Create Your Signature Scent in Paris: An In-Depth Review
Imagine standing in a cozy Parisian apartment, surrounded by dozens of tiny bottles of notes—jasmine, rose, woods, musk—and getting the chance to craft your very own perfume. That’s exactly what you’ll experience in the Paris Create Your Signature Scent Perfume Workshop. Led by a seasoned instructor, Marina Jung, this 1.5-hour activity offers a rare blend of creativity and education, all for $115 per person. The small-group setting—limited to just ten participants—means you’ll receive plenty of personalized attention, making this a fun and intimate way to get a feel for the art of perfumery.
What makes this experience particularly appealing? For one, the detailed guidance from a professional with 20 years of experience ensures you won’t just be playing with scents—you’ll understand how they work together and how perfumes change over time. Second, the ability to design three trial scents and select your favorite to take home in a generous 50 ml bottle means you leave with a truly personal keepsake.
A potential consideration? The workshop is held in a private apartment, which might be a little tricky to find if you’re unfamiliar with the area, or if weather conditions make the walk less pleasant. Also, it’s not recommended for children under 7 or pregnant women, so if you’re traveling with young kids or expecting, this might not be your best fit.
This activity is perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic, hands-on experiences and enjoy learning about craftsmanship. Whether you’re a perfume lover or simply curious about the art of scent-making, you’ll find this workshop both engaging and rewarding.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Personalized Creation: You craft three different perfumes, with the chance to pick the one you love most.
- Expert Guidance: Marina Jung, with 20 years of experience, provides detailed, approachable instructions.
- All Materials Included: All raw materials and a 50 ml bottle of your scent are included, with options to reorder.
- Small Group Setting: Limited to ten participants, ensuring a relaxed and tailored experience.
- Authentic French Activity: Conducted in a cozy apartment, adding a genuine Parisian touch.
- Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.
While in Paris, here are other experiences we've covered
An In-Depth Look at the Perfume Workshop Experience
Starting with the Basics: What to Expect from the Workshop
When you arrive, you’ll meet Marina Jung—a guide whose warmth and expertise are evident from the start. She begins by teaching you about notes, chords, and how fragrances evolve over time. This introduction is both approachable and insightful, especially for those with little or no prior knowledge of perfumery. We appreciated how clear and engaging Marina was, making the complex world of scents accessible and even fun.
The workshop’s core activity involves selecting from an impressive array of 60 raw materials—think Rose, Jasmine Currant, various woods, musks, and more. These notes serve as the building blocks for your own perfumes. Marina encourages experimentation, and you’re free to try different combinations, creating up to three trial fragrances before narrowing down your favorite. This process is designed to be intuitive, allowing you to discover what notes you enjoy and how they blend together.
The Creative Process: How You Make Your Perfume
After the initial exploration, you’ll start designing your perfumes—three small trial bottles that serve as test runs. The reviews highlight how students loved the freedom to experiment: “The different notes of the perfumes were well explained and there was a lot of freedom to try different combinations,” says Cassidy from the US. This hands-on approach is both educational and motivating, showcasing how even beginners can craft something as complex as a commercial perfume.
Once you’ve settled on your favorite blend, Marina helps you refine it, ensuring the final product is well-balanced. The end result is a 50 ml bottle of your own scent, beautifully packaged and ready to bring home. Many reviews mention how generous the amount is—”we got a good amount of perfume to take home”—which adds excellent value to the experience.
More Great Tours NearbyHow the Environment Enhances the Experience
The workshop takes place in a cozy Parisian apartment, providing a warm, intimate atmosphere that feels far from a typical tourist attraction. Several reviewers commented on how the setting contributed to the authenticity: “The lesson takes place in a beautiful and cozy apartment which added to the personalized experience.” This ambiance not only makes the activity more special but also helps you relax and focus on your creative process.
- Petit Palais Paris Museum of Fine Arts Tour with Tickets
- Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne and Seine River Cruise Ticket
- Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Singer by VIP Yacht de Paris
- Small-Group Louvre Museum Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Access
- Louvre Museum – Exclusive Guided Tour (Reserved Entry Included)
- Montmartre Hidden Gems and Scenic Highlights Walking Tour
Learning and Enjoying the Craft
Beyond just mixing scents, you gain a deeper understanding of perfume chemistry—what makes a scent last, how different notes interact, and why some fragrances change as they age. This educational component is highly valued. “It was a fun activity and informative about the process of perfume’s chemistry,” noted Patricia from the US. This added layer of knowledge makes the experience more meaningful for those interested in the craft, or simply looking to enrich their appreciation of fragrances.
The Value for Money
At $115, this workshop offers excellent value for a personalized, creative activity in Paris. For that price, you not only learn a craft but also go home with a custom perfume. Many reviewers emphasized how much perfume they received—“more than I expected”—and some purchased extra bottles at reasonable prices, extending the joy of their creation.
The Reviews Speak Volumes
The overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights the professionalism of Marina, the friendliness of the environment, and the high quality of the experience. Words like “authentic,” “informative,” “relaxing,” and “fun” recur across reviews. Several note that even those with no prior perfume knowledge left with a sense of accomplishment and a beautiful scent.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Getting there: The workshop’s location in a private apartment might require careful navigation, especially if you arrive late or if the building has no prominent signage.
- Timing: Check availability and start times to fit this activity into your Paris schedule.
- Group size: Limited to ten, so booking in advance is wise.
- Language options: Conducted in French, English, and Spanish, catering to diverse travelers.
- Booking flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes it easy to adapt your plans.
Who Will Love This?
This experience is ideal for perfume enthusiasts, creative travelers, and anyone who appreciates authentic, hands-on activities. It’s particularly suited for those who want to learn about scent-making in a relaxed, intimate setting. Families with older children or teenagers, especially those interested in chemistry or art, find it both fun and educational. However, it’s not suitable for young children or pregnant women, based on the restrictions.
Final Thoughts on the Perfume Workshop
This Parisian scent-making activity offers a rare chance to step into the shoes of a perfumer without needing any prior experience. The combination of expert guidance, a warm environment, and the ability to create a personal, memorable souvenir makes it stand out among typical tourist activities.
The key advantage here is the personal touch—you’re not just following a script but actively designing your own fragrance. Plus, the knowledge you gain about how perfumes are built and how notes interact adds value far beyond the 1.5 hours spent.
For those who love crafting, learning, or simply indulging their senses, this workshop is a delightful way to spend an afternoon in Paris. It’s also a wonderful gift idea or a unique way to mark a special occasion. Travelers who want an experience that’s both fun and educational, with the added bonus of a handcrafted perfume to take home, will find this activity well worth the price.
FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered
Is transportation provided to the workshop location?
The workshop will be held in a private apartment, and the organizer, Marina Jung, will pick you up at a specified address ten minutes before the activity begins. You may need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.
How long does the workshop last?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, giving you enough time to learn, experiment, and create your scent without feeling rushed.
What languages are offered during the workshop?
The activity is conducted in French, English, and Spanish, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
Can I cancel my booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. This provides flexibility if your travel schedule shifts unexpectedly.
What’s included in the price?
All raw materials, the instruction from an experienced perfumer, and your 50 ml bottle of your signature scent are included. You can also re-order your perfume later if you wish.
Is this suitable for children?
The activity is not recommended for children under 7 years old, and pregnant women are advised against participating.
Can I buy additional bottles or formulas?
Yes, many reviews mention purchasing extra bottles at reasonable prices, allowing you to have multiple scents to take home.
Final Word
This perfume workshop in Paris offers more than just a creative activity; it’s an intimate peek into the art of scent-making, guided by a professional who makes complex concepts easy to understand. You’ll leave with a beautiful, personalized perfume and a newfound appreciation for the craft. Whether you’re a dedicated perfume lover or simply seeking a meaningful, authentic experience in the City of Light, this workshop is well worth considering. It’s a rare opportunity to blend art, science, and Parisian charm into a memorable keepsake—an aromatic souvenir that captures your time in Paris perfectly.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Workshops & Classes in Paris
- MOLINARD Parfums Paris 6: Perfume Workshop for Children
- Molinard Parfums Paris Ier: Classic Perfume Workshop
- Paris: Preserved Flower Arrangement Workshop
- Paris: Botanical handmade soap workshop (Melt and pour soap)
- Photo Workshop in Paris sightseeing Notre Dame and Louvre
- Eclair Baking Class with A Pastry Chef
More Tour Reviews in Paris
- Paris: Louvre Museum Entry Ticket and Garden Walking Tour
- Paris: Eiffel Tower Tour & Seine River Cruise Tour
- Paris: Private Photoshoot at Secret Spots and Hidden Gems
- Paris: private city tour with seine river cruise
- Top Private Cruises in Paris with Champagne + more surprises
- Paris: Latin Quarter Walking Tour w/ Notre Dame Fast Entry
More Paris experiences we've covered
- Paris: Louvre Museum Entry Ticket and Garden Walking Tour
- Paris: Eiffel Tower Tour & Seine River Cruise Tour
- Paris: Private Photoshoot at Secret Spots and Hidden Gems
- Paris: private city tour with seine river cruise
- Top Private Cruises in Paris with Champagne + more surprises
- Paris: Latin Quarter Walking Tour w/ Notre Dame Fast Entry
- Paris: Cinematic and Fun Photoshoot with a Professional
- Paris: Seine River Private Guided Pontoon Boat Cruise
- Paris: Napoleon Audio Tour with Tomb & Museum Entry Ticket
- Fondation Louis Vuitton: Ticket Entry & Private Tour
- The Official Emily in Paris Champagne Seine Cruise
- Paris: Eiffel Tower, Dinner Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show