Almost as soon as modern perfumery was born, towards the end of the 19th century, scent-makers began linking their craft with notions of journeys and far-flung locations. Guerlain released its Cuir de Russie (“Russian leather”) in 1872. In the same year, Penhaligon’s invited the Victorian public to sample its Hammam Bouquet. And in 1891, Grossmith transported buyers to Indian flower fields with Phul-Nana (Hindi for “lovely flower”). And today there is a growing number of brands connecting their wares either with specific destinations or with stories of travel.

Chief among these brands is Chanel, which recently created three olfactory voyages. Taking their cue from a trio of cities closely associated with the many myths around Coco Chanel, Paris-Deauville, Paris-Biarritz and Paris-Venise use refreshing citrus notes to evoke the sense of excitement that comes from hitting the road.

For Nick Steward, founder of Gallivant – each of whose scents is named after a major city – the connection between perfume and embarking on a journey is real. “It’s not just silly ad-speak. Travel is something evocative. When we travel we’re in observation mode, so it’s natural we think more about our surroundings, what we’re seeing and what we’re smelling. A great journey is a memorable and emotional experience – like a good perfume.”

Frédéric Malle, creator of the influential brand of the same name, agrees – adding that some scents in his collection were directly inspired by past journeys. “Lys Méditerranée conjures a breeze on a summer evening by the Mediterranean, while the idea for Outrageous came from a Caipirinha cocktail in Brazil.”

Neela Vermeire, of the award-winning Neela Vermeire Créations, believes that many locations can be classified according to their unique “scent profile”. For example, in her mind, heady florals spell “India” whereas coffee and lemon mean “Italy”. She uses these connotations “to create perfumes that evoke an idea of a place or a period of travel.”

However, as Malle points out, trying to use certain materials to conjure up images of foreign lands isn’t without its problems. “The way a person perceives a perfume can vary widely, depending on the culture they were brought up in – for example, if you’re European and you smell the scent of lavender, you immediately think of lavender sachets
and the south of France.”

Differences in perception notwithstanding, the public is hungry for bottled voyages, and brands are responding to the demand. As Steward explains, “people are looking for authenticity and real things at the moment. And in that sense, travel seems real and true.
A travel ‘backstory’ doesn’t feel contrived.”

Plus, as Vermeire suggests, at a time when some see the world as being a more dangerous place than it was a few years ago, a scent can provide some risk-free escapism. “People crave to leave their own reality, to dream and to travel in their minds. And with a beautiful perfume, we can all be armchair travellers.”

Niral from Neela Vermeire Creations

Iris, tea and rose evoke the rich, layered scents of India. €225 (£200) for 60ml eau de parfum.

Blu Mediterraneo – Chinotto di Liguria from Acqua di Parma

An exuberant mix of tart chinotto fruit bolstered by notes of jasmine and geranium. £68 for 75ml eau de toilette.

Paris-Biarritz from Chanel

A mist of sea air, as conjured up by grapefruit, lily-of-the-valley and gentle musks. £97 for 125ml eau de toilette.

Flash Back In New York from Olfactive Studio

The warmth of cumin contrasted with the coolness of sage and violet leaf.
£84 for 50ml eau de parfum.

Words by Persolaise