Rive Gauche (2003) by Yves Saint Laurent

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Rive Gauche Yves Saint Laurent 2003

Version from 2003

7.8 / 10 211 Ratings

A popular perfume by Yves Saint Laurent for women, released in 2003. The scent is chypreartig-floral. The longevity is above-average. It is being marketed by L'Oréal.
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Main accords

Chypre

Floral

Green

Spicy

Fresh

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Aldehydes

Green notes

Bergamot

Honeysuckle Lemon

Lemon

Peach

Heart Notes

Lily of the valley

Gardenia

Geranium

Iris

Magnolia

Rose

Ylang-ylang Jasmine

Jasmine

Base Notes

Oakmoss

Musk

Sandalwood

Tahitian vetiver

Tonka bean

Ambergris

Perfumer

Daniela Andrier

Ratings

Scent

7.8211 Ratings

Longevity

8.2176 Ratings

Sillage

7.7176 Ratings

Bottle

7.6174 Ratings

Value for money

7.570 Ratings

Submitted by Seren, last update on 09/11/2025.

Smells similar

What the fragrance is similar to

Rive Gauche (1970) Eau de Toilette

Rive Gauche Eau de Toilette Intense

Calandre Eau de Toilette

Calandre Eau de Parfum

Rive Gauche Eau de Toilette Light

Nombre Noir / ノンブルノワール (Parfum) by Shiseido / 資生堂

Nombre Noir Parfum

Reviews

16 in-depth fragrance descriptions

06/16/2021

6
Pricing 7
Bottle 7
Sillage 10
Longevity 6
Scent

Kurai
388 Reviews

Kurai

3

Contemporary classic

A slow starter maybe, but with everlasting stamina. Once the floral aldehydes get going, they will wrap you in a Dove soapy aura for the whole day. In the base a clear moss. Bright, rather dry. Vetiver is not pronounced in scent, but I do feel its vibrance boost. The overall scent remains airy, soapy, powdery. In colors white/beige, rather than green.

For me personally, the perfume doesn't trigger any close associations or nostalgia. Obviously, it does feel like something of a while ago. Eighties, I guess. Compared to modern releases, it is quite a peculiar scent. Unique, that is for sure. Not at all offensive or sexy/seductive. Cool, but not cold. So that makes it very suitable for office settings.

01/05/2014

2.5
Bottle 7.5
Sillage 7.5
Longevity 7
Scent

Athenaida
41 Reviews

Athenaida

2

plastique rive

I love this one but I really don't get it why that beautiful glass bottle became plastic.More powdery than the original pre-reformulated Rive Gauche.
A little bit spicy and green.If you enjoy woody perfumes with a vintage nostalgia this one will fits you great.Remember, it is quite strong and not easy to wear!!

12/14/2023

10
Pricing 10
Bottle 8
Sillage 10
Longevity 10
Scent

MrsGuerlain
503 Reviews

MrsGuerlain

3

Divine

This is in my top 20. This is also in my top 3. Rive Gauche is one of the best perfumes I have ever smelled. I have known, owned and worn it for more than 35 years and it keeps amazing me. The complexity of the scent and the many notes make it way more interesting than a lot of other scents, even though it is more than 50 years old. I will not write about the composition, the notes or the smell. I would like to share a few memories of how this fragrance has influenced my life.
I was given this perfume by my father. I was 15 years old and he came home after being away for a time. I loved his presents and this time I was really happy since the smell of the perfume was so good. Back then I was used to perfume in glass bottles so the concept of a perfume in a metal can was quite interesting. I loved it.
My next RG was a present to myself for passing an exam. I have always celebrated a passed exam with a “me”-present. This time it was my favourite perfume. I remember a friend asking why I bought an “old” perfume and not one of the new and flashy ones. I told her that there was nothing “old” about RG - just pure joy.
Today I have a 2008 edition. I know that a lot of perfumistas can tell the difference from the original version. Luckily, I can not. To me it is still pure goodness in a bottle. I own an original Parfum, but this is way stronger and with other notes so the two can not be compared.
If this is ever to be discontinued I shall buy every bottle I can lay my hands on.
156/365

08/22/2024

9
Pricing 8
Bottle 7
Sillage 7
Longevity 8.5
Scent

Matteofuma
22 Reviews

Matteofuma

2

Iconic.

Surviving its brutal reformulations, "Rive Gauche" still shines brightly today.

A spray could save me in the overpowering Italian August's overheat.
First spray is a pure and metallic shower of freezing ice cubes. I put it on, and I feel cold.
And "Rive Gauche" is cold, austere and beautiful in all of its evolution. The drydown is pure bliss: an elegant ethereal flowers bouquet emerges from the cold mist. I can sense a melancholic, powdery, iris throughout of it.

Powerful scent.
Nostalgic and uncanny at the same time.

04/09/2018

5
Bottle 8
Sillage 8
Longevity 8
Scent

Jazzy76
320 Reviews

Jazzy76

The n.5's alternative brother

Have you ever seen two different twins?
The one , Chanel n.5, is classic, classy, in its precious glass bottle , worn by ladies with strings of pearls. The other, hided in its metallic bottle, is more alternative ,it can be worn with a hippy blouse and a pair of vintage jeans...
but the aldheidic character is the same and mainly in this YSL historical fragrance aldheides cover a little the rich and floral bouquet. Anyway, it remains a great perfume I re-discovered and loved after many years .

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