The Paths of Perfume
This event has already taken place!
Montpellier, a historic hub of perfumery for over five centuries, has been the birthplace of a unique olfactory expertise, shaped by medicine, botany, and the trade in rare essences. From the Queen of Hungary’s water to the apothecaries of the royal courts, the city laid the foundations for a tradition that combines scientific rigor with artistic sensibility. Even today, this living heritage inspires research and creation, balancing eco-responsible innovation with the transmission of knowledge.
Les Chemins du Parfum is part of this living tradition, an event that offers a three-day sensory, scientific, and artistic immersion. Lectures, workshops, discussions, and performances will bring together perfumers, researchers, artists, and historians in Montpellier for the first time to explore a rich panorama of the world of perfume, blending heritage and innovation. The highlight: Jean-Benoît Patricot’s play DARIUS, a true olfactory journey, presented in the main courtyard of the Faculty of Medicine, followed by activities centered on scents created by students. The program is rounded out by roundtable discussions, sensory walks, guided tours, and a symphonic concert.
Program
Thursday, June 19
4:30 p.m. – Talk 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: The Ancient Capital of Perfume*
6 :00 p.m. – Opening: Prestigious evening event in the main courtyard – Speeches by institutional representatives
8 :30 p.m. – Theater performance of *DARIUS* by Jean Benoît Patricot, directed by André Nerman, starring Catherine Aymerie and François Cognard – An olfactory odyssey in the main courtyard
10:00 p.m. – Backstage – A scent-tasting experience with students from the Professional Bachelor’s Program in Perfumes, Flavors, and Cosmetics
Friday, June 20
10 :00 a.m. – Lecture by Roland Salesse, former research director at INRAE – Do you have to smell good to be attractive?
10 :00 a.m. – Writing workshop led by Dominique Paquet, philosopher and historian – Writing About Perfume
11:00 a.m. – Reading and discussion with Caroline Redon-Jauffret , journalist and author of the book *Montpellier: The Ancient Capital of Perfume*
2:30 p.m. – Writing workshop led by Dominique Paquet, philosopher and playwright – In Search of the Lost Scent
3:00 p.m. – A conversation with perfumer and creator Sylvie Jourdet – A look at an inspiring career journey!
3:00 p.m. – Olfactory discovery workshop with Michel Sommerard , essential oil specialist and producer – Discover essential oils from here and abroad
3:00 p.m. – Workshops painting by Nathalie Le Gall – Draw Me a Perfume (an immersive experience at the artist’s studio, Atelier du Singe Vert, €30 with reservation, )
5:00 p.m. – Special Lecture by Annick Le Guerer, perfume historian and anthropologist – The Return of Healing Fragrances
8 :30 p.m. – Theater performance of *DARIUS* by Jean Benoît Patricot, directed by André Nerman, starring Catherine Aymerie and François Cognard – An olfactory odyssey in the main courtyard
10:00 p.m. – Backstage – A treat for the nose with the ICAP Master’s students
Saturday, June 21
10:00 a.m. – Painting workshops by Nathalie Le Gall – Draw Me a Perfume (an immersive experience at the artist’s studio, Atelier du Singe Vert, €30 with reservation, )
10:30 a.m. – Workshop on anosmia led by Claire Martin, CNRS Research Director, Neuroscience and Olfaction
10:30 a.m. – Joint presentation by Roland Salesse, former research director at INRAE, and Corinne Maeght, master chocolatier – The Brain and Cooking
2:30 p.m. – Perfume-making workshops by ODORE SCOLA – Create your own perfume with the help of a perfumer (€20 with reservation; sessions at 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m., )
3:00 p.m. – Painting workshops by Nathalie Le Gall – Draw Me a Perfume (an immersive experience at the artist’s studio, Atelier du Singe Vert, €30 with reservation, )
6:00 p.m. – Roundtable discussion on synesthesia moderated by Sarah Bouasse, featuring Annick Le Guerer, Claire Martin, and René Vacher (physicist and conductor of the University of Montpellier Symphony Orchestra)
7:45 p.m. – Musical finale in the main courtyard: Montpellier University Symphony Orchestra
Throughout the program
Video clips from “Guide(s) for the Young Perfumer” – A special-edition film based on the work *Héritage(s): Testimonials from Leading Figures in the Perfume Industry* by the Per Fumum Endowment Fund. Book sale and signing related to the *Les Chemins du Parfum* event in the Atrium
All lectures are free; activities scheduled at the same time will take place simultaneously.
For information and reservations: 07 62 48 14 93
Admission to daytime activities is free; however, tickets are required for certain performances and the play DARIUS.
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