Benzoin
Bitter almond
Labdanum
Provençal lavender absolute
Bergamot
Coumarin
Rosemary
Vetiver
Cedarwood
Patchouli
Pink pepper
Sicilian lemon
Karenin
40 Reviews
Karenin
2
Commune de Paris – Cologne 1871
Astier de Villatte is a curious French outlet specializing in the production of hand-made ceramics. Although their portfolio is much wider than just ceramics, all their products have a vintage or even a kooky feel to them. Thanks to that, it’s a brand with a soul, not a common attribute for many contemporary brands. Astier de Villatte’s entrance into the olfactory realm was equally unconventional, yet perfectly logical: a collection of scented dishwashing liquids. Subsequently, they launched a series of eau de colognes, one of which is “Commune de Paris – Cologne 1871”, the focus of this review.
“Commune de Paris” kicks off the show with (surprise, surprise) citruses: lemon and bergamot. But at this point the predictability of the fragrance ends as it gradually veers from the path a typical eau de cologne would take by introducing lavender as well as two other distinct notes into the mix: coumarin (the smell of freshly cut grass) and benzaldehyde (the smell of almonds). Later in the drydown I can also detect benzoin, which, coupled with the other three notes, gives the fragrance a pleasant, powdery finish. Some reviewers have pointed out that the combination of the notes creates the “barbershop effect”, but I’d argue that there’s definitely nothing overtly masculine about “Commune de Paris”.
In the dog days of the summer, one of the things I find the most refreshing is a good old eau de cologne. However, I’m even more intrigued when that eau de cologne tweaks the traditional formula and brings something new to the table. To me, “Commune de Paris” is that kind of scent. It’s light, fresh, playful and very satisfying to wear. What more can one ask for?
“Commune de Paris” kicks off the show with (surprise, surprise) citruses: lemon and bergamot. But at this point the predictability of the fragrance ends as it gradually veers from the path a typical eau de cologne would take by introducing lavender as well as two other distinct notes into the mix: coumarin (the smell of freshly cut grass) and benzaldehyde (the smell of almonds). Later in the drydown I can also detect benzoin, which, coupled with the other three notes, gives the fragrance a pleasant, powdery finish. Some reviewers have pointed out that the combination of the notes creates the “barbershop effect”, but I’d argue that there’s definitely nothing overtly masculine about “Commune de Paris”.
In the dog days of the summer, one of the things I find the most refreshing is a good old eau de cologne. However, I’m even more intrigued when that eau de cologne tweaks the traditional formula and brings something new to the table. To me, “Commune de Paris” is that kind of scent. It’s light, fresh, playful and very satisfying to wear. What more can one ask for?
Updated on 08/31/2025
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