Parfumeurs du Monde Val d’Orcia (Thierry Bernard) 2018 – New Perfume Review + The Gladiator Draw

Thierry Bernard of Parfumeurs Du Monde

Thierry Bernard of Parfumeurs du Monde has turned the brand’s global explorations into natural perfumery of the Tuscan landscape, with the sixth aromatic postcard: Parfumeurs du Monde Val d’Orcia. An elegant reflection, Tuscany is a natural fit to the ideal of sustainable beauty and example of art as lifestyle of a people, rather than the choice of an individual and the charter of Parfumeurs du Monde (who include Michel Roudnitska, Isabelle Gellé, Thierry Bernard, Perrine Scandel, and Eric Gigodot).

Russell Crowe as Maximus in the“The Gladiator” 2000

“In the valley of Orcia, Maximus grazes the ears of wheat from his hand, his look resting on the winding path lined with cypresses. He gets drunk with the fresh wind charged with citrus fruits and orange blossoms. His soul is here in Tuscany.”

The centuries of dedication of one generation to the next, a sustainable pledge to the land and a pact to preserve, if not promote, beauty has created a spot so aesthetically soothing- a sort of bliss inherent in the breathing is Tuscany. Located in the famed region of Italy, Val d’Orcia is both a UNESCO heritage site and the wheat fields through which a farmer turned killer walks returning to this Elysium in the iconic and inspirational scene in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. (Campi Elisi, located between San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza is cited as the shoot location).

Vintage Poster Tuscany via flickr

Val d’Orcia, agriculturally and aromatically is a stunning architecture of cypress lined fields alternating with basilic citrus groves in sun warmed steppes. Thierry Bernard takes care to remain true to the loving agreement with the land, choosing Italian crops such as bergamot, limette and notably, the rich waft of golden honeyed helichrysum in composing. The effect is of emotional warmth enveloping and scoring the fertile valley and the wearer as an olfactive interpretation of Lisa Gerrard’s idioglossic serenade running through the Golden Globe winning film.

Vintage Poster Cappucino "La Cultura del Cafe" via flickr

This golden warmth, at times a symphony of Tuscan botany and others a completely indigenous to perfume creation is actually a modern moment brought by a quintessential Italian cappuccino note. The gourmand accord comes partially from a double distillation of santal album and santal spicata. Sourced by Stephan Piquart of Behave, the craft distillation exalts magnolia upon application and soothes myrrh and tonka into cherubic lactones during dry down.

Cypress Trees and House by Amedeo Modigliani

The air in this valley which once detected melts the barriers to love and while uncrossable, the doors to paradise flung wide. With Parfumeurs du Monde Val d’Orcia, M. Bernard makes this distinction with the opening of cypress, longstanding guardians between this world and the next, before a host of white florals rushes in, while piquant chimera of Italian bergamot, limette and basil sparkle and fade- the glow of Tuscan sun remains.

Notes: cypress, amyris, myrrh, tonka, vanilla, magnolia, jasmine, helichrysum, limette, basil, orange, cappuccino accord

Disclosure: I received my sample from Parfumeurs du Monde, much gratitude. My opinions are my own

–Einsof, Natural Perfume Contributor

Art Director-Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Given the gracious nature of Thierry Bernard and everyone at Parfumeurs du Monde, we have a very generous draw for one full size 30 ml bottle of  Parfumeurs du Monde Val d’Orcia  for one REGISTERED reader in the US, EU or CANADA (register here).

To be eligible please leave a comment with what you enjoyed about Einsof’s review of Parfumeurs du Monde Val d’Orcia, where you live and if you have seen the Gladiator or any movie filmed in Tuscany, you have tried any Parfumeurs du Monde fragrances. Draw closes 3/17/2018

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

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33 comments

  • Timea says:

    Wonderful review. Of course I have seen the Gladiator movie. So sad, but amazing movie. I have never tried any of Parfumeurs du Monde fragrances.
    This perfume sounds fabulously, I would very like to try it. Thank you for the chance. I live in the EU.

  • Roxana says:

    Based on the review, I think I would like the fragrance. Not all, but the majority of notes appeals to me. I never tried a “Parfumeur du Monde” fragrance.
    I’ve seen “Gladiator” a long time ago, but I do not remember much of it.
    I live in the E.U. Thank you.

  • Steve A. says:

    This is a new house to me and I’d love to win this. Helichrysum is a favorite note. I saw A Room with a View. US

  • dukali says:

    This movie Is like a monument in the archive of films, and I think this fragrance will have a monument in the archive because of cappussino accord mixed with orange, this mix will forever keep this brand on my mind , I’ll do anything to put the Val D’Orcia on my skin
    In US.

  • Maya says:

    Einsof creates a lovely image connecting a gladiator with Tuscany with the feel and scent of home. Val d’Orcia sounds intriguing and I cannot imagine how it would smell, but that makes me want to try it even more. I have not seen the Gladiator. I prefer fun and happy movies such as Under the Tuscan Sun. I smile just thinking of it. In the US.

  • bumbuliuki says:

    Cypress tree are very symbolic to me and they are indeed the quintessence of the Tuscan landscape.
    The most interesting fact is that cappuccino note. It’s incredible to read that “the gourmand accord comes partially from a double distillation of santal album and santal spicata”.
    Gladiator is one of my all time favorite movies. A classic in the modern cinematography for me. The tuscan landascape make it even more monumental.
    I haven’t tried Parfumeurs du Monde fragrances, but after Einsof’s review I’m eager to try them, especially knowing that these are 100 % natural.
    Thank you for an amazing draw.
    I live in the EU.

  • Alen says:

    I’ve never tried anything from this house, actually is the first time i’ve heard about it. This is a nice review and what captures me the most are the notes in Val D’orcia. Italian capuccino, myrrh and tonka….now that’s a winner for me. As about the movie Gladiator, i think i’ve seen that for more then 20 times, great timeless creation. Thanks for this amazing draw, i live in the EU.

  • Roger Engelhardt says:

    With spring and summer looming, this reads as a great scent to wear in the heat. Must have watched Gladiator a hundred times, and
    Will wath again when the opportunity arises. Ues that is a great scene and I am a huge fan of Lisa Gerard, solo work and with Dead can Dance.
    Inam in tje USA.

  • Hasib says:

    First time hearing of this House and would like to get a chance to try. I do like most of the notes listed. I’ve seen Gladiator and it was a good movie. Thanks for the giveaway
    California

  • arspytma says:

    The description of the perfume using the scene in gladiator puts me right there. I live in Oregon and I have watched gladiator many times. I have never been to Tuscany but I have enjoyed the scent of a wheat field.

  • Chocolate Marzipan says:

    I love that Ensof has introduced me to yet another perfume house I had not been aware of….the cappuccino accord captured my attention …..I have never seen the Gladiator. I am eager to explore the other offerings of this line. Thank you for this wonderful draw. I reside in the United States.

  • carole says:

    I enjoyed the picture of the perfumer-not to be inappropriate, but what an intelligent, sensitive face. I live in Canada, and have never seen Gladiator. I don’t think i know of any Tuscan movies. The fragrance sounds fantastic tho-orange blossoms on the breeze plus the smell of wheat-I love it.
    Thanks for the opportunity, and have a good week,

    Carole

  • LostboyR says:

    I love the description of using traditional, regional materials and melding with modern perfumery to evoke the feel of the land.

  • Lorenzo says:

    I know the prevous entries by Parfumeurs du Monde, and love their interpretation of “modern natural fragrances” (expecially Aqua de Vita by M. Roudnitska.
    This Val d’Orcia sounds very promising, expecially the cypress part… 🙂
    Of course I saw The Gladiator; as an example of a wonderful film set in Tuscany, I’d mention Nostalghia by A. Tarkovskij.
    I live in Italy.
    Thanks for the draw!

  • Amber says:

    I so remember the beautiful and heart breaking scenes in the movie Gladiator. There have been a number of films set in the beautiful Tuscan landscape. One that I especially recall is Stealing Beauty. You can almost feel the languorous summer heat of the Tuscan country side. To try a perfume that captures that sense of place would be a wonderful experience. I’m in the USA, thank you!

  • Greg Sh says:

    Awesome review! I love the notes of this one and think it would be a great spring and summer scent! Haven’t seen the movie unfortunately. I’m in Canada and thanks!

  • Dosva says:

    I watched the movie and liked it.
    I wish to be in Italy, escpetially in Tuscany.
    I read this article with interest.
    I’ve never tested Parfumeurs du Monde perfumes.
    US

  • Catanosmia says:

    I have seen Gladiator and also Under the Tuscan Sun & The English Patient. I love when scents evoke a place.
    I live in the US, thanks for the draw & the wonderful review!

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    I have a special place in my heart for all natural perfumes. Thank you Einsof for this review! It seems to have it all – citrus, white florals, and a beautiful base (I would love to smell how the cappuccino note softens and plays with the other notes). Sounds gorgeous. And perfectly Italian. Thank you for the generous draw! I’m in the USA and love the movie as well. 🙂

  • fleurdelys says:

    Thank you, Einsof for reviewing Monde Val d’Orcia. I appreciate natural perfumes and it’s great to be able to learn more.
    I’m fascinated by Tuscany and hope to visit the region soon. Gladiator is one of my favorite movies and I ocasionally re-watch it.
    Looking forward to test Parfumeurs du Monde fragrances.

    Thank you for a great review and a very generous draw.
    I live in the EU.

  • Amer says:

    Interesting review and a very promising list of notes. Only thing that’s missing to complete the picture would be straw absoute. I suppose helichrysum is agrestic enough.
    I have seen gladiator. I think “the English Patient” and also “Tea with Mussolini” both had some parts of their plot set in the Tuscan countryside.

    I have never tried any of the Parfumeurs du Monde fragrances and I am an EU resident

  • Carol Webb says:

    I’ve seen Gladiator… but I would have to say that the movie filmed in Tuscany, that I’ve watched more than any other, is Under the Tuscan Sun. Probably a close second is the one Twilight movie, don’t judge, it was time spent with my daughter so well worth it.
    I don’t have a Parfumeurs du Monde perfume, I don’t believe I have sampled this. I would love to though – it sounds very appealing.
    Thank you for this draw – I’m in the US.

  • QuietlyWaiting says:

    Ooh, how lovely sounding! I haven’t been to Tuscany (sadly!) or seen The Gladiator, but I *do* remember an episode of Seinfeld that involved Elaine taking a trip to Toscana with “The Maestro”, and Jerry trying to find a place to rent there.

    The perfume sounds amazing. I love the natural perfumes, they always seem to have a bit more of a 3-dimensional presence on my skin, a richness. And, I’d love the chance to smell this one. The cappuccino accord is fascinating, but I’m really curious to experience “the rich waft of golden honeyed helichrysum” (I don’t think I’ve experienced helichrysum yet).

    I’m in the US. Thanks!

  • roxhas1cat says:

    I love the heritage sites. I doubt I will ever get to this one, but I’d love to smell it from afar. The notes sound amazing, especially the cappuccino note. The double distillation creating cherubic lactones are intriguing. I’ve never seen the movie Gladiator. I’m also not familiar with this house. Thanks for the chance. US.

  • joefresh says:

    Great review,thank you.Fragrance has some notes i love havent tried any perfumes with coffee accord yet but this one sounds like it would be great in spring/summer.I was obsessed with gladiator movie when first came out russel crowes best movie for me some amazing scenes.

    Canada

  • Cody says:

    I enjoyed Einsof’s review of Parfumeurs du Monde Val d’Orcia. I liked the charm of the fragrance through all the description. I have seen Gladiator and loved it. Never tried the fragrance though. USA

  • Fusiongel says:

    Haha, who hasn’t watched Gladiator at least once? I’ve probably watched it half a dozen times. Einsof’s description of cypress intermixing with white florals has me intrigues. Especially his comparison to the Italian countryside. While I missed out on visiting Tuscany, I did get the chance to see southern Italy, and I must agree that it is a beautiful country. Thanks for the giveaway. Cheers from CT.

  • Diana D says:

    I have seen the movie Gladiator. It was a really great film. I have not tried any fragrances from Parfumeurs du Monde but I love the notes of this one; particularly tonka and myrrh.
    I live in the US

  • Yasmina says:

    I love the film gladiator and I love natural perfumes so this seems perfect! I live in the US

  • einsof says:

    thank all for reading here at Çafleurebon! i really enjoy hearing your thoughts and sharing- good luck in the draw 😉

    (and yes, i love Dead Can Dance too!)

  • NiceVULady says:

    I loved the description of the Tuscan landscape. Yes, I did see Gladiator several times in fact. I’ve not tried any of this house but the combination of magnolia, myrrh, and tonka would certainly make me want to sample this. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the USA

  • doveskylark says:

    This review made me think about the old Merchant-Ivory movie, “A Room with a View.” I like the way Einsof describes the progression of notes, including the very appropriate cappuccino note. I haven’t tried anything from this house.
    I live in the USA.

  • Fifi says:

    Lovely review especially the association between the modern classic and most beloved motion picture ¨Gladiator¨(I must have seen it at least ten times) and the scenery of Tuscan with the wheat fields and the smell of cypress, orange blossoms and citruses….not to forget this extra gourmand note of cappuccino…well Val d’Orcia must smell divine especially because it is all natural.
    Unfortunately up till today I never had the opportunity to try any of Parfumeurs du Monde fragrances.
    This perfume sounds unique, I would very much like to try it. Thank you for the opportunity and so generous draw . I live in the EU,