When it comes to candles, the scents not only should be interesting, potent and lingering, but also should serve an aromatherapeutic function. Figuier by Côté Bastide is a perfect relaxing candle, with the scent that conjures associations with sunny days of summer. The white wax is permeated with the aroma of verdant leaves, young twigs and sticky green figs. This is not a honeyed scent of a ripe fruit, but a spicy crisp fragrance of a green fig that oozes milky sap onto the hot stones underneath the tree. A hint of green almond adds a pleasant subtle sweetness that swirls in the air like a gentle Mediterranean breeze.

Côté Bastide candles have always impressed me with their quality, from attractive presentation that reminds me of little souvenirs one finds in Provence, to long lasting scent. Some other favourite candles from Côté Bastide include Fleurs D’Oranger (deliciously sweet orange blossom), Lin (crisp linen), and Pêche de Vigne (honeyed peach with apricot cream). Large candles (4.9oz) offer about 40 hours of burn time.

They are priced at $16 for 2oz and $32-36 for 4.9oz, and can be obtained from aedes, beautyhabit, fourseasonsproducts, and scentsandsprays.