GalbanumOpens with
AngelicaHeart
VetiverDries down to
Pierre BourdonThe nose · 36 fragrances · also made Feminite du Bois (1992)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Frederic Malle · Sold as masculine
French Lover
The hiss of an espresso machine two seconds before the cup arrives, where the earthy richness of incense and musk intertwine with the crispness of juniper and violet leaf.
Smells likea forest after rain
Full bottle: Luxury tier, typically $250+. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
French LoverLuxury · $250+
46%Similar accords, often for lessWind Wood · ManceraPremium tier, $100–250 · shares 6 of its 11 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Notes Pyramid
BaseFoundation
The story behind the bottle.
Launched in 2007 by Frederic Malle and crafted by perfumer Pierre Bourdon, French Lover is a Woody Aromatic fragrance that captures the essence of a Parisian atmosphere. The scent opens with the freshness of galbanum and juniper, blending seamlessly into a heart of violet leaf and pink pepper. Cedar, incense, orris, and vetiver create an earthy and powdery base, while oakmoss and white musk add depth and warmth. French Lover is a composition that embodies both sophistication and understated elegance.
Apply French Lover to pulse points for a lasting effect — it blooms slowly over time. The earthy notes are best appreciated close to skin rather than from across the room, so a light spritz is recommended.
Fig. 01 — French Lover, Frederic Malle
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
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Pierre Bourdon
As Edmond Roudnitska’s only student, Pierre Bourdon was informed early on by the philosophy that perfumes should be created as works of art.
The French Lover line
2 fragrances, compared side by side
Designer Frederic Malle
More from the house · founded 2000 · France
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Comme des GarconsScent Two: Laurel★ 4.20Wearers say it smells similarStill deciding?Try the Scent Finder →Love it, not the $250+ price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalFrench LoverFrederic Malle · Luxury · $250+Mancera · 2014Wind WoodShares 6 of its 11 notes$100–250★ 4.05 (1,273)41%Match
Lancôme · 1998Rouge Now or NeverShares 6 of its 12 notes$100–250★ 4.52 (129)40%Match
Davidoff · 2024Cool Water Reborn Eau de Parfum IntenseAll 3 of its listed notes are in this oneunder $40★ 3.69 (113)44%Match
Al Haramain PerfumesAmazing MukhallathShares 5 of its 8 notesunder $40★ 4.64 (33)
With Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady 15th Anniversary
Adds warm spicy, fruity and rose; shares incense and amber and 1 more note.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Well loved by wearers: loved by 45%, disliked or hated by 12%.