Molinard Parfums Paris 1er: Discovery Perfume Workshop

If you’re heading to Paris and love fragrances—or even if you’re just curious about how perfume is made—this Discovery Perfume Workshop at Molinard might catch your eye. We’ve seen plenty of scent-related experiences around the world, but this one in Paris offers a chance to get hands-on and produce something truly personal.

What we really like about this workshop? First, the chance to create your own customized perfume with the help of a professional perfumer, and second, the fact that you get to bring home a 100 ml bottle of your unique scent. On the flip side, it’s a relatively short experience—just 45 minutes—and there’s a strict arrival time, so punctuality is key.

Overall, it’s a terrific fit for those wanting a creative, memorable activity in the City of Light, especially for visitors who appreciate craftsmanship or want a personalized souvenir. However, if you’re looking for a long, in-depth class or are traveling with very young kids, this might not be the perfect choice. Still, for most adults, it hits a sweet spot of fun, education, and a tangible keepsake.

Key Points

• Create a personalized fragrance with expert guidance in just 45 minutes.
• Choose from 40 different essences to craft a scent that matches your style.
• Take home a 100 ml bottle of your custom perfume, plus a diploma.
• Cost is $59 per person, which is a reasonable price considering the personal creation and professional help.
• Arrive on time; lateness over 10 minutes results in cancellation.
• Suitable for ages 10 and up; not recommended for children under 10.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Inside Look at the Perfume Workshop Experience

Walking into Molinard’s boutique in the heart of Paris, you’re immediately greeted by a sense of history—since 1849, this maison has crafted fragrances with a dedication that’s visible in the elegant decor and the quiet confidence of the staff. The experience lasts around 45 minutes—short enough to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule but long enough to give you a real taste of perfumery.

The workshop starts with a brief introduction to the art of fragrance-making. You’ll learn about the ingredients that compose scents, the roles of different notes, and how perfumes are constructed. The professional perfumer guiding the session is not only knowledgeable but also patient, making the process engaging whether you’re a complete novice or a budding perfume enthusiast.

Once the basics are covered, the fun begins. You’re invited to select from 40 essences—a mix of floral, spicy, woody, and citrus notes—to build your signature scent. The guide helps you understand how different ingredients interact with each other, whether they complement or contrast, so you can craft something unique. Many reviewers mention how insightful and helpful the guide is, with one describing him as “The Nose” due to his expertise.

The Creative Process: Making Your Perfume

You’ll experiment with blending different essences, smelling and adjusting as you go. This is where the workshop really shines—you get to be a perfumer for a day. The process is interactive and surprisingly relaxing, especially as you focus on creating something personal.

The finished product is a 30 ml Eau de Parfum, which might seem small but is enough to enjoy and share. Plus, you’ll receive a diploma certifying your creation—another fun keepsake. The bottle is in a standard 100 ml size, so you get a good amount to wear or gift.

As some reviews note, the experience can be quite engaging—people love that they walk away with their own scent, and many say they would definitely do it again. One guest happily reports, “I love the perfume I created, I’m wearing it right now!”

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $59, you get the workshop itself, the 30 ml perfume, and the diploma. You also benefit from a 20% discount if you decide to purchase additional bottles or products on the day. It’s worth noting that food and drinks are not included, so plan for a snack afterward if needed.

The workshop is offered in English and French, making it accessible for most visitors. Be sure to arrive on time—the experience is tightly scheduled, and a delay of more than 10 minutes may result in cancellation. Also, note that children under 10 are not suited for this experience, likely due to the delicate nature of fragrance blending.

How It Stacks Up: Reviews and Feedback

With an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars from 210 reviews, this experience is generally well-loved. Many travelers praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides—calling them “very helpful,” “passionate,” and “attentive.” Several reviewers mention how much fun they had, with some even bringing their children along for a family-friendly version.

People also note the excitement of creating a scent they love and the satisfaction of leaving with a tangible product that reminds them of Paris. A common theme is the quality of the experience, with one saying, “You learn some really interesting things about how perfumes work,” and another claiming it was “brilliant from start to finish.”

A few constructive comments include requests for longer sessions—some felt 45 minutes was a bit brief—and suggestions for more detailed info on the ingredients. Also, a handful of reviews mention that the bottle size was smaller than expected, but overall, most find the value to be quite good considering the personalized souvenir.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Arrive on time—the workshop is punctual, and lateness can ruin your experience.
• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be standing and moving around during the scent mixing.
• Book in advance—this popular activity often fills up quickly.
• Consider the longer session if you’re interested—some reviews suggest it provides more variety or insight.
• Bring your curiosity and a sense of fun—this is a hands-on activity, not a passive tour.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This workshop is ideal for adults who love fragrances, enjoy a creative activity, or want a personal souvenir from Paris. It’s also particularly well-suited for couples, friends, or even solo travelers looking for a memorable, intimate activity. While children over 10 are permitted, it’s probably less appealing for younger kids due to the focus and delicate nature of the process.

If you’re a perfume fanatic or simply curious about what goes into your favorite scents, this experience offers a good balance of education, creativity, and take-home value. It’s a nice break from sightseeing that leaves you with a tangible and personal outcome.

Final Thoughts

For the price of $59, you get a professional-led workshop that offers a genuine behind-the-scenes look into perfume creation. You’ll leave with a customized perfume and a diploma—a lovely memory of Paris and a special gift for yourself or someone else. The mix of knowledgeable guides, the chance to experiment with 40 different essences, and the opportunity to craft a unique scent make this a worthwhile experience, especially if you’re into cosmetics or crafts.

That said, keep in mind the short duration—it’s a quick but quality activity rather than an exhaustive course. If you’re after a deep dive into perfumery, you might want to consider a longer or more in-depth workshop, but for most visitors, this hits the right notes.

FAQs

Is this workshop suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for kids aged 10 and over, but not recommended for younger children due to the nature of the activity.

Do I need to speak French to participate?
No, the workshop is offered in both English and French, so language should not be a barrier.

How long does the workshop last?
The experience is approximately 45 minutes long, providing enough time to learn about perfume and create your own scent.

What is included in the price?
For $59, you get the perfume workshop, a 30 ml Eau de Parfum of your creation, and a diploma. You also get a 20% discount on additional purchases made on the same day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility for travel plans.

Is there a minimum group size?
The information doesn’t specify a minimum group size, but it’s generally a small-group experience, which enhances the personal touch.

If you’re after a unique, fun activity that results in your own signature scent, this perfume workshop at Molinard in Paris is a solid choice. It combines education, creativity, and a touch of luxury—all for a reasonable price. Whether you’re a perfume lover or simply looking for a memorable way to spend some time in Paris, it’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: