Love in Paris; The Olfactory Journey of Café

Close your eyes and imagine an early morning in Paris. Take a gentle breath, and you’ll sense the intoxicating aromas, of soft warm croissants alongside the enticing scent of freshly roasted coffee beans warmly embracing you. Nestled in a corner of Paris, a hidden gem lies among the oldest streets, Paris’s oldest coffee heaven called Café Verlet. Within this poetic enclave, time slows to a graceful pace, and each cup of coffee becomes a journey of taste, while every waft of scented aroma tells a tale of French life. The oldest cafe in Paris, with its freshly roasted beans, has been brought to life in a new candle collection from another French institution, Diptyque. Find out more in Love in Paris; The Olfactory Journey of Café

Since 1880, Café Verlet has epitomized Parisian elegance and excellence in the realm of teas, coffees, spices, and candied fruits. Located at 256 rue Saint-Honoré behind the gardens of the Palais Royal, pale green beans from the Americas, West Indies, and Africa are equally roasted and brewed every morning until the perfect ‘à la française’ is achieved.

Café Verlet’s illustrious history intertwines with the very evolution of coffee culture in France. Venetian traders brought coffee to France for the first time in 1657, it gained popularity in the city among intellectuals and writers by the late 17th century. Despite its luxury status, consumption expanded between 1690 and 1730. Under Louis XV in the 18th century, France began intense cultivation in its colonies, establishing control over global production and trade.

In the timeless ambience of Café Verlet, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee dances with whispers of Parisian charm, a new chapter unfolds. Here, the convergence of excellence finds a new resonance, as Café Verlet collaborates with Diptyque, a name synonymous with artisanal mastery and sensory indulgence.

In 1963, just two years after the opening of Diptyque’s original boutique at 34 Boulevard Saint Germain, the first scented candles immerged: Tea, Cinnamon, and Hawthorn. Since then, Diptyque’s classic candles have promised enchanting experiences, offering a unique olfactory journey to be savoured.

Now, Diptyque presents new fragrances and a limited edition collection, enriching our olfactory palette with a tempting culinary journey, all with the distinctive touch of Diptyque.

Inspired by the menu of Café Verlet, Diptyque has launched four new scents in its classic candle series; Coffee, Whipped Cream, Biscuit, and Candied Fruits.

Like the first sip of a perfect espresso, the Coffee fragrance transports us to the warmth of Café Verlet, with irresistible notes of roasted coffee beans and toasted cereals.

Whipped Cream is smooth and airy, with a hint of vanilla reminiscent of the sweetness of great pastries.

Biscuit combines the spiciness of Verlet’s signature travel cakes with voluptuous patchouli notes.

And exclusively available in Diptyque boutiques, Candied Fruits exudes the tangy fragrance of succulent plum, accented with sandalwood, patchouli, and balsam.

Inspired by traditional candy, this creation celebrates the delicate fusion of fleshy fruit with the exquisite nectar of sugar syrup. These new scents invite us on an olfactory journey through a world of softness, sweetness, and indulgence, reminiscent of the comfort of the great cafe.

Sweetness and comfort often come from human interaction with our natural world. And floral notes are well-loved for this.

If you are a floral lover, the short but magnificent season you can’t miss is Cherry Blossom. Like delicate whispers of spring woven into the fabric of the breeze, these blossoms herald renewal and joy, painting the world hues of soft pink and pure white. Each petal a testament to nature’s artistry, they dance upon the branches, inviting us to revel in their fleeting beauty. It’s a perfect time for hanami, the ancient Japanese tradition of “flower viewing,” where souls unite in contemplation beneath the canopy of cherry blossoms.

For the Japanese, this bloom symbolizes both life and death, beauty and violence. As the coming of spring promises new life, so the blooming of cherry blossoms brings a sense of vitality and vibrancy. At the same time, their short lifespan is a reminder that life is fleeting.

Enter Diptyque’s Fleur de Cerisier, a fragranced candle that captures the essence of this ephemeral sphere. Each delicate note, evokes the gentle warmth of spring, transporting us to tranquil Japanese parks adorned with the sacred cherry blossom.

Wrapped in whispers of floral and fruity aromas, infused with the ethereal embrace of musk, Fleur de Cerisier is a journey through petals and poetry, a homage to the timeless allure of nature’s delicate bloom.

Whether it’s time to be among the majestic blossoms of spring especially the spiritual joy of Cherry Blossom or the warmth and comforting scents of coffee and cakes, from the oldest cafe in Pairs you don’t need to travel far to get them, Diptyque’s new scents can bring all this to your home this season.

The collection is available in Diptyque boutiques from 2 April.
To find out more, please visit Diptyque.

If you enjoy reading Love in Paris; The Olfactory Journey of Café, why not try Love; A Constant Inspiration

. Cent Magazine London, Be Inspired; Get Involved