MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN
Trianon Palace Versailles

2010

PERFUMER
Francis Kurkdjian

iris
sweet pea
woody notes

‘From the age of twenty-four, Francis Kurkdjian’s life path has been intricately bound with the Palace of Versailles. A graduate of Versailles’ perfumery school, years later he went on to concoct a replica of Marie-Antoinette’s fragrance Sillage de la Reine, drawing on archive documents for inspiration.

From the moment he first met Marc Chaya in 2003, he spoke of his vision: returning to the whimsy of the Sun King’s lavish parties, for which the pools and fountains in Versailles’ gardens were scented. In 2006, the pair put their heads together to ensure Francis Kurkdjian was able to design and make the “Soleil de Minuit” olfactory installation for 2006’s Versailles Off festival, where orange blossom scent sprang from the Orangery parterre, the pool’s water tinged a flaming, sunset tangerine.

For the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes in 2007 and 2008, Francis Kurkdjian brought to life an olfactory experience in the heart of the Palace of Versailles’ gardens: sixteen bubble machines surrounding visitors in thousands of bubbles scented with strawberry, pear and melon — Louis XIV’s favourite fruits. Francis Kurkdjian also created the “Chutt… d’Eau” and “Le Roi Danse” olfactory installations, set up in the Grove of the Three Fountains and the Ballroom Grove, respectively.

In 2022, Maison Francis Kurkdjian became the proud patron of the Perfumer’s Garden project, thereby continuing its commitment to supporting the Palace of Versailles. This new garden at the Châteauneuf Orangery in the heart of the Trianon estate will be home to hundreds of different perfume-making plants, in keeping with the spirit of the 17th-century Trianon gardens. It will also help build awareness of the history of fragrance at the court of Versailles.’ – Chateau Versailles