Houbigant Quelques Fleurs L’Original Eau de Parfum is one of the most revered floral perfumes in fragrance history. Introduced in 1912, it was a groundbreaking creation—the first multi-floral bouquet ever composed in perfumery. Crafted by master perfumer Robert Bienaimé for the historic House of Houbigant, it revolutionized how flowers were captured in a bottle, inspiring countless fragrances that followed.
Over a century later, Quelques Fleurs L’Original remains a symbol of feminine elegance, French luxury, and artful perfumery. It is a fragrance that transcends trends, marrying tradition and sophistication in one ethereal blend.
The House of Houbigant: A Perfumed Heritage Since 1775
Founded in Paris in 1775, Houbigant is one of the oldest perfume houses still in operation. Its prestigious clientele has included royalty, aristocrats, and cultural icons—from Queen Marie Antoinette to Napoleon Bonaparte. Houbigant is deeply woven into the history of French haute parfumerie, and Quelques Fleurs stands as its crowning achievement.
The Olfactory Composition: A Floral Symphony
Quelques Fleurs L’Original is a luxurious, finely tuned floral bouquet composed of more than 15,000 flowers and 250 raw materials per ounce of perfume. The result is a beautifully complex fragrance that unfolds like a symphony, with each note harmonizing to create a rich and timeless scent.
Top Notes: Fresh and Sparkling Introduction
The opening of Quelques Fleurs L’Original is fresh, luminous, and delicately green, offering a bright and inviting prelude to the floral heart.
- Bergamot: Citrusy and vibrant, adding an effervescent sparkle
- Galbanum: Green and slightly bitter, introducing a natural sharpness
- Tarragon: Herbaceous and spicy, giving the fragrance a lively edge
- Citrus Accords: Clean and uplifting, balancing the intensity of the florals to come
Heart Notes: The Iconic Floral Bouquet
The heart of the fragrance is where its legend truly lies—a magnificent multi-floral composition that includes roses, jasmine, tuberose, lily of the valley, and more. It is lush, velvety, and intensely feminine.
- Rose (Bulgarian & Turkish): Rich and romantic, forming the heart’s backbone
- Jasmine: Sensual and slightly indolic, enhancing the floral warmth
- Tuberose: Creamy, heady, and opulent, providing depth and texture
- Lily of the Valley: Soft and green, adding brightness and innocence
- Ylang-Ylang & Violet: Sweet and powdery, rounding out the bouquet with elegance
Base Notes: Powdery, Woody, and Elegant Dry-Down
The dry-down is smooth, musky, and warm, adding a sense of vintage glamour and refined sophistication.
- Sandalwood: Creamy and woody, grounding the floral intensity
- Oakmoss: Earthy and slightly mossy, adding a chypre-like character
- Tonka Bean & Musk: Soft and powdery, providing warmth and sensuality
- Civet (synthetic): A whisper of animalic richness, enhancing depth
Performance: Longevity and Sillage
As a true Eau de Parfum, Quelques Fleurs L’Original is remarkably long-lasting and maintains its character throughout the day.
- Longevity: 8 to 10 hours
- Sillage: Moderate to strong
- Projection: Radiates elegantly without overwhelming
It is a scent that leaves a graceful trail, evoking elegance and refinement wherever it is worn.
Who Is It For?
Quelques Fleurs L’Original is a classic feminine fragrance, ideal for women who appreciate timeless beauty, vintage glamour, and floral sophistication. It is ageless in its appeal—worn by brides, debutantes, professionals, and women of stature for over a century.
Best For:
- Occasions: Weddings, formal events, romantic evenings, professional wear
- Seasons: Spring, summer, and early fall
- Age Group: 30+, though younger wearers with classic tastes will also appreciate it
Packaging: French Elegance in a Bottle
The perfume is housed in a clear, rectangular flacon with golden accents and the iconic Quelques Fleurs name elegantly printed. The presentation is simple yet incredibly refined, reflecting the heritage and craftsmanship behind the fragrance.
Whether placed on a vanity or gifted to a loved one, the packaging exudes understated luxury.
Comparisons and Inspirations
Quelques Fleurs L’Original vs Guerlain L’Heure Bleue
While both fragrances are vintage and floral, L’Heure Bleue is more powdery and melancholic, whereas Quelques Fleurs is brighter, greener, and more optimistic in tone.
Quelques Fleurs vs Chanel No. 5
Chanel No. 5 is more aldehydic and abstract, while Quelques Fleurs offers a more natural, vivid floral composition. Those seeking a classic floral with clarity and richness often prefer Quelques Fleurs.
Quelques Fleurs vs Joy by Jean Patou
Joy is another rich floral bouquet but leans more heavily into rose and jasmine. Quelques Fleurs is broader in floral diversity, offering a more complex and layered structure.
Where to Buy Houbigant Quelques Fleurs L’Original
To ensure authenticity and freshness, it’s best to purchase from official retailers and trusted luxury perfume boutiques:
- Houbigant Official Website
- Neiman Marcus
- Harrods
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- FragranceX
- Selfridges
It is available in multiple sizes, including 100ml Eau de Parfum, and also in luxurious extrait de parfum and gift sets.
Pricing and Value
As a fragrance steeped in history and craftsmanship, Quelques Fleurs L’Original commands a price that reflects its luxurious quality and legacy. Prices typically range from $180 to $250 USD for a 100ml bottle. Given its complexity and heritage, it offers excellent value to collectors and connoisseurs.
Houbigant Quelques Fleurs L’Original Eau de Parfum is more than a perfume—it is a work of art, a symbol of French perfumery, and a timeless tribute to the beauty of flowers. It continues to enchant those who wear it with its lush bouquet, exquisite craftsmanship, and historical richness.
Whether you are rediscovering a childhood scent or seeking the perfect signature fragrance, Quelques Fleurs L’Original is an enduring choice for those who treasure elegance, femininity, and floral grandeur.