Bal à Versailles Jean Desprez 1962 Eau de Toilette

Louis XIV may well have been a clean man, as he enjoyed extensive baths with his various mistresses. Nevertheless, this powerful monarch was actually a poor fellow, a victim of the experimental zeal of his physicians. According to historical accounts, all of Louis's teeth were removed and, in addition, parts of his palate were taken out (without anesthesia!). The indication for such an operation in this case would be interesting to know, but it would significantly exceed the time frame of this review. That food ended up in places in the king's mouth where it shouldn't have been is self-evident (further details, and especially the smell, are best left unimagined!!).

But the Renaissance was over, the heyday of Rococo had set in, and personal hygiene was slowly improving again. Jean Desprez's Bal à Versailles likely aimed to capture the scents and aromas of the opulent, extravagant, luxurious life of Marie Antoinette, which he certainly succeeded in doing!

After a night of dancing, the legs and feet of Queen Marie Antoinette are vigorously massaged with rosemary oil, fragrant orange blossom tea and a heavy crystal bowl filled with vanilla macarons are placed in her boudoir à côté de la chaiselongue. A sharp-sweet scent spreads. Later, the dashing Axel von Fersen pays his respects to Her Majesty and presents his beloved with a lavish bouquet of roses, and in a delicate sandalwood box, sparkling jewelry. Later, a trip to the "Petit Trianon" is made, where the scent of the blooming gardens is heavily overshadowed by the powdery odor of the latest creation on the royal head. After strolling extensively among the lush blooming lilacs and delicate lily of the valley, it is time to return to the castle on this brilliantly sunny early summer day. On the way to Her Majesty's chambers, the royal entourage passes various remnants in all states of aggregation. This smell follows Marie Antoinette into her boudoir....

Here, my imagination ran wild, and this little scene is certainly not historically accurate ;)

For me, this scent is almost unbearable, yet a masterpiece. At first, the fragrance seems very masculine due to the herbs and citrus fruits, only later becoming soft and powdery. Unfortunately, the blooming garden is buried under a thick layer of powder, and to me, the flowers appear as if stitched onto a slowly fading tapestry....

The rest is history: civet of the worst kind, and that for hours! A small reminder of the missing sanitary facilities and the ubiquitous excrement in the Palace of Versailles :(

Et voilà, now I wash my hands again in innocence (and disinfect them thoroughly)!

Thank you very much for reading :)