Bon Parfumeur 003 yuzu feuilles de violette vétiver review (Carla Chabert) + Perfect Balance Giveaway

Bon Parfumeur 003 yuzu feuilles de violette vétiver

Bon Parfumeur 003 yuzu feuilles de violette vétiver photo courtesy of Indigo Perfumery©

We’ve just passed the autumnal equinox mark – that season during which the thinning of the veil between the physical and spiritual world is said to occur. It is often experienced as a period of heightened intuition, an increased perceived spiritual presence and otherworldly influences. How to maintain one’s equilibrium during seasonal fluctuation? One pleasurable panacea might be a fragrance which may be enjoyed all year round: a steadying influence, one of perfect olfactory balance – in this case, Bon Parfumeur 003 yuzu feuilles de violette vétiver. There’s nothing so tonic as a soothing, grounding cologne to center one, especially if it’s as reasonably priced, beautifully constructed, and as versatile as this one is.

 

Carla Chabert perfumer

 perfumer Carla Chabert via Bon Parfumeur

Bon Parfumeur 003 can be a little challenging to categorize; it feels too simplistic (and crass) to refer to it as a citrus-woody freshie. I prefer to describe it as invigorating forest bathing with a twist – and even that seems faint praise to me. Perfumer Carla Chabert (who is perhaps best known for her compositions for the British brand Molton Brown) demonstrates the efficacy of a less-is-more philosophy; her given pyramid is relatively brief compared to many scents, but each material possesses its own unique character and is essential [sic] to the overall perfumed plot. It’s not uncommon for a pared-down formula to trump a kitchen-sink one. I tend to prefer a certain clarity to a muddled fragrance – which is all too easy to achieve, especially when the perfumer is very excited about a project, or has been urged by their creative director to include any number of aromatic elements. In Bon Parfumeur 003, only the indispensable exists – and it’s blissfully elegant just as is.

Bon Parfumeur 003

via Unsplash 

A combined trio of introductory effervescent citruses awaken our senses – the tart, mouthwatering notes of bergamot, yuzu, and lime impart a lively tone straight away. Just enough neroli and jasmine dovetail, tender and devoid of dominance: their floralcy provides a sophisticated heart/bridge between the zesty top notes and the fragrance’s earthier, sylvan base. The lemony/peppery nature of elemi provides a lovely foil for crisp, aqueous, cucumber-y aspects of violet leaf: limpid and softly woody. Vetiver contributes facets which help flesh out a forest landscape with its sweetly balsamic, rooty grassiness. I have the distinct impression that either cedarwood, Iso E Super, or other elements are present alongside the musks, but neither is listed. If they are, it certainly would fill in the blanks regarding my woodland impression of Bon Parfumeur 003.

Best Bon Parfumeur perfume

via Pixabay 

Bon Parfumeur 003 is indeed a cologne, but it possesses more tenacity than most fragrances in this concentration. One of the pleasures of such scents lies in their ease of reapplication; refreshing yourself doesn’t run the risk of overwhelming those within your aromatic orbit, and it enables you to feel soigné throughout the day. In some ways, it’s akin to a sense of self-confidence regardless of your environment. If you are a devotee of the concept of a fragrance wardrobe, then Bon Parfumeur 003 is a welcome addition; we could all benefit from that one perfect fit.

Notes: bergamot, yuzu, lime, jasmine, neroli, elemi, vetiver, musks, violet leaves

My sample was kindly provided by Indigo Perfumery – many thanks! My nose is my own…

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

Bon Parfumeur 003 was launched in 20019

Bon Parfumeur 003

Photo courtesy of Indigo Perfumery©

Thanks to Indigo Perfumery, we have one 30 ml bottle of Bon Parfumeur 003 for one registered reader in the US. Please be sure to register. To be eligible tell us what appeals to you about Ida’s review and that you live in the U.S. Draw closes October 6, 2025

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @idameister @indigoperfumery @bonparfumeur @carlachab

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

 

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25 comments

  • Sybelle16 says:

    Key points from Ida’s review are Bon Parfumeur 003 is a beautifully crafted scent that in addition to being inexpensive, is soothing, grounded and versatile. It is uplifting, green, airy, citrusy, musky. Ida emphasizes Bon Parfumeur 003 having a more tenacious presence than some fragrances in the same concentration–it stands out but is subtle at the same time; it won’t overwhelm a room with its presence for those who love to reapply. That it can be a year-round wear in a plus.
    USA

  • Chelly says:

    I love Bon Parfumer. I have several samples but not 003. I have a bottle of 901 which is spicy with lots of nutmeg -more cold weather. I really like how ida said O003 was for all seasons and gives a woodland impression.
    USA

  • Agent47 says:

    Ida’s review of Bon Parfumeur 003 captivated me with its eloquent portrayal of a fragrance both luminous and grounded. Carla Chabert’s depiction of yuzu’s effervescence entwined with violet leaf and vetiver evoked a refined tension—bright yet contemplative. As a devotee of vetiver, with 601 Vetiver, Cedar & Bergamot as a staple, 003 feels like a natural evolution. I’d be delighted to win the giveaway and explore its quiet sophistication firsthand. Cheers from NY, USA

  • Fernando says:

    What jumps out at me is that Ida says this has more tenacity than other colognes of this sort. The presence of vetiver and violet leaf also makes this attractive. I don’t know the brand at all.

  • Laura Hamrick says:

    Sounds beautiful and perfect for the season! I was ok with “citrus woody freshie” but your description paints a portrait!

  • reyessence89 says:

    I prefer the 400s, 500s, and 800s series of Bon Parfumeur, but if this is indeed “cologne intense”, it is definitely worth a sniff. I really like BF’s quality for the price point. To quote Ida… it is “reasonably priced, beautifully constructed, and… versatile”. I live in the US.

  • reyessence89 says:

    I prefer the 400s, 500s, and 800s series of Bon Parfumeur, but if this is indeed “cologne intense”, it is definitely worth a sniff. I really like BF’s quality for the price point. To quote Ida… it is “reasonably priced, beautifully constructed, and… versatile”. I live in the USA.

  • Kensolfactoryodyssey says:

    Ida’s review really drew me in with the idea of “invigorating forest bathing with a twist.” I love how she describes the pared-down formula as elegant and essential rather than overstuffed, which makes Bon Parfumeur 003 sound like the perfect year-round fragrance. The balance of citrus sparkle, soft floralcy, and grounding vetiver seems like just what I’d want to wear during seasonal shifts. I live in the U.S. and would be thrilled for the chance to experience this scent myself.

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I like the concept of invigorating forest bathing with a twist. I love citrus notes of lime and yuzu. These combined with violet leaves and musk sounds like something I would love to wear. I live in Maryland USA.

  • opalbear says:

    I love a great cologne! Nothing as refreshing, invigorating yet calming as a citrus aromatic blast of cool tart beauty! This sounds like a well balanced brew. I’d love to try it. I am located in the U.S.

  • Annika says:

    An invigorating forest bathing with a twist fragrance sounds like a perfect grounding fall perfume that has some mystical elements. The citrus combination with the peppery elemi and the musky woody notes in a stronger than cologne concentration is very appealing. MD, USA

  • Kristof Raemdonck says:

    Ida’s review sold me on the word “balance” here.
    On how 003 keeps it airy and green with a cologne freshness, but retains a certain tenacity. The pairing of yuzu with the cool feel of violet leaf, together with vetiver and soft musks…to me that screams daily wear.
    After reading, 003 comes across as a modern “revisited cologne”.
    I’m in Portugal (EU) and a registered reader.

  • Usama says:

    I have noticed a lot of perfumes being diluted from batch to batch, what caught my eye was the fact that its a 2019 scent but Ida pointed out that its performing well in terms of concentration when compared to other perfumes and I am all about that.

    I live in MO, US.

  • Ramses Perez says:

    I really need to get into this house because they are giving us a steady stream of releases lately. This one like Ida said even though it’s a cologne, it packs a punch and can provide some much needed longevity. It’s more of an uplifting scent and refreshing for the summer months which are slowly fading away but one could argue during a breezy fall afternoon this can also get the job done. I’m located in the USA.

  • phoenixad says:

    I really loved Ida’s description of Bon Parfumeur 003 — calling it “uplifting, green, airy, citrusy, musky” felt spot on.
    I’m especially intrigued by how the violet leaf adds a green, dewy nuance to the yuzu and vetiver base, making it feel modern yet grounded. Living in the USA”

  • kasstocko says:

    what fascinated me about this reading was the poetic way it connected seasonal change with fragrance — especially the idea of scent as a grounding, spiritual tool during the autumnal transition. i was drawn to how the writer described Bon Parfumeur 003 not just as a perfume, but as a “steadying influence” and a form of balance between nature and self. the vivid sensory imagery — from the effervescent citruses to the earthy vetiver and violet leaf — made the fragrance feel alive, almost meditative, which deepened my curiosity about its scent and emotional effect. sounds absolutely beautiful.

  • kasstocko says:

    i am from the united states. i am so sorry, i always forget to add that & i feel bad. i apologize. i am in colorado. let me resend mine:

    what fascinated me about this reading was the poetic way it connected seasonal change with fragrance — especially the idea of scent as a grounding, spiritual tool during the autumnal transition. i was drawn to how the writer described Bon Parfumeur 003 not just as a perfume, but as a “steadying influence” and a form of balance between nature and self. the vivid sensory imagery — from the effervescent citruses to the earthy vetiver and violet leaf — made the fragrance feel alive, almost meditative, which deepened my curiosity about its scent and emotional effect. it sounds absolutely beautiful.

  • aditu says:

    I love fragrances that have citruses dovetailing with white florals such as jasmine, so Ida’s mention of this feature in Bon Parfumeur 003 immediately caught my interest. These layered on the green resinous woodsy notes she describes seals the deal! I am in MA.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the elegant review! Bon Parfumeur 003 Yuzu Feuilles de Violette Vetiver feels like a breezy dusk walk in spring—the sparkle of yuzu and violet leaves opening gently over a heart of violet petals, then descending into a soft vetiver base. I appreciate how it stays vibrant without losing its quiet elegance. I’d love to try 003 Yuzu Feuilles de Violette Vetiver!
    Cheers from WI, USA

  • mmerline says:

    “It’s not uncommon for a pared-down formula to trump a kitchen-sink one.” I also like a relatively simple blend, or at least one where I can pick out some distinct accords. Bright bergamot, yuzu, and lime over a leafy vetiver accord sounds invigorating and easy to enjoy. Also, always nice when a fresh fragrance like Bon Parfumeur 003 has some staying power.

    I’m in the USA.

  • Rebecca says:

    ‘Forest bathing with twist’!!
    This sounds like a lovely late summer fragrance.
    I would also love ‘to feel soigné throughout the day.’
    I am not sure that I have ever felt soigné in my life, but I would love to experience that sensation!
    I live in the U.S.
    Thank you for the drawing.

  • BranJ says:

    This sounds like a lovely fragrance for versatility and cleanliness. It is earthy, citrusy with sweet floral and vetiver. I enjoy the description of it being a perfect fit. A way to go about your day in confidence and soigné. Live in NY, US

  • foreverscents says:

    I have been looking for a soothing and grounding fragrance, so Bon Parfumeur 003 sounds perfect to me. I love that this fragrance can be worn all year round. I do forest bathing any chance I can get. I also love yuzu and vetiver. I am looking forward to trying 003.
    I live in the USA.

  • DrD7 says:

    This sounds so inviting! I love Ms. Meister’s description of “invigorating forest bathing”. Those citrusy, floral, woodsy fresh fragrances are wonderful for the fall. Oh, yes, and I live in the USA.