• About
  • Login to comment
    • Facebook
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Now Smell This

a blog about perfume

Menu ▼
  • Perfume Reviews
  • New Perfumes
  • Perfumers
  • Perfume Houses
  • Shop for perfume
  • Resources

Chanel Paris-Venise ~ fragrance review

Posted by Angela on 6 August 2018 46 Comments

Wow, has it been hot. Where I live — and now in Paris, where I’m spending a chunk of August — summer has been one heat wave after another. What’s a perfume-loving girl to do? Turn to light, fresh fragrances, of course, like Chanel Paris-Venise Eau de Toilette.

Paris-Venise is one of the three Eaux de Toilette from the new Les Eaux de Chanel collection (the others are Paris-Deauville and Paris-Biarritz). Perfumer Olivier Polge developed all three. Chanel describes Paris-Venise as: "A fresh oriental trail inspired by the exotic and enchanting city of Venice, one of Gabrielle Chanel's favorite places.” Its notes include citrus, neroli, red berries, iris, Grasse geranium, cedar, amber accord and vanilla.

Of the three Eaux, Paris-Venise is the one that grabbed me. The idea of an oriental cologne was intriguing. Yes, I like a zesty cologne on a hot day, but I don’t always want to smell like a golf club shower stall. Yet I think of oriental fragrances as too complicated and ambery to be refreshing.

Paris-Venise does the job nicely. Its citrus veers more toward neroli than tart lime, and a hint of currant gives it the deliciousness many oriental fragrances have without turning sweet. Its cedar and geranium make Paris-Venise tingle in the nose. Subtle vanilla and amber smooth its edges.

Mostly, Paris-Venise doesn’t come off as particularly complex or fussy, and I mean that as a compliment. Think of it as a glass of barely sweetened, vanilla-fruit-infused iced tea when you’re thirsty, instead of the lemonade you usually drink. It’s not that Paris-Venise smells like iced tea, but that relative to traditional colognes, you might think of it that way. To keep the beverage analogy going, Chanel Coromandel or Coco might be a Bordeaux wine to Paris-Venise’s tea (and, for you oriental lovers, a bare dab of Coco would be a nice way to top off Paris-Venise when the day cools).

As you might expect, Paris-Venise has modest sillage unless you really spray yourself down. After a few hours, it has mostly vanished from my skin.

One more note: The Paris-Venise bottle is a throwback to old No. 5 cologne bottles with its tall, rounded sides and heavy, engraved cap. It feels good in the hand, and although, at 125 ml, it’s a large bottle, it’s slender enough to be easy to spray. Its atomizer delivers a satiny mist.

What fragrances do you turn to in a heat wave? Have you found a good cologne that’s not a citrus salad?

Chanel Paris-Venise Eau de Toilette is $130 for 125 ml. It’s also available as a body lotion and as a bath and shower gel. It’s available at Chanel boutiques or directly from the Chanel website.

Possibly of interest

Chanel Le Lion de Chanel ~ fragrance review
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle L’Eau Privee ~ new fragrance
Le Lion de Chanel ~ new perfume

Filed Under: perfume talk
Tagged With: chanel, classic cologne, olivier polge

Advertisement


46 Comments

Leave a comment, or read more about commenting at Now Smell This. Here's our privacy policy, and a handy emoticon chart.

  1. lucasai says:
    6 August 2018 at 2:59 pm

    Hi Angela! Paris-Venise was my favorite out of the three Les Eaux. Lately I’m wearing a lot of fresher fragrances as we are also having a heatwave in Poland. Latest favorites of mine include Parfumerie Generale Komorebi, Liquides Imaginaires Succus, VC&A California Reverie and Jacques Fath Green Water.

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      7 August 2018 at 1:41 am

      Today is supposed to be the last real cooker of a day, thankfully! I think I’ll try the Paris-Deauville today. It has a chypre feel I like, but Paris-Venise is still my favorite.

      Log in to Reply
  2. lucasai says:
    6 August 2018 at 2:59 pm

    Hi Angela! Paris-Venise was my favorite out of the three Les Eaux. Lately I’m wearing a lot of fresher fragrances as we are also having a heatwave in Poland. Latest favorites of mine include Parfumerie Generale Komorebi, Liquides Imaginaires Succus, VC&A California Reverie and Jacques Fath Green Water.

    Log in to Reply
  3. littlecooling says:
    6 August 2018 at 3:11 pm

    What a great review Angela :)
    I have a friend that is shipping this one to me and I am so excited to get it.
    I’m in the mood for something light but not necessarily a citrus bomb, so this is going to be on heavy rotation doing this heat wave we have here in Europe.
    I totally adore the bottle and I love that the spray gives a good mist.

    My to go to summer scents are usually Philsoykos and Yohji Yamamoto’s Essential. Philosykos is just so damn nice with the gorgeous fig smell and Essential is fresh and light but has something ekstra that is really interesting and not at all a fruit salad ;)

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      7 August 2018 at 1:43 am

      Philosykos reminds me of how I WANT to be feeling right now: cool, leafy, green, and like I’m sitting on slightly earth.

      Log in to Reply
      • littlecooling says:
        7 August 2018 at 3:54 am

        Exactly ;)

        Log in to Reply
        • littlecooling says:
          8 August 2018 at 10:05 am

          I got Paris-Venise today.
          And you described it so well. I couldn’t say it better.
          How deliciously refreshing it is. It has a lovely berry top note and the neroli and geranium is twirling around and dancing with the vanilla and amber.
          Like a perfect blended ice tea. Not one of those fake peach or icy minty ones.
          I love that the vanilla and amber is humming, not overwhelming. I was a bit afraid that it would be a vanilla bomb.
          Well done Olivier Polge. Bravo.

          Log in to Reply
          • Angela says:
            9 August 2018 at 4:31 pm

            I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! I’ve been appreciating Paris-Deauville lately, too, mostly for its wonderful moss.

  4. kristinacologne says:
    6 August 2018 at 3:18 pm

    Warm (literally) greetings from Cologne which is just a three hour train ride away from Paris! We had an incredible summer but the temperatures are a challenge. I rely on Azemour les Orangers and Tzor’a by Anat Fritz but I could definitely use something new. Have to try the Chanel, especially as orientals usually give me a hard time. This sounds as if it might work for me.

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      7 August 2018 at 1:43 am

      Azemour les Orangers! I forgot about that one. It would be perfect right now!

      Log in to Reply
  5. sterling925 says:
    6 August 2018 at 3:44 pm

    I bought a bottle of Paris-Deauville but haven’t tried Venise on skin. Need to give it a try!

    I’m glad you mentioned the bottles. They are really lovely and the sprayer feels super fancy!

    Log in to Reply
    • sterling925 says:
      6 August 2018 at 3:45 pm

      Forgot to mention, I’m liking Deauville in the heat and also wear a lot of Bvlgari Green Tea this time of year.

      Log in to Reply
      • Angela says:
        7 August 2018 at 1:45 am

        Good old Green Tea. A classic.

        Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      7 August 2018 at 1:44 am

      The bottles are really nice, aren’t they? They feel sort of modern and old fashioned at the same time.

      Log in to Reply
  6. Coumarin says:
    6 August 2018 at 3:46 pm

    How funny, I’m actually wearing some vintage Coco EdP today! I wore the parfum to bed last night and wanted to keep the party going.

    I haven’t smelled these yet but they are high in my list.

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      7 August 2018 at 1:46 am

      I think they’re not super easy to find, but Paris-Venise and Coco could be good friends!

      Log in to Reply
      • Coumarin says:
        7 August 2018 at 6:26 pm

        I have a local boutique but that mashes me feel tired just thinking about it. ;)

        Log in to Reply
        • Angela says:
          9 August 2018 at 4:32 pm

          Cologne should be refreshing, not tiring! I know what you mean, though.

          Log in to Reply
  7. AnnieA says:
    6 August 2018 at 5:02 pm

    Either AG starry night or mandragore, right from the fridge.

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      7 August 2018 at 1:47 am

      Oh, refrigerated Mandragore sounds like heaven right now!

      Log in to Reply
  8. springpansy says:
    6 August 2018 at 5:49 pm

    This sounds great. I am hoping to try them all!

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      7 August 2018 at 1:48 am

      I hope you get the chance! It’s not that they’re wildly original, but they’re nice and surprisingly affordable.

      Log in to Reply
  9. schaf says:
    6 August 2018 at 8:44 pm

    Thanks for writing reviews during this hot weather and while visiting Paris, Angela!

    Here are some “not a citrus salad” fragrances that work well for me in summer:

    Hermes Eau de Neroli Dore
    Hermes Eau de Gentiane Blanche
    IUNX L’Eau Argentine
    IUNX L’Eau Blanche
    L’Artisan L’Ete en Douce
    Diptyque Ofresia (edt, old version)
    Diptyue L’Eau Trois
    Sylvaine Delacourte Helicriss
    Honore des Pres Nu Green

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      7 August 2018 at 1:49 am

      The IUNX eaux would be terrific in this weather! Great list!

      Log in to Reply
  10. cazaubon says:
    7 August 2018 at 7:48 am

    I dislike citrus and colognes in general, so I wear SL L’Eau Froide, Bulgari au Thé Bleu, and the edt versions of AdP Iris Nobile and Gelsomino Nobile. Not refreshing but summery in a beachy, suntan way is Atélier Cologne Blanche Immortelle. It smells like warm skin after a day in the sun to me. I also like FM Eau de Magnolia and Lys Mediterranée in the heat.

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      7 August 2018 at 11:20 am

      I have a friend who’s been wearing Lys Mediterranée in the heat, and I was skeptical since it’s such a showstopper, but it works!

      Log in to Reply
  11. chocolatemarzipan8 says:
    7 August 2018 at 7:55 am

    I enjoyed SMN vintage Melograno Cologne this summer…definitely not a citrus and reminds me very much of vintage Emeraude.

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      7 August 2018 at 11:21 am

      Is vintage Melograno a lot different from the current Melograno? I remember trying it and liking it enough to consider buying a bottle–and then not buying a bottle.

      Log in to Reply
      • chocolatemarzipan8 says:
        7 August 2018 at 6:27 pm

        Haven’t a clue…all I know is that the bottles are different. I am sure they are similar enough. I only tried the vintage because it was gifted to me…prior to that I did not even know about this niche house!

        Log in to Reply
        • Angela says:
          9 August 2018 at 4:33 pm

          Either way, it does sound nice.

          Log in to Reply
  12. Dilana says:
    7 August 2018 at 1:36 pm

    Try keeping a bottle of Eau de Cologne in the fridge and then spraying and respraying as the day goes on. (An eau de cologne should be sufficiently light to allow the respraying).
    You can probably get the same cooling effect with refrigerated rubbing alcohol but not the same enjoyment

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      9 August 2018 at 4:34 pm

      I keep a bottle of Jean Naté in the refrigerator for just this kind of treatment!

      Log in to Reply
  13. ggperfume says:
    7 August 2018 at 1:36 pm

    My hot-weather favorites (listed alphabetically):
    Bottega Veneta Knot
    Estee Lauder Aliage
    Estee Lauder Azuree
    Parfums Delrae Eau Illuminee

    Aliage is the best for the very hottest conditions. I’ve only lived in dry-heat climates, though, so can’t advise on suitable scents for humid weather.

    Log in to Reply
    • LizzieB says:
      7 August 2018 at 2:04 pm

      Aliage is great in humidity. Cuts it like a knife.

      Log in to Reply
      • ggperfume says:
        7 August 2018 at 3:42 pm

        Good to know, for future travel!

        Log in to Reply
      • Angela says:
        9 August 2018 at 4:36 pm

        I like it, too! Plus, it smells wonderfully old fashioned to me, in the best way.

        Log in to Reply
    • LizzieB says:
      7 August 2018 at 2:04 pm

      Aliage is great in humidity. One of my favorites.

      Log in to Reply
      • LizzieB says:
        7 August 2018 at 2:07 pm

        Oops. Sorry for dupe

        Log in to Reply
    • ggperfume says:
      7 August 2018 at 3:45 pm

      Oops, forgot to list Guy Laroche Fidji, a warm-weather fave which is versatile in that it also suits milder temperatures.

      Log in to Reply
      • Angela says:
        9 August 2018 at 4:37 pm

        The name alone earns it a spot on the list!

        Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      9 August 2018 at 4:35 pm

      I recently found my decant of Knot, and I do like it in the summer. Aliage is so wonderful, too! Azuree usually sounds wonderfully summery to me, but is better when it’s not sizzling hot out.

      Log in to Reply
      • ggperfume says:
        10 August 2018 at 12:51 pm

        I agree – Azuree is for days when it’s warm enough to relax in a lounge chair by the pool, not when it’s so hot you have to flee indoors to the air conditioning.

        Log in to Reply
  14. LizzieB says:
    7 August 2018 at 2:07 pm

    How do you think this would work on a man who tends to distinguish between male/female scents? My husband will wear most of the Hermès eaux and has Colonia and SMN original eau.

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      9 August 2018 at 4:37 pm

      If he’s very sensitive to female v. male scents, he might not go for this one.

      Log in to Reply
  15. Fragranceforce says:
    7 August 2018 at 6:33 pm

    The fact that the sillage is relatively light is always a good sign for a summer type fragrance. and the soft creamy base is also a plus on a hot summer day.
    Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne (Unisex) by Jo Malone is another nice summer fragrance that has a very soft sillage.

    Log in to Reply
    • Angela says:
      9 August 2018 at 4:38 pm

      I have a friend who wear this one wonderfully. The JM orange blossom, too.

      Log in to Reply

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Advertisement

Search

Browse by…

Topic

Perfume talk New fragrances
Shopping Books :: News
Body products Home fragrance
Polls Another subject

Date

February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
Prior months

Author

Robin Jessica
Angela Kevin
Erin Guest Author

Tag

Celebrity perfumes
Cheap thrills
Collector bottles
Perfumista tip series
Video
The complete tag index

From NST at Twitter

  • "Cartier Perfumer Mathilde Laurent Shares Her French Beauty Essentials" (vanity fair, hat tip to kevin!) https://t.co/qsMjKpmme3,
  • "What's that smell? New 'Corpse Flower' in full bloom at Nashville Zoo" (fox 17) https://t.co/QlPVyWVOq1,
  • Updated info on Costume National Supergloss https://t.co/fDSO0qQHen,
  • I am a day late but you can still enter: "Kraft Singles is giving away grilled cheese-scented incense to celebrate… https://t.co/8T64EZUJmy,
  • @Counselor_Gal44 I don't always, but I really like these bottles so I hope I like at least one of this set!,

Recent reviews

Atelier Cologne Love Osmanthus
Moschino Toy Boy
Arquiste Misfit
Diptyque Eau Capitale
Zoologist Bee
Parfum d’Empire Immortelle Corse
Comme des Garcons Series 10 Clash
Frédéric Malle Rose & Cuir
L’Artisan Parfumeur Le Chant de Camargue
Yves Saint Laurent Grain de Poudre
Régime des Fleurs Chloë Sevigny Little Flower
Chanel 1957
Gallivant Los Angeles
Amouage Portrayal Woman

Blogroll

Bois de Jasmin
Grain de Musc
Perfume Posse
The Non-Blonde
More blogs...

Perfumista lists

100 fragrances every perfumista should try
And 25 more fragrances every perfumista should smell
50 masculine fragrances every perfumista should try
26 vintage fragrances every perfumista should try
25 rose fragrances every perfumista should try
11 Cheap Perfumes Beauty Outsiders Love

Favorite posts

The Great Perfume Reduction Plan
Why I Love Old School Chypres
New to perfume and want to learn more?
How to make fragrance last through the day
Fragrance concentrations: sorting it all out
On reformulations, or why your favorite perfume doesn’t smell like it used to
How to get fragrance samples
Perfume for Life: How Long Will Your Fragrance Collection Last?

Upcoming

List of upcoming Friday projects

24 April ~ swapmeet

Back to Top

Home
About Now Smell This :: Privacy Policy

Shop for Perfume Online
Perfume Shopping in New York
Perfume Shopping in London
Perfume Reviews
New Perfumes
General Perfume Articles
The Monday Mail

Glossary of Perfume Terms
Perfume FAQ
Perfume Links
Perfume Books
Fragrance Awards

Noses ~ Perfumers A-E :: F-K :: L-S :: T-Z

Perfume Houses A-B :: C :: D-E :: F-G
H-J :: K-L :: M :: N-O :: P :: Q-R :: S
T :: U-Z

Copyright © 2005-2021 Now Smell This. All rights reserved.