Les Exclusifs de Chanel

Le Lion de Chanel 2020

8.2 / 10 735 Ratings
A popular perfume by Chanel for women and men, released in 2020. The scent is smoky-resinous. Projection and longevity are above-average. It is still in production.
Pronunciation

Main accords

Smoky
Resinous
Spicy
Leathery
Oriental

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes Top Notes
BergamotBergamot LemonLemon
Heart Notes Heart Notes
LabdanumLabdanum Bourbon vanillaBourbon vanilla
Base Notes Base Notes
PatchouliPatchouli SandalwoodSandalwood

Perfumer

Ratings
Scent
8.2735 Ratings
Longevity
8.7651 Ratings
Sillage
8.3649 Ratings
Bottle
8.4580 Ratings
Value for money
7.0417 Ratings
Submitted by OPomone, last update on 07/24/2025.
Interesting Facts
The fragrance is part of the "Les Exclusifs de Chanel" collection.

Smells similar

What the fragrance is similar to
Shalimar (Eau de Parfum) by Guerlain
Shalimar Eau de Parfum
Shalimar (Extrait) by Guerlain
Shalimar Extrait
Byzantine Amber by Francesca Bianchi
Byzantine Amber
Patchouli of the Underworld by Electimuss
Patchouli of the Underworld
Shalimar Millésime Vanilla Planifolia by Guerlain
Shalimar Millésime Vanilla Planifolia
8.1 L'Ombre Fauve by Pierre Guillaume
8.1 L'Ombre Fauve

Reviews

30 in-depth fragrance descriptions
7
Pricing
8
Bottle
8
Sillage
9
Longevity
9.5
Scent
Merlotsupern

76 Reviews
Merlotsupern
Merlotsupern
Top Review 8  
A serendipitous discovery, straight into my Hall of Fame!
Le Lion de Chanel was composed by Olivier Polge for the Les Exclusifs collection. It is a bold (but not bombastic) and elegant amber oriental fragrance inspired by Gabrielle (aka Coco) Chanel’s astrological sign, the lion. It should evoke her persona... both the power she projected, the feline opportunism, and the tenderness she concealed.
While it was originally crafted with the Middle Eastern market in mind (as it was a location exclusive, for a while), its artistic refinement transcends regional tastes.

For me, Le Lion was a serendipitous discovery. I wasn’t searching for, yet it climbed into my top ten. But that’s another story. Now, let's talk about the juicy stuff.

The first spray opens with an elegant but assertive citrus accord. Sparkling bergamot and lemon, neither too sharp nor fleeting. It’s a bright introduction that sets the stage for the weightier story to come. Note that I said the magic word "sparkling"... as we are in Chanel territory, that almost certainly implies the use of aldehydes.

After the initial sparkling burst, the core of labdanum emerges. Thick, golden, and resinous. This is the soul of the lion: warm, slightly smoky, and textured like suede - not a rubbery one, like Babycat.
The scent here doesn’t shout; it resonates. There's a touch of amber, rich but never syrupy, layered with fine (not listed) incense that gives the fragrance a burnished glow. Hints of vanilla and creamy balsams start to thread through, softening the edges and making the composition plush rather than heavy. Although, I am sure that for some this may sound blasphemous... I think that the vanilla makes this phase quasi-gourmand.

As the fragrance settles, vanilla and musk become more prominent. They bring warmth and refinement, never veering into sweetness. The animalic tones from the labdanum remain, but they will become progressively diffused. There’s a subtle, comforting woodiness, which most likely comes from the sandalwood and some touches of patchouli (and here's the similarity with Patchouli of the Underworld) completing a dry down that lingers for hours.

Performance wise, it is immediately clear that Le Lion is no substantial. It projects confidently for the first 2-3 hours, then relaxes into a scent bubble that lasts well over 6 hours on my skin - on clothes, it will stay around until the next day.
In my opinion, this is a scent that has gravitas, but it never overwhelms. It is never loud, but it is definitely robust and present.
Le Lion is suitable for formal events, but I would also consider it in combination with smart-casual wear. If you are confident enough, 1-2 sprays max are good for the office. Date wise, absolutely.
I never say to my wife what I am wearing, and she always comments that I "smell expensive" when I spray Le Lion on me... that's not a bad sign.
Age wise, this is a +30. If you are playing the gender game, this is unisex leaning masculine.

To conclude, Le Lion is a deeply expressive fragrance. It’s confident, comforting, and composed. It is one of those rare concoctions that actually performs a function... and it's not just a scent. Chanel's proverbial form and elegance is all there. That it found me by chance only makes it more special.

Based on this long spiel, the price is prohibitive, but (bitterly) acceptable... provided you like labdanum ;)
2 Comments
8
Pricing
8
Bottle
8
Sillage
9
Longevity
9.5
Scent
Moshikoko

84 Reviews
Moshikoko
Moshikoko
Very helpful Review 9  
This perfume is for you, man
One of the best labdanum scents you will ever encounter.

I personally fell in love with this perfume from the first moment I smelled it.

A masculine perfume, with a lemony and bergamot opening, with labdanum going all the way through this amazing perfume.
Towards the end, you feel a relationship with the felt and also the patchouli.

This is a perfume not for everyone, but only for men.

The performance of the perfume is also good, with the longevity impressive and lasting for about 7 hours and the sillage is also good.

I was definitely surprised by this impressive creation.

9.5/10.
2 Comments
9
Pricing
9
Bottle
10
Sillage
10
Longevity
9
Scent
Tiagofml

24 Reviews
Tiagofml
Tiagofml
Helpful Review 10  
The Symphony of the Lion
Rare are the times when a fragrance comes around and sweeps me off my feet and has me coming back for more, again and again.
This is one of those.

The first time I tried it when it first came out in 2019/2020 I was completely repulsed by it and yet, I couldn’t stop smelling it. I wasn’t ready for this Lion.

Now, a few years and 1000+ smells later, I fell head over heels.

The sparkling opening with an amazing bergamot and lemon blast is breathtaking.
However this sparkle is just there to tame the HUGE throbbing punch of smoky, sticky Labdanum that comes surprisingly and powerfully right along the opening stomping the beautiful citrus pop.

The heart is cold, regal, austere and quite proud.
A resinous yet cold cold incense along with the Labdanum and a benzoin nuance.

Now the base… warm, cozy yet powerful. Sticky, resinous yet powdery. A warm blanket of vanilla and benzoin covering what could be a harsh bed of patchouli and a leather impression, if it wasn’t expertly curated by Chanel.

Because yes, even though this deviates from the usual Chanel format we know and love - it also doesn’t.

It has most definitely that Chanel thing.
The oh so elegant soft, powdery, aldehydic presence and an inimitable blend.

Le Lion, an homage to Coco Chanel's zodiac sign.

And what an homage this is!
Pulling together some of the best elements of the greats: the creamy amber patchouli of Coromandel, the smoky leathery aspects of Cuir de Russie, the cold incense heart of 22 EDT/1932 or 31 Rue Cambon; and a far sight of Guerlain’s Shalimar with that citrus pop that settles to that glorious Labdanum and vanilla; while not being close to any and having a marked personality.

It's almost like an orchestra, a symphony of every Chanel fragrance playing a perfectly tuned Masterpiece composition.

Not for the faint of heart. Not for everyone. For me.
0 Comments
7
Pricing
10
Bottle
9
Sillage
9
Longevity
9.5
Scent
MrMoustache

6 Reviews
MrMoustache
MrMoustache
Very helpful Review 9  
Roaring oriental
Chanel Le Lion is simply brilliant and one of the best (if not the best) releases of 2020.

For me this is a dry amber-oriental! You get a bright opening because of the lemon quickly transforming into a dark smoky, ambery, resinous heart. There is also a presence of vanilla, but only as a supporting note. Never dominant. Same counts for the patchouli that makes it’s way during the drydown, but never too prominent. A well orchestrated symphony of notes!

Smoky and ambery are key in experiencing Le Lion!

Projection and sillage are also off the chart!
0 Comments
10
Pricing
10
Bottle
10
Sillage
10
Longevity
10
Scent
Static

47 Reviews
Static
Static
Helpful Review 6  
Big surprise here
Resinous à la Grand Soir MFK-comforting fragrance. Instantly fell in love with!
It opens with citrus but soon it becomes an ambre scent with that typical Chanel vibe. Very well done & absolutely well blended. The citrus stays on the background while the ambre - resinous + the typical chanel vibe are taking the main act throughout this magical, warm, seductive play! A must have !!!
0 Comments
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Statements

43 short views on the fragrance
JomasJomas 9 months ago
8
Sillage
8
Longevity
6
Scent
Animals in captivity + fire at the zoo + Guerlinade. Claustrophobia in a bottle.
0 Comments
SeoulBroughSeoulBrough 4 months ago
8
Bottle
8
Sillage
8
Longevity
8.5
Scent
A gorgeous amber fragrance that will remind you of possibly many others. Still a strong 8.5/10. Unisex leaning slightly masculine.
0 Comments
IrinaSpalkoIrinaSpalko 1 year ago
Smells like I'm eating smoked ribs in a southern barbecue restaurant while wearing Guerlain Shalimar EDP.
0 Comments
InbnkInbnk 2 years ago
8
Bottle
9
Sillage
9
Longevity
8.5
Scent
Le Lion is art of perfume. Complexity Classy Earthy Beastly. Not for compliment at all.
0 Comments
MoshikokoMoshikoko 4 months ago
8
Bottle
8
Sillage
9
Longevity
9.5
Scent
A perfect perfume for Labdanum lovers.
0 Comments
MarabuntaMarabunta 4 years ago
10
Bottle
8
Sillage
8
Longevity
6
Scent
This scent gets better and better over the months. Complex yet versatile. Deep yet easy going. In the same vein of Derby & New York Intense.
0 Comments
ErswanErswan 4 months ago
9
Scent
Went from love-hate to hooked. Classic leanings with a provocative style. New Year's Eve smoke in a leather jacket and rather edgy dress.
0 Comments
Ka3nKa3n 4 years ago
9
Bottle
10
Sillage
9
Longevity
10
Scent
Magnificent fragrance, carries very little similarities to Shalimar, only faint resemblance. Best Chanel's work in years for exclusives
0 Comments
MaxumusIIVMaxumusIIV 9 months ago
8
Bottle
8
Sillage
9
Longevity
10
Scent
Learned to love it, no fragrance has ever taken this long for me to fall in love with. I wished Chanel would do more fragrance like this.
1 Comment
NautiluscoveNautiluscove 2 years ago
Beaut. interplay of citrus-labdanum-leather. Creamy citrus dries down to CdR style birch tar, and toffeed labdanum swirls about. Stunning.
0 Comments
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