Straying off the beaten track frequently pays dividends in Paris. Beauty Bible knew that lurking somewhere in the 1st arrondissement was perfumery Francis Kurkdjian's store, but we couldn't have been happier to turn into the Rue Mont-Thabor, et voilà! If you're in Paris, do stop by - not least for the amazing window display (photographed here - though it doesn't do it justice): the blades of the Moulin Rouge turn, the Eiffel Tower lights up, the merry-go-round goes round merrily - and it's pure, childlike joy to watch. Inside, you'll find some truly fabulous fragrance confections, from a 'nose' whose majr creations include Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, Lanvin Rumeur, Kouros Cologne Sport and many, many more - and who's now struck out on his own. For an in-depth review of Jo's favourite creation - Lumière Noir - you can visit www.thescentcritic.com, but meanwhile, we do also point you in the direction of the scented bubbles, with fragrances like Herbe Coupée (cut grass), Menthe Froide (cold mint) and more. (Something else to delight your inner child.) Can't get to Paris? Happily there's now a Francis Kurkdjian section in Liberty of London, where you can sniff (and blow bubbles) to your heart's fragrant content. (A little Parisian tip: our favourite Japanese restaurant, Kinugawa, can also be found on the Rue Mont-Thabor. Clean, light, flavoursome food for when all those croques monsieurs and boeuf bourguignons get to you.)
Francis Kurkdjian, 9 Rue Mont-Thabor, Paris, 75001
Tel. 00-331-42-77-40-33
www.franciskurkdjian.com
