Rive Gauche pour Homme (2003) (Eau de Toilette) by Yves Saint Laurent

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Rive Gauche pour Homme Yves Saint Laurent 2003 Eau de Toilette

Version from 2003

8.2 / 10 287 Ratings

A popular perfume by Yves Saint Laurent for men, released in 2003. The scent is spicy-fougèreartig. The production was apparently discontinued.
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Main accords

Spicy

Fougère

Woody

Fresh

Green

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Star anise

Rosemary

Bergamot

Heart Notes

Lavender

Clove

Geranium

Base Notes

Gaiac wood

Patchouli

Vetiver

Perfumer

Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud

Ratings

Scent

8.2287 Ratings

Longevity

7.9230 Ratings

Sillage

7.3219 Ratings

Bottle

7.5204 Ratings

Value for money

7.359 Ratings

Submitted by DonVanVliet, last update on 09/23/2025.

Interesting Facts

The model Ned Shatzer is the face of the advertising campaign.

Smells similar

What the fragrance is similar to

Rive Gauche pour Homme (2011)

Rive Gauche pour Homme Eau de Toilette Light

Rive Gauche pour Homme Eau de Toilette Intense

Rive Gauche pour Homme (2003) Lotion Après-Rasage

River Fougère

Batch No. 46

Reviews

18 in-depth fragrance descriptions

04/30/2013

9
Scent

Silverfire
134 Reviews

Silverfire

Very helpful Review 8

Woody Marine Aromatic

If I had only three words to describe Rive Gauche Pour Homme, I'd say "woody marine aromatic." Now as for the rest of this review, I'll trace the etymology of each of these words back to -- just kidding. This scent combines a faintly sugary pine with an aromatic water-wind freshness for a few feet projection. It's fresh without being soapy and masculine without veering into machismo territory. It evokes a sense of gentlemanly class without being stuffy, arrogant, or overly mature. Interestingly, it lends class to whatever you’re wearing, instead of forcing you to wear something specific. Rest easy; you won't feel unworthy in your workout clothes.

I can see why this fragrance appeals to men, and why men wearing this would appeal to women. Words like "class" and "quality" come to mind, both in describing the notes and their effect. Occasionally, it takes a swerve like a distracted driver into a urinary/stale smell that lasts a minute or so. That's the only negative here. Even the duration pleases, clocking in at eleven hours.

Rive Gauche Pour Homme provides an inexpensive and satisfying way to smell like a gentleman and obtain a self-esteem boost. It's been discontinued, so grab it while you can! Recommended.

08/07/2012

7.5
Bottle 7.5
Sillage 7.5
Longevity 7
Scent

Missk
1357 Reviews

Missk

Very helpful Review 5

An oxymoron; dirty yet clean

Rive Gauche for Men is a timeless masterpiece that deserves widespread availability. I'd love some of the younger men in my life to have the opportunity to experience something so extravagant and earthy as this.

Rich and herbaceous, Rive Gauche for Men is understandably an acquired taste. However that's not to say that this fragrance is in any way offensive or loud. I would actually say this fragrance is quite clean and refreshing despite its earthiness.

The scent leaves me slightly perplexed at times with its clean, shaving cream accord counteracting with a somewhat dirty/earthy patchouli, clove and vetiver blend. Essentially, Rive Gauche for Men jumps to and fro between gentleman cleanliness and raw, masculine filthiness. This is what makes this fragrance so intriguing.

As a woman, I wouldn't dare wear Rive Gauche for Men, that is unless I chose to get in touch with the barbarian behind the reserved exterior. On a man's skin, this fragrance exudes elegance and old-fashioned charm, like a slick man in a tuxedo puffing ever so gently on a cigar.

Rive Gauche for Men perfectly compliments the feminine version of this fragrance, which bears the same name. They both share a classic powderiness that when worn on the skin can create a dense and rich feeling.

In my opinion, Rive Gauche has not reached its use by date, even though I will admit that it has the tendency to appeal to much older men. The sillage is moderate but thankfully not too strong and I'm happy to say that the scent lasts and lasts.

05/06/2013

7.5
Bottle 5
Sillage 7.5
Longevity 10
Scent

Miaw2
339 Reviews

Miaw2

Helpful Review 6

Brilliant

Brilliant. Awesome.

The epitome of contemporary men's perfumes.

Truly masculine, this is a masterpiece. One of the best releases of all time.

Anise, lavender and rosemary are the most pronounced notes to my nose.

A modern aromatic fougere without losing tradition.

It has a barber shop smell, which is wonderful for me.

Classic and modern, serves for the whole year and at any time and station.

If you like Azzaro, Chanel Platinum Egoiste, you'll love Rive Gauche.

Sillage, staying power and projection are good.

Versions
1) Original tin can version - has written "Yves Saint Laurent Parfums" on the packaging - the first version, more charged in anise and oak moss.

2) Reformulated tin can version - has written only "Yves Saint Laurent" on the package - more herbal, with rosemary notes and more pronounced patchouli.

3) La Collection version - latest version, glass - lighter version and cooler with less moss and less anise.

4) Rive Gauche Light - far more diluted and fresher version, with a pronounced mint note in his opening - shorter duration.

5) Rive Gauche Intense - more rounded version of the original, longer duration - more evident patchouli note.

Updated December 2014

03/19/2013

JSpines
177 Reviews

JSpines

Very helpful Review 6

Rive Gauche pour Homme

When I was first contemplating which fragrance I wanted to buy for myself, it was between this and YSL Opium for Men. I couldn't decide which one to get between the two. I ended up getting them both! I wore the Opium a few times and while I did like the scent, I found it to be too strong and overpowering to my nose. I ended up giving my bottle away. I finally got around to wearing Rive Gauche. Right away I liked it. Not too strong, perfectly blended, smooth and soothing. The lavender and soft spices in this are so beautiful! One of the best men's colognes I've smelled in awhile. It's unique and different with a personality all its own. I can see myself reaching for this quite often. Smells clean and masculine without being too over-the-top macho. Perfect for any occasion. Every man should have this in their collection.

08/02/2012

jtd
484 Reviews

jtd

Very helpful Review 5

tall, dark and handsome

Rive Gauche pour Homme is a thick, heavy aromatic fougère. Its aromatic notes are balanced, but aren’t key players. They are the Greek chorus to the lavender and coumarin that define RGpH. Clove focuses our attention on the coumarin, and rosemary and geranium steer us to the lavender.

RGpH reminds me of what I love about the fougère. Because the interaction of lavender and coumarin plays out mostly as contrast rather than agreement, the greater the counterpoint, the better the fougère. The aromatics merely keep our attention on the lavender and coumarin and their combined raspiness.

If the accord is stark, the transitions are not. It moves easily from an enveloping church organ blast of a perfume to a brisk barbershop slap to a husky whisper. There is nothing superfluous. The fragrance emerges from the fundamental duality of its defining elements.

RGpH is not pretty, it’s handsome. By historic fragrance norms, it is so classically masculine that I can’t help but feel like I’m in man-drag when I wear it. By the same reasoning, it’d be loads of fun on a femme woman.

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