Parfum et Vous

Parfum et Vous is both a designer-perfume boutique and a creation workshop, on Rue du Congrès, a short walk from Place Masséna. The house bills itself as the first Nice perfumery devoted to designer perfumes, with a selection of extracts, scented oils, candles and home fragrances.

The heart of the place is its workshop. Sasha and the team walk you through the history and the olfactory families, before you compose your own eau de parfum in a 30 ml bottle. The session lasts about two hours and runs in a small group, twelve people maximum. The formula is kept for life: you can reorder your creation years later.

Good to know

Booking is required for workshops. Private sessions are possible from eight people, for a birthday, a hen party or a team-building event. Russian-language workshops run in July and August. Gift cards are valid for one year.

Visitor reviews

Highlights: The host makes the difference. Sasha, Caroline and the team are described as knowledgeable, funny and patient, able to put a complete beginner as much at ease as an enthusiast. Visitors like the intimate format, several finding it more personal than the big houses' workshops. You leave with a generous bottle and a stored formula. The experience comes up often as an ideal activity for couples, families or friends, and as a fine gift idea.

Areas for improvement: Booking is essential, as places are limited. Payment has occasionally been an issue, some noting cash or PayPal only during a terminal change. One visitor advises smelling a second vial carefully before leaving, as the result can differ slightly.

Overall impression: A warm, well-run workshop in the centre of town, to become a perfumer for a session. The welcome is what stands out most.