The paths of perfume
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Montpellier, a historic center of perfumery for more than five centuries, has developed a unique expertise in fragrance, nourished by medicine, botany, and the trade in rare essences. From Queen of Hungary water to royal court apothecaries, the city laid the foundations for a tradition combining scientific rigor and artistic sensibility. Today, this living heritage continues to inspire research and creation, combining eco-responsible innovation and the transmission of knowledge.
Les Chemins du Parfum is part of this living tradition, offering three days of sensory, scientific, and artistic immersion. Conferences, workshops, meetings, and performances will bring together perfumers, researchers, artists, and historians for the first time in Montpellier for a rich overview of the world of perfume, combining heritage and innovation. The highlight will be Jean-Benoît Patricot's play DARIUS, a true olfactory journey, presented in the courtyard of the Faculty of Medicine, followed by activities based on scents created by students. The program will also include round tables, sensory walks, guided tours, and a symphony concert.
Program
Thursday, June 19
4:30 p.m. – Lecture by Sarah Bouasse, journalist and author – An intimate history of smells
4:30 p.m. – Reading and discussion with Caroline Redon-Jauffret , journalist and author of the book Montpellier, ancestral capital of perfume
6:00 p.m. – Opening: Prestigious evening event in the main courtyard – Institutional speeches
8:30 p.m. – Theater Evening DARIUS by Jean Benoît Patricot, directed by André Nerman, with Catherine Aymerie and François Cognard – An olfactory odyssey in the main courtyard
10:00 p.m. – Stage side – Amuse-nez with students from the Professional Degree in Perfumes, Flavors, and Cosmetics program
Friday, June 20
10:00 a.m. – Lecture by Roland Salesse, former director of research at INRAE – Do you have to smell good to be attractive?
10:00 a.m. – Writing workshop led by philosopher and historian Dominique Paquet – Writing about perfume
11:00 a.m. – Reading and discussion with Caroline Redon-Jauffret , journalist and author of the book Montpellier, Ancestral Capital of Perfume
2:30 p.m. – Writing workshop led by Dominique Paquet, philosopher and playwright – In search of the lost fragrance
3:00 p.m. – Meet perfumer and creator Sylvie Jourdet – A look at an inspiring career!
3:00 p.m. – Olfactory discovery workshop with Michel Sommerard, specialist and producer of essential oils – Discover essential oils from here and elsewhere
3:00 p.m. – Painting workshops by Nathalie Le Gall – Draw me a perfume (immersion experience with the artist, Atelier du Singe Vert, €30, reservation required, moc.l1768802888iamg@1768802888llag.1768802888el.re1768802888ileta1768802888)
5:00 p.m. – Prestigious lecture by Annick Le Guerer, perfume historian and anthropologist – The return of healing perfumes
8:30 p.m. – Theater Evening DARIUS by Jean Benoît Patricot, directed by André Nerman, with Catherine Aymerie and François Cognard – An olfactory odyssey in the main courtyard
10:00 p.m. – Stage side – Amuse-nez with ICAP Master's students
Saturday, June 21
10:00 a.m. – Painting workshops by Nathalie Le Gall – Draw me a perfume (at the artist's studio, Atelier du Singe Vert, €30, reservation required, moc.l1768802888iamg@1768802888llag.1768802888el.re1768802888ileta1768802888)
10:30 a.m. – Workshop on anosmia by Claire Martin, Director of Research at CNRS, Neuroscience and Olfaction
10:30 a.m. – Joint lecture by Roland Salesse, former research director at INRAE, and Corinne Maeght, master chocolatier – The cooking brain
2:30 p.m. – Perfume creation workshops by ODORE SCOLA – Create your own perfume with the help of a perfumer (€20, reservation required, sessions at 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m., moc.a1768802888locse1768802888rodo@1768802888tcatn1768802888oc1768802888)
3:00 p.m. – Painting workshops by Nathalie Le Gall – Draw me a perfume (immersion experience with the artist, Atelier du Singe Vert, €30, reservation required, moc.l1768802888iamg@1768802888llag.1768802888el.re1768802888ileta1768802888)
6:00 p.m. – Round table discussion on synesthesia moderated by Sarah Bouasse with Annick Le Guerer, Claire Martin, and René Vacher (physicist and director of the Montpellier University Symphony Orchestra)
7:45 p.m. – Musical closing ceremony in the main courtyard Montpellier University Symphony Orchestra
Throughout the entire program
Video clips entitled "Guide(s) du jeune parfumeur" ( Guide(s) for young perfumers ) – Special film from the work Héritage(s), Témoignages des figures de la Parfumerie (Legacy(ies), Testimonials from figures in perfumery) by the Per Fumum Endowment Fund Sale and signing of books related to the event Les Chemins du Parfum (The Paths of Perfume) in the Atrium
All conferences are free of charge, and activities offered at the same time will take place simultaneously.
Information and reservations: 07 62 48 14 93
Access to daytime activities is free, with certain productions and the play DARIUS available through the box office.
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