Granville Dior 2010

First of all: I am a big fan of fragrances from Christian Dior, especially the Priveé line. However, that should not influence my opinion, as I do not like everything in that range.
F. Demachy created this fragrance in honor of the city where C. Dior was born: Granville. A small town with 13,000 inhabitants in the heart of Normandy. When you read the history of the town, you understand the fragrance much better, as this spring-green liquid is meant to reflect not only the beauty of nature but also what has happened there over the last centuries. The town was a significant hub during the times of monarchy and empire, and unfortunately also during World War II. And from the very beginning, it reminded me a bit of pain that needs to be healed through this (as Chypienne aptly described) therapeutic essence.

There are only a few fragrances that transport me to other times. I have not lived in the times when the town of Granville played a significant role; few of us have. And yet I feel as if I were there. A contested town, a focal point in France, thank goodness not only marked by sorrow and suffering but also by joy and cheerfulness.

The opening of Granville is difficult to categorize; it does not fit at all into the picture I have of the other Priveé fragrances. Fresh and fruity are definitely not the right adjectives to describe the top note. The beginning strongly reminded me of head cheese. Yes, exactly, that packaged pork from the supermarket next door for 2€, which is often enjoyed here with fried potatoes and remoulade. But I advise everyone not to throw in the towel at this point, as this beginning has nothing to do with what follows!

In the heart, thyme and pine are very clearly perceptible, and this remains almost until the end. For me, pine predominates, and I really like that. Since I am a fan of fragrances that have a certain closeness to nature and remind me of forests and meadows, Granville definitely made a significant step into my collection at this point, as I have not come across any spring/summer fragrance that goes in this direction. Here is also the point that made me think about Dior's hometown in his honor. What kind of life did he lead? Granville, what kind of town is this? Do the fox and the hare say "Good night" here, or is there a serious situation? The fragrance leaves this question open and offers room for interpretation. Thus, I find myself contemplating a new image of this town every second. With its good longevity, one experiences a journey here; at least, it feels that way.

The peppery finish is not primarily noticeable after several hours of wear. The fragrance fades slightly; definitely not a grand exit, but it doesn’t have to be! Granville is, for me, a subtle fragrance that prefers to stay in the background while others try to stand out. It is a quiet listener, a pleasant companion with an elegant character. A gentleman enjoys in silence, and that is exactly what he does, and I do with him. Definitely not a fragrance to attract a lot of attention, but rather to lie comfortably in the meadow in spring and reflect on one's life. Whether it will truly make it into my collection, I do not know yet. The scent is quite extravagant, and I am not sure if I would be able to handle it in the long run, especially since there are so many other Priveé fragrances. The future will tell!