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L'Artisan Parfumeur · Sold as unisex
L'eau du Caporal
The morning after a rainstorm, where the air is still crisp with moisture and the ground smells of fresh earth and damp moss.
Full bottle: Premium tier, typically $100–250. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
L'eau du CaporalPremium · $100–250
58%Similar accords, often for lessOpen Road · CoachMid-range tier, $40–100 · shares 5 of its 8 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
The story behind the bottle.
L'eau du Caporal by L'Artisan Parfumeur was launched in 1985 and crafted by Jacques Fraysse. The fragrance opens with a bright citrus-aromatic accord, blending the freshness of bergamot and lemon with aromatic herbs like lavender. As it settles, the composition shifts to a warm earthy-woody base anchored by patchouli and mossy notes, creating a scent that feels both grounded and fresh. This contrast gives L'eau du Caporal its distinctive character — crisp and invigorating at first, then warming into an earthy embrace.
This fragrance projects best when applied directly to pulse points. The citrus opening fades within an hour, so reapply lightly after that for continuous freshness. It pairs well with a light jacket or cardigan, as it reads best close to skin rather than from across the room.
Fig. 01 — L'eau du Caporal, L'Artisan Parfumeur
Where to buy.
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Jacques Fraysse
Jacques Fraysse is a French perfumer credited, per the Osmothèque, with creating Via Lanvin and Lanvin pour Homme (1979) as well as L'Eau du Caporal for L'Artisan Parfumeur (1985, reissued 2014), a citrus-aromatic fragrance built on oakmoss, vetiver, and lavender.
Designer L'Artisan Parfumeur
More from the house · founded 1976 · France
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Atelier CologneMistral PatchouliEDP · ★ 3.93Wearers say it smells similarStill deciding?Try the Scent Finder →Love it, not the $100–250 price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalL'eau du CaporalL'Artisan Parfumeur · Premium · $100–250Coach · 2022Open RoadShares 5 of its 8 notes$40–100★ 3.87 (635)58%Match
Ajmal · 2016ZealShares 5 of its 8 notesunder $40★ 4.08 (130)58%Match
Zara · 2023Friday from 22-00 PMShares 6 of its 10 notesunder $40★ 3.70 (33)68%Match
Rasasi · 2023AspirationShares 6 of its 7 notesunder $40★ 5.00 (1)
With Chanel Gabrielle Chanel Hair Mist
Adds white floral, musky and powdery; shares two accords.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Respected, if divisive: loved by 31%, disliked or hated by 20%.