EAU DES VACANCES by Fragonard

Certain scents have an incredible way of whisking you straight back to your favourite summer holiday. A splash of coconut might remind you of sun cream on a golden beach, while salty sea notes bring back breezy walks along the coast. Juicy citrus can transport you to lazy afternoons in Italy, sipping fresh lemonade beneath orange trees, and tropical fruits instantly evoke poolside cocktails and warm evenings. Fragrance has a unique connection to memory, making it one of the easiest ways to relive those carefree moments. That’s why one spritz of Eau des Vacances from Fragonard can capture the feeling of sunshine and adventure.

Summer has inspired some truly iconic fragrances over the years, with a few becoming seasonal favourites that people return to time and time again. Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess is loved for its creamy coconut warmth, making it feel like a beach holiday in a bottle. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue remains a classic thanks to its sparkling citrus freshness, while Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk perfectly captures the scent of salty skin, warm sand and sunny afternoons. It's easy to see why these fragrances have become go-to sunshine scents. However, there’s another fragrance that has been a staple of summer for eleven years.

Founded in 1926 in the beautiful town of Grasse, Fragonard has spent a century creating fragrances inspired by the heart of French perfumery. Named after the famous painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard, the family-run company combines traditional craftsmanship with a love of creativity and beautiful ingredients. From elegant perfumes to scented soaps and home fragrances, every collection reflects the relaxed charm of the French Riviera. Visitors can even explore the brand's historic perfume factories and museums, discovering how fragrance is made while soaking up the atmosphere of one of the world's most famous perfume capitals. It's a place where history and artistry flourish.

Fragonard's Eau des Vacances captures the carefree feeling of a perfect summer escape. Bright citrus notes create an uplifting first impression before soft florals and gentle woods add warmth and comfort, making it easy to wear from morning right through to the evening. The fragrance feels fresh, sunny and wonderfully effortless, bringing to mind lazy afternoons by the sea, colourful markets and long dinners outdoors. Whether you're about to head off on holiday or simply dreaming of one, Eau des Vacances is a reminder that sometimes all it takes is the right fragrance to bring those summer memories rushing back again.

The fragrance opens with an effervescent medley of bergamot, mandarin and grapefruit, so you’re immediately in sunny territory. Cleverly, the scent then pulls in the aroma of ginger to add a touch of spiciness to the opening. However, the heart of Eau des Vacances features orange blossom and rose, but they’re partnered with bay. This adds a hint of clove to the blend, and also the first appearance of the promised woody notes. As the scent develops you get a dry cedarwood and vetiver coming through, conjuring sun-scorched grass, and a wash of musk adds a final weightless quality to the fragrance. Eau des Vacances is the perfect scent for summer... whether that’s abroad or a staycation.

Eau des Vacances is available from the Fragonard website at fragonard.com, or The French Pharmacy, priced at €52 for 200ml. [Sample provided by Fragonard]