overview.

Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur De La Nuit Image by Karl

Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur de La Nuit review

Thanks to the generosity  of Voyages Imaginaires we have a 75 ml bottle of La Couleur De La Nuit for one registered reader in the EU, USA, UK, You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what you find most interesting based on Karl’s review of Voyages Imaginaries La Couleur de La Nuit and where you live. Draw closes 6/19/22

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58 comments

  • ramsesii says:

    ‘Les Similitudes’ Is a beautiful painting! a natural approach through perfumery to a historical perspective. Paris nightlife in 1880s! As the picture shows: glamorous nightlife mid Paris. So the perfume came to mix sweet and deep. I enjoyed the description of the perfume and I would think it embodies the picture beautiful. Chypre with chameleon qualities with sweet and amberish/woody notes. The combination between “sweet” like vanilla and “dark” like patchouli explains what the perfumer tried to achieve. Sounds great given that it’s natural. USA

  • Anca Tse says:

    Three years ago I was gifted a bottle of Beaute du Diable, and since then I’ve been hooked on Voyage Imaginaires’ travels. Recently I’ve rediscovered the silhouette of patchouli on my skin, and fallen for it. Thus an imaginary trip to the nights of Paris of the 1880s would be hard to pass.

  • akb says:

    Busy nighttime cities (something I once took for granted!) have been an object of longing for me ever since the Covid-19 pandemic began. I just want to go out! In 1880s Paris? Sure! Karl’s review captures so beautifully how this perfume generates a feeling and a place that I imagine many of us have been craving (minus, maybe, the prevalence of tuberculosis). I’m in New York, USA.

  • elocin says:

    Karl provided a snapshot into a sensual night out in the city of lights circa 1880s. La Couleur de La Nuit sounds complex and intoxicating with the layers unfurling over time. Based in the UK.

  • FC says:

    I am familiar with Camille and Isebelle’s work with the Goutal brand so it is intriguing how they have realized their visions in natural perfumes. It is clear from the description that Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur De La Nuit drew influence from music, art, and culture. The notes also hint at a classical composition. I am in US.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    Super evocative name (and evocative art direction for this review!). I especially loved the sense that the journey at the beginning where we get at the end are very juxtaposed–I’m a huge fan of scents that have a unique and multi-faceted journey. Also, I love to hear that this feels like a scent that pairs well with/changes with one’s body. The aromatic floral top and ambery, vanillic drydown sounds great–a favorite kind of journey of mine in a scent! Thanks so much for the draw–I’m in the US (Colorado).

  • JB says:

    I love the idea of “slow perfumery”, the idea of a perfume revealing itself over a period of time appeals to me. As someone who wears perfume for myself, I especially like when a fragrance spends the day telling a story in long prose.
    I am in the US.

  • Jeremi says:

    I find the notes of this unique fragrance the most interesting. I live in Poland, EU.

  • Timea says:

    At firs I very like that they used only all natural raw materials for making the perfume. I very love natural perfumes. And the drawing/painting is very lovely. I would very like to smell this time travel feeling scent. Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    A perfect fragrance to wander late at night on the streets in summer through cafes and on the beach.
    I am from EU Bucharest Romania

  • Amaziz89 says:

    This is slow perfumery that unfurls its secrets over time and the olfactory experience is unique and unexpected with lacquered layers and a seductive heart. Although I can imagine that it may be polarising; be aware, it does break the mold, Voyages Imaginaries La Couleur De La Nuit is a scent for connoisseurs, as what you experience in the beginning is completely juxtaposed by the ending. A beautiful description by Karl what struck me most that this is not a linear scent and I am fascinated by the notes especially Patchouli, Rose and Vanilla in particular. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    I am intrigued by the sweet and Chameleon like facets of this scent described by Karl. All the notes sound sumptuous and beautiful. Thanks a lot from the United Kingdom

  • NituNicolae says:

    Rose, geranium and lavender. Simple and sweet. Love it! Interesting comparison with completing a jigsaw puzzle. Excited for the giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity! From Romania, EU.

  • Sonbahia says:

    Nice review Karl! As you say is ambitious to bring these olfactory voyages using only natural raw materials but Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen were meant to succeed, even more being inspired by their love of music, art and literature. La Couleur de La Nuit takes us to a glamurous and in wonderful technicolour cabaret nightlife in 1880´s. The opening accord of sparkling and cool lavender, geranium and rose. From the street we enter the cabaret with the sweet vanilla and the dark fir balsam. The patchouli helps to open the red velvet curtains and snoop what is beyond. The trip is a Chypre with chameleon qualities with sweet amber and woody notes. We are ready to face a polarising and groundbreaking scent! I live in Spain, EU.

  • Marjorie says:

    Brilliant review Karl
    I bought a sample of tea &rock and roll from indigo perfumery. This might be full bottle !!
    Big fan of both Camille Goutal and Isabelle doyen at Annick Goutal

  • INYA says:

    I like the creativity of Voyages Imaginaires and their beautiful packaging. Natural perfumery is truly an art form in itself. I would love to experience La Couleur De La Nuit. Thanks for the opportunity. Mich USA

  • xoe says:

    Kari’s review brings the mutable nature of La Couleur de la Nuit to the fore. It sounds like quite an experience. And I love everything about the brand. Their commitment to quality and sustainability are remarkable. I am in the US.

  • Steve A says:

    What I found most interesting was the line, “…what you experience in the beginning is completely juxtaposed by the ending”. US

  • Diana D says:

    Such beautiful packaging and I love they are made with all natural ingredients.
    The combination of rose and patchouli is a favorite of mine. I really enjoy dark, mysterious rose fragrances.
    I live in the USA.

  • Laurentiu says:

    Interesting notes, a very simple composition when you look at the notes, but I bet that there are many things going on, multiple facets yet to be discovered! I have not tried anything from this house but would love to! Thanks!

  • alleycat says:

    The line about sticky lips was cute. I really enjoy lavender in fragrances and this sounds like it’s used in a much less demure fashion than I am used to. I am from USA

  • Sngash says:

    Thank you Karl for a wonderful review. From my experience with the Goutal brand, I would have high expectations for La Couleur De La Nuit and would love to be totally seduced by it 🙂 Thank you for the giveaway. I’m in USA

  • Starlit12 says:

    Sounds seductive and absolutely glorious, I love rose and patchouli in a fragrance and lavender and geranium sound interesting as a fresh touch.
    I am in the EU, Denmark.

  • Shibics says:

    big thumbs up for the care they put in the packaging – after all, if you go all natural on the inside of the bottle, it is very thoughtful to match the outside, too.
    as for the fragrance, since I don’t think cities can evoke olfactory sensations to me, I’ll go for “breaking of the mold” :), the colour of the night should be reaaally interesting.
    living in EU.

  • RiccardoC says:

    I truly loved the review, as it highlights how evocative this perfume is and because of its thoroughness in details description.
    I love the notes and would really love to try it, also because it would be my first perfume of the brand
    Riccardo, Italy EU

  • skye says:

    Karl’s description of La Couleur De La Nuit as an experience like passing through the looking glass into another realm is appealing for a fragrance. I hope to be sensorium transported by wearing perfume and the nightlife of 1880s Paris is a great place to visit. The notes seem classic and well blended with cool lavender and geranium and voluptuous vanilla. I’m in MD, USA.

  • Bassey says:

    I have never heard of Voyages Imaginaires but Karl’s review of La Couleur De La Nuit has been a nice introduction to the house. I appreciate its desire/goal to use only natural raw naterisls. La Couleur de la nuit sounds like a complex fragrance that breaks the mold of fragrances in its genre. It also seems to be a really artistic fragrance based on Karl review. Maryland, US.

  • C K says:

    Really enjoyed this review. Karl really painted a vivid picture. The scent sounds unique and intriguing. I particularly like this bit, “This exhilarating prelude gives way to a slinky and seductive bewitching sweetness as we are met with a voluptuous vanilla in combination with fir balsam that projects us straight into the vivid scene of daring private members clubs of a bygone era.” La Couleur De La Nuit sounds transportative and I love the idea of Voyages Imaginaires as well. Thanks for the generous draw from the USA.

  • megabass99 says:

    Love the name of this fragrance and the imagination it conjures .. from Chandler ,Arizona

  • ElenaChiss says:

    This sounds very sensual: It is a sweet seduction; the amber and woody nuances turn light to black… the notes mix and give an impression of slightly sticky lips like a lingering tender midnight kiss. The depth of La Couleur De La Nuit becomes a languorous essence that mingles so smoothly as to transform with the heat of bodies in flux.

    Thank you! Europe

  • Christos GX says:

    What was the most interesting fact about me is the vocabulary, still to my head the phrase: sweet seduction, made me think of a sublte and respectuful way to seduce someone(if that is possible). I live in Greece, EU.

  • foreverscents says:

    Oh, how I love late night caprices. I really senses the evocative nature of La Couleur de la Nuit. I would so love to time travel to Paris in the 1800s. It must have been such a seductive time, a time of elegance and dangerous liaisons.
    I live in the USA.

  • RonaldJ says:

    Thanks for this interesting article Karl!

    This is the first time I hear about Voyages Imaginaire and the first impression is really good!
    I loved to read that their philosophy is to take us on a voyage to the heart of creation. My olfactive journey has been a quest to experience as many new and different fragrances as possible and I feel excited to try their creations.

    In your description of La Couleur De La Nuit where say that experience in the beginning is completely juxtaposed by the ending I can also feel the butterflies of excitement.

    Greetings from the UK!

  • drjedi says:

    Karl’s review of Voyages Imaginaries La Couleur de La Nuit paints a picture of a perfume that could be polarizing for some, but it’s very well blended and may appeal to a section of open minded connoisseurs of the art of perfumery. I like the listed notes and description of Voyages Imaginaries La Couleur de La Nuit . Unfortunately I haven’t tried anything by this brand, yet. Thanks for the draw and review. From USA.

  • Niinocka says:

    This’s not a review, it’s an ode to Voyages Imaginaires and its new fragrance. Karl’s style of writing was able to immerse me completely and convinced me that I would be missing out greatly if I did not try Voyages Imaginaires fragrances.
    I was impressed by the vision of both women responsible for creating all-natural perfumes in eco–friendly presentation. The most striking parts are Karl’s reference to the nightlife of 1880’s Paris and the description of the development of La Couleur de La Nuit.

    Thank you Karl for a wonderfully written piece and thanks to Voyages Imaginaires for creating such refine fragrances (and for a giveaway :))
    Greetings from Slovenia (EU).

  • wandering_nose says:

    I find myself very strongly drawn to this perfume… I guess the name speaks to my imagination, and the notes along with Karl’s background story of the 1880s Paris by night just come together to create a deep and seductive effect. The concept of slow perfumery based exclusively on natural ingredients is so admirable these days as it is takes both craft and artistry, well done to Camille and Isabelle. I would love to be able to try this beauty. Thank you from the Republic of Ireland, EU

  • Mirea Luca says:

    All naturals? This sounds so hard to do, especially seeing that they want to give us a trip down the memory lane with each bottle. The scent has to be complex for that to work… I also love how sensual this fragrance is imagined. Geranium, fir balsam, rose, this sounds like an incredible fragrance and the review was beautiful. Thank you for the opportunity! I live in Romania, EU.

  • Maestro says:

    Thank you so much Karl for your lovely review. “A voyage to the heart of creation” what a beautiful expression for the idea of LA COULEUR DE LA NUIT. I especially loved the idea that all ingredients are all-naturals and the sense that the journey at the beginning and where we get at the end are very juxtaposed–I’m a huge fan of perfumes with a unique and multi-faceted journey. Also, I love to hear that this feels like a scent that pairs well with and changes with one’s body. The aromatic floral top and ambery, vanillic dry down sounds excellent–a favorite kind of journey of mine in a fragrance! greeting from Bosnia and Herzegovina 🙂

  • mosttaa says:

    what i like about this perfume that they used only all natural materials for making the perfume. I love natural perfumes. I would love to smell this time travel feeling scent. Thank you for the chance from Sarajevo Bosnia.

  • mosttaa says:

    The combination between “sweet” like vanilla and “dark” like patchouli explains what the perfumer tried to achieve. Sounds great given that it’s natural. from sarajevo

  • IvanVelikov says:

    Fragrances like Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur De La Nuit is artistic fragrance, having both fougere and aromatic features. I the contrast between the different stages of the fragrance , and the red lanterns kind of flirtatious feel.
    Thanks to Karl, Voyages Imaginaries
    USA

  • Michael Prince says:

    What I found interesting about Karl’s review of Voyages Imaginaries La Couleur de La Nuit is how Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen create all natural fragrances inspired by art and music. This creation is inspired by J.K. Huysmans, Les Similitudes, Croquis Parisiens (1880). I love how Karl vividly describes this fragrance in great detail and it sounds like something I would love. I am from the USA.

  • aurora_ru says:

    Chypre with chameleon like qualities sounds interesting! I also like this description: “slow perfumery that unfurls its secrets over time and the olfactory experience is unique and unexpected with lacquered layers and a seductive heart”.
    I live in the EU, thank you for the draw!!

  • Southirina says:

    Voyages Imaginaires is so actual and exactly in the present moment. Producing a perfume that slowly developes and even changes its chemistry upon the skin alchemy, is pure magic. And when only natural ingredients are used for this symbiotic connection, the results must be astonishing.
    Hugs from Romania

  • Claumarchini says:

    Wow, that was really an amazing “Voyage imaginaire”, going to 1880 Paris! I love how this brand is taking us on amazing journeys, as well as their focus on sustainability and natural materials. La Couleur de la Nuit sounds like a fantastic perfume, I enjoyed very much Karl’s description and him defining it like a Chameleon, due to its multi-faceted features. I am definitely very intrigued by this fragrance and would love to also travel with it! Greetings from Milan

  • petergigov says:

    I can’t say I’m into gothic culture, but fun nightspots , adventures , sophisticated scents I really like.
    La Couleur de La Nuit checks all the boxes for one special artisanal fragrance
    Nice giveaway, USA
    Regards

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I certainly want to try something from this perfumer/creative director duo. The notes listing for this seems appealing to me since it contains some of my favorite notes. I like when Karl says “Voyages Imaginaries La Couleur De La Nuit is a scent for connoisseurs, as what you experience in the beginning is completely juxtaposed by the ending.” I live in the U.S.A.

  • Uncle1979 says:

    Karl Topham take on Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur De La Nuit reminded me of my days living in Paris, trying to become classically trained Pastry Chef. Good old days, with a lot of working, clubbing and not a lot of sleep.
    I rarely go clubbing nowadays, twice a month at best, but I still go on romantic dates with my girlfriend, eating Rose and Pistachios Vanilla tarts with her is what I’m thinking right now.
    Appreciate the review, and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    I like how Karl showed us Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur De La Nuit , with the help of Parisian sketches . The sparkling rose , and warmer vanilic base , with patchouli intrigued me the most.
    Thank you for the opportunity
    USA

  • mmerline says:

    Is it just me, or are those vaporiser bottles magnificent? They’re among the best presentation I’ve seen in ages; they’re also a great match for the natural materials brand concept. I love a fragrance with movement and progression, and the way Karl describes the eventual drydown makes La Couleur De La Nuit seem like a riveting trip from floral to rich chypre base. It sounds lovely.

    I’m in the midwest, USA.

  • mronhubbard says:

    If La Couleur de La Nuit can conjure such Huysmansian fantasms through luxurious olfactive craftsmanship, I’m all in. I love it when a scent can stimulate my imagination so.
    (California)

  • WaltherP99 says:

    I’ve seen people posting pictures on Instagram, but I’m not familiar with Voyages Imaginaires.
    Bohemian avant-garde pefumery , i have high expectations for La Couleur De La Nuit , because of Karl’s artsy review, but also because of the noses , Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen made the iconic Ninfeo Mio by Goutal .
    Isabelle Doyen also composed the venerated by almost all ex- , and current Cafleurebon reviewers , Nuit de Bakélite by Naomi Goodsir.
    All other profiles I already follow , @waltherp99bg
    Thanks a lot
    USA

  • Gig84 says:

    Voyages Imaginaires La Couleur de La Nuit is provocative and seductive, aromatic , sweet and deep , chameleon fragrance if I have to guess.
    I understand it should be close to the nightlife of 1880’s Paris , Asia and USA, but I actually sense the footprint of modern fragrance. I’m interested
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the fantastic writeup Karl.

    These bottles are a treat and I love the overall aesthetic. Each of these labels makes the perfume look like a volume in as story. Based on this review, I am amazed at the ability of this perfume to tease so many facets and moods.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • rachelng says:

    Karl!! ❤️❤️❤️ What an evocative review!! I lived in Paris for some time & my apartment was down the street from the Moulin Rouge (I lived at Metro Barbès). You absolutely capture this neighborhood (both then & now). I’m now fascinated to discover La Couleur de la Nuit! Of course, the all-natural twist makes me even more curious! Thank you for the wonderful opportunity! ❤️ USA

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Fantastic review Karl! What I find most interesting based on Karl’s review of Voyages Imaginaries La Couleur de La Nuit is learning that not only does it use only natural materials, but also that this approach is associated with their eco-friendly philosophy and presentation. The two fit perfectly together in my mind and I appreciate a fragrance house that works with those. It definitely makes me very eager to try this fragrance. I live in the US.