Bright, spicy and sunlit, it blends sparkling lemon zest with the warmth of clove and pepper, like a walk from the gardens of Florence to the spice markets of Asia. Citron Boboli was created in 1977 by Yuri Gutsatz.
The garden behind Citron Boboli
Citron Boboli: a citrus & spice fragrance, between India and the gardens of Florence
Citron Boboli is an energising Eau de Parfum with citrus notes and gourmand spices, at once vibrant, comforting and gender-neutral. It blends the sparkle of lemon, lime and orange with the warmth of clove, black pepper, cinnamon and vanilla, like a stroll from the gardens of Florence to the spice markets of Asia.
Created in 1977 by Yuri Gutsatz under the name Citron Poivré, this niche fragrance tells both the story of Yuri’s experiments with citrus fruits and his memories of India, where he discovered the richness of Indian aromas and plants.
Key information
- Fragrance type: Citrus spicy
- Smells like: A sip of lemon and lime followed by clove, black pepper and cinnamon that warm the skin
- Garden: Boboli Gardens, Florence, Italy
- Intensity: Medium, with a noticeable yet easy-to-wear trail in any season
- Benefit: Bright well-being, energy, sparkling mood
- Signature: A unique contrast between summer freshness and winter warmth, creating a rare and addictive “spicy citrus” scent
Olfactory pyramid
- Top notes: Lemon, lime, orange, galbanum, cinnamon, petitgrain
- Heart notes: Cinnamon, clove, black pepper, geranium
- Base notes: Vanilla, musk
Formats & commitments
Citron Boboli bottles are mechanically refillable; the design was conceived to encourage reuse of the containers.
- Formats: 3 ml, 15 ml, 50 ml
- Main natural ingredients: Lemon essence, cinnamon essence, black pepper essence, clove leaf essence
- Clean beauty: Refillable bottles, organic alcohol, no colorants, no preservatives, no UV filters, cruelty free
What does Citron Boboli smell like?
Citron Boboli opens with a splash of bright citrus: lemon, lime and orange, lifted by a hint of galbanum and petitgrain that add a green, slightly bitter freshness. This opening feels like a sparkling lemonade served in full sunshine—immediate, uplifting and joyful.
Very quickly, the spices take over: cinnamon, clove and black pepper warm the skin, as if the citrus light were gradually transforming into spicy warmth. The result evokes both a spiced lemon cream and a delicately seasoned Christmas pastry, with vanilla and musk in the base making the whole composition soft, comforting and irresistibly addictive.
The Boboli Gardens, a source of inspiration
The Boboli Gardens in Florence are a terraced garden behind the Pitti Palace, where art, architecture and nature come together. Grottos, statues, groves and citrus trees are scattered throughout, offering splendid views over the city.
Citron Boboli translates this atmosphere: after leaving the palace rooms, you climb the pathways, the heat rises, and a cool grotto catches the eye. At the entrance, a statue adorned with lemons seems to exhale notes of Italian lemon, petitgrain, bitter orange and galbanum… followed by traces of black pepper and clove, as if Asian spices had found their way into a Tuscan garden.
‘Finding a fragrance that is both fresh and spicy, suitable for winter and summer and for both sexes, is not so easy. But Citron Poivré by Le Jardin Retrouvé manages to combine all of this in a single fragrance.’
REBELLA, MEMBER OF FRAGRANTICA
Behind the scenes: experiments with citrus and rebirth
Citron Boboli was born from Yuri’s experiments with citrus fruits: their main challenge is their high volatility, which makes lasting power on the skin difficult. To overcome this, Yuri imagined a double accord of citrus + spices, where the warmth of spices “anchors” the citrus notes and prolongs their radiance.
Created in 1977 in his Cour Jasmin home in Paris under the name Citron Poivré, this fragrance was launched at a time when modernity and culture intersected (the Centre Pompidou, the first Apple computers…).
Years later, in 2017, Michel Gutsatz and Clara Feder selected seven fragrances from Yuri’s archives to bring them back to life, and Citron Boboli reclaimed its place—bringing the spirit of the 1970s to a new 21st-century audience.
Who is Citron Boboli for?
Citron Boboli is for those who love both zesty citrus and warm spices, without having to choose between the two. It will especially appeal to dynamic, sporty individuals, fragrance enthusiasts curious about something a little “different,” and anyone who enjoys long-lasting citrus scents.
- If you’re looking for a citrus fragrance that doesn’t vanish in 30 minutes.
- If you enjoy lemony notes paired with vanilla, cinnamon, clove and pepper.
- If you want a fragrance that can be worn from morning to night, with jeans or a more dressed-up outfit.
Why Citron Boboli is different
- A true “spicy citrus”: a rare genre, held together by the contrast between ultra-fresh citrus and warm spices.
- A four-season fragrance: equally convincing in summer (with zesty citrus) and winter (with soft spices and vanilla), never tipping into a simple “kitchen fragrance.”
- A confident unisex character: neither too masculine cologne nor too sweet, it balances accessible, spicy elegance for everyone.
- Smart technical composition: the double citrus + spice structure prolongs the lemon’s radiance while creating a gourmand and chic base.
When to wear Citron Boboli?
Citron Boboli works wonderfully in spring and summer, when the freshness of the citrus provides a real energy boost. But its spicy-vanilla base makes it just as enjoyable in autumn and winter, especially during the holiday season, evoking pastries, soft spices and cozy moments.
It’s an ideal fragrance for everyday life, work, outings with friends, vacations, or any situation where you want a blend of vitality and comfort—never overpowering, yet full of personality.
How to choose between the different Citron Boboli formats?
- Citron Boboli Eau de Parfum: to wear on the skin as an energising and comforting citrus & spice signature.
- Mini spray / 15 ml: to discover, travel, or slip into a gym or weekend bag.
- 50 ml: for daily use, with the option to transfer into a 15 ml thanks to the refillable bottles.
What people say about wearing Citron Boboli
Enthusiasts highlight how rare it is to find a fragrance that is both fresh and spicy, wearable in winter as well as summer, and truly unisex—which Citron Boboli achieves brilliantly. Others describe it as a scent of happiness, reminiscent of lemon pastries, lemon cream, and Christmas treats, while maintaining the elegance of haute perfumery.
Many emphasize its contrast: first tangy, sparkling, almost invigorating on hot days, then warmer, spicier and sensual as the hours pass. It’s this play between citrus and spices, light and warmth, that makes it a distinctive citrus fragrance, often described as “you either love it or hate it, but it never leaves you indifferent.”
THE TEXT BY CLARA FEDER INSPIRED ON THE BOBOLI GARDENS
After visiting Palazzo Pitti, you head up to the heights of the Boboli Gardens. The view of Florence is magnificent, but a grotto on your right beckons you with its coolness. Just inside the entrance, a statue displays magnificent lemons. Are they real or virtual? But then, why are there scents of Italian lemon, petitgrain, bitter orange and galbanum? And where do these traces of black pepper and clove come from?
FAQ
What exactly does Citron Boboli smell like?
Citron Boboli first smells of a bright and lively splash of citrus (lemon, lime, orange), then the spices take over: cinnamon, clove, black pepper, supported by a vanilla and musky base. The result is a spiced citrus, gourmand without being heavy.
Is Citron Boboli a unisex fragrance?
Yes, Citron Boboli is designed as a unisex fragrance. The citrus notes provide universal freshness, while the spices and vanilla add a chic touch suitable for everyone, without any strong gender coding.
Is Citron Boboli more of a summer or winter fragrance?
In fact, its originality lies in being “balanced” between summer and winter: the citrus makes it perfect for warm seasons, while the spices, vanilla and musky base make it very comforting in cold weather.
The citrus + spice composition allows for better longevity than a simple citrus fragrance. After the initial burst of lemon and lime, the spicy-vanilla heart lingers longer on the skin, leaving an elegant and warm trail.
It can be worn during the day, at work, on outings, on vacation, or during the holidays. It is especially appreciated in spring and summer for its invigorating side, and in winter for its spicy, cozy character.
Spray on pulse points (neck, wrists, inner elbows, behind the ears) without rubbing. You can also apply lightly on clothing after testing on a discreet area. On well-hydrated skin, the longevity and blending of the spices are even better.
There are no dedicated refills, but the bottles are mechanically refillable: you can transfer the contents of a 50 ml bottle into a 15 ml or another bottle, to extend the life of your favorite formats and reduce the number of containers.
The formula follows the Maison’s clean philosophy: organic alcohol, no added colorants, no preservatives, no UV filters, all while meeting the standards of high-quality perfumery.
THE CITRON BOBOLI COLLECTION
