Star AniseOpens with
LavenderHeart
PatchouliDries down to
Jacques Cavallier-BelletrudThe nose · 228 fragrances · also made Opium Pour Homme Eau de Parfum (1995)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Yves Saint Laurent · Sold as masculine
Rive Gauche pour Homme
The hiss of an espresso machine two seconds before the cup arrives — where the sharp scent of star anise and rosemary mingles with the earthy richness of patchouli and vetiver.
Full bottle: Premium tier, typically $100–250. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
Rive Gauche pour HommePremium · $100–250
50%Similar accords, often for lessKuro · AjmalBudget tier, under $40 · shares 5 of its 7 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
The story behind the bottle.
Rive Gauche pour Homme by Yves Saint Laurent was launched in 2003 and crafted by the renowned perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud. This aromatic fougère fragrance opens with star anise, rosemary, and bergamot, creating a fresh spicy note that is both invigorating and modern. The heart of lavender and geranium adds a subtle floral touch, while the base notes of patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver, and guaiac wood provide earthy warmth and depth. This composition embodies the essence of Parisian elegance and restraint, blending traditional fougère elements with contemporary freshness.
This fragrance is best applied in moderation. The top notes are bright and fresh, so one or two sprays will suffice to let the warm base notes develop over time. It's particularly suited for daytime wear as it maintains a crisp and fresh presence without becoming overpowering.
Fig. 01 — Rive Gauche pour Homme, Yves Saint Laurent
Where to buy.
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Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud
Louis Vuitton's master perfumerJacques Cavallier Belletrud is the master perfumer at Louis Vuitton and one of the most accomplished noses in the industry.
“It was like a game, but it helped me, step by step, learn the language of perfume.”
Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud · Thames & Hudson / Sharp Magazine profiles
The Rive Gauche line
7 fragrances, compared side by side
Designer Yves Saint Laurent
More from the house · founded 1961 · France
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the $100–250 price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalRive Gauche pour HommeYves Saint Laurent · Premium · $100–250Ajmal · 2018KuroShares 5 of its 7 notesunder $40★ 4.16 (426)49%Match
Zara · 2017Y CollectionShares 5 of its 7 notesunder $40★ 4.55 (146)
With Yves Saint Laurent Opium Extrait de Parfum 40th Anniversary Edition
Adds amber, white floral and citrus; shares patchouli.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
A community favourite: loved by 58%, disliked or hated by 8%.