Osmanthe Liu Yuan, a unisex niche perfume by Le Jardin Retrouvé: discover the story, inspiration and behind‑the‑scenes of this artisanal creation.
The garden behind Osmanthe Liu Yuan
Osmanthe Liu Yuan: A niche fragrance inspired by the Liu Yuan garden in Suzhou
Osmanthe Liu Yuan is a floral fruity Eau de Parfum inspired by the Liu Yuan garden in Suzhou and the childhood memories of perfumer Maxence Moutte from Provence. The contrast between the freshness of citrus, the apricot-like sweetness of osmanthus, and a musky leather base makes it a true ray of sunshine in a bottle. Certified “Mood Booster” JOY & Euphoria, this unisex niche fragrance is designed to brighten everyday life.
Key Information
Olfactory Profile
- Type of fragrance: Floral fruity
- Smells like: Osmanthus and peach/apricot on a musky base – fresh, soft, and slightly earthy
- Garden: Liu Yuan, Suzhou, China
- Intensity: Sustained
- Benefit: Brings joy, good mood, and a sense of euphoria
- Signature: A dreamlike Chinese garden through the eyes of a perfumer from Provence
Olfactory Pyramid
- Top notes: Mandarin, blackcurrant, green notes
- Heart notes: Osmanthus, jasmine, iris
- Base notes: Peach/apricot, patchouli, leather, musk
Formats & Commitment
- Formats: 3ml, 15 ml, 50 ml, scented candle, diffuser / scented stem
- Main natural ingredients: Mandarin essential oil, osmanthus absolute, jasmine absolute, patchouli essential oil
- Clean beauty: Mechanically refillable bottles (openable), organic alcohol, no dyes, no preservatives, no UV filters, cruelty-free
What does Osmanthe Liu Yuan smell like?
Osmanthe Liu Yuan opens with a burst of bright citrus, blended with the fruity and slightly tangy facets of blackcurrant, supported by green nuances that evoke a garden in the morning sun. Quickly, osmanthus takes center stage: its apricot and peach tones merge with jasmine and iris to create an elegant floral fruity heart, never too sweet. In the base, hints of leather, musk, and patchouli add a soft, slightly earthy depth, as if walking through stone paths between shadow and light.
The Liu Yuan garden, source of inspiration
The fragrance takes its name from the Liu Yuan garden in Suzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the four most beautiful gardens in China. This “garden of nonchalance” combines pavilions, rocky hills, bodies of water, bridges, and ancient trees in a composition where architecture and nature converse.
As you stroll through this garden, one imagines the scents of magnolias, fruit trees, ginkgos, and bonsais blending with the warm air and the reflection of the water. Osmanthe Liu Yuan translates this spirit into fragrance: a sun-drenched, fruity, floral, and soothing garden in which you can wander without hurry.
The Provence memories of Maxence Moutte behind Osmanthe Liu Yuan
For Maxence Moutte, osmanthus is much more than a distant flower: its apricot facet reminds him of homemade jams, overripe peaches, and late afternoons in Provence. While working with this material, he sought to capture the simple, radiant joy of southern gardens, adding a sophisticated leathery and woody touch.
Osmanthe Liu Yuan thus becomes an olfactory bridge between the Liu Yuan garden in Suzhou and the Provençal landscapes of his childhood. This dual origin – China and Provence – explains the sunny, gourmand, and yet very delicate character of this garden fragrance.
Why Osmanthe Liu Yuan is different?
- A Chinese garden through a French perfumer’s eyes: Osmanthe Liu Yuan combines the contemplative atmosphere of the Liu Yuan garden with Maxence Moutte's Provençal memories, creating a fragrance that is both exotic and familiar.
- A gourmand yet chic osmanthus: The osmanthus-peach/apricot accord is balanced by leather, musk, and patchouli, avoiding the pitfall of overly simple “sweet fruity” notes.
- A certified fragrance of joy: Thanks to tests conducted in collaboration with experts, Osmanthe Liu Yuan has received the Mood Booster JOY & Euphoria certification, highlighting its positive impact on mood.
- A true niche garden fragrance: It embodies the philosophy of Le Jardin Retrouvé, which blends real gardens, personal memories, and responsible perfumery creation.
Who is Osmanthe Liu Yuan for?
Osmanthe Liu Yuan is for anyone who loves bright and optimistic fragrances, with a balance between fruits, flowers, and deeper base notes. It suits both lovers of sophisticated fruity fragrances and those seeking an easy-to-wear niche perfume for everyday life.
- If you enjoy osmanthus, jasmine, iris, and apricot accords.
- If you're looking for a unisex fragrance that brings a smile without being too sweet.
- If you want a fragrance with a true olfactory backdrop: a sunlit Chinese garden, reimagined in a French way.
When to wear Osmanthe Liu Yuan?
Thanks to its fruity and floral freshness, Osmanthe Liu Yuan is perfect for spring and summer, but it can also bring a touch of light during the colder seasons. Its sustained intensity makes it suitable for both daytime and evening wear: at the office, on a walk, during a brunch, or at a dinner with friends. It’s an ideal fragrance when you're craving positive energy and lightness.
Osmanthe Liu Yuan in your home
Before becoming an Eau de Parfum, Osmanthe Liu Yuan first existed as a candle and reed diffuser to bring its universe into the home. The candle releases notes reminiscent of homemade apricot jam, white flowers, and a hint of leather, creating a soft and welcoming atmosphere.
The porcelain reed diffuser, presented in a white pot decorated with ginkgo leaves and a beech wood lid, perfumes the room for several weeks. Once empty, the pot and reed can be reused, in line with the House's eco-friendly commitment to reuse and waste reduction.
What those who wear Osmanthe Liu Yuan say
- Many describe Osmanthe Liu Yuan as a bright and joyful fragrance, where the fruity osmanthus and apricot notes evoke a ray of sunshine in a garden.
- It is often appreciated for its unisex quality, its beautiful projection without excess, and its ability to lift spirits from the very first spritz.
- Niche fragrance lovers recommend it as a modern reference for osmanthus, blending gourmand sweetness, elegance, and a true garden story.
FAQ
What does Osmanthe Liu Yuan smell like?
Osmanthe Liu Yuan smells like fruity osmanthus, peach/apricot, and jasmine, on a base of musk, soft leather, and patchouli. The result is a luminous, joyful fragrance, both gourmand and elegant.
Is Osmanthe Liu Yuan a unisex fragrance?
Yes, Osmanthe Liu Yuan is designed as a unisex fragrance. Its floral fruity accord with woody and leathery nuances makes it suitable for both women and men, as well as anyone who enjoys sunlit fragrances.
Is Osmanthe Liu Yuan really a “mood-boosting” fragrance?
Osmanthe Liu Yuan has received the Mood Booster JOY & Euphoria certification, meaning its olfactory profile has been linked to positive emotions and a sense of joy. Many people wear it precisely to feel lighter and more optimistic.
On most skin types, Osmanthe Liu Yuan offers long-lasting wear, with a trail that lingers for several hours thanks to its sustained intensity. The fruity notes of osmanthus and peach/apricot eventually give way to a musky and slightly leathery base, which remains noticeable into the evening.
To fully enjoy Osmanthe Liu Yuan, spray it about 15–20 cm away from pulse points: neck, wrists, inner elbows, or behind the ears. Two to four sprays are usually enough to create a luminous floral fruity trail without overwhelming your surroundings.
Osmanthe Liu Yuan is formulated with organic alcohol and contains no added dyes, preservatives, or UV filters. It aligns with Le Jardin Retrouvé's clean beauty commitment, with a composition designed to be as pure and transparent as possible.
The bottles of Osmanthe Liu Yuan are designed to be mechanically refillable: they can be opened and refilled, for example, by transferring perfume from a 50 ml bottle to a 15 ml one. While dedicated refills are not yet available online, the design of the bottles allows them to be reused instead of discarded, in a more sustainable approach.
The Eau de Parfum Osmanthe Liu Yuan is ideal if you want to wear this fruity-floral garden on your skin as a personal fragrance. The candle and reed diffuser capture the same apricot, floral, and musky essence to fragrance your home: the candle creates a warm and enveloping atmosphere, while the diffuser provides a more continuous presence in the room.
Discover the Osmanthe Liu Yuan Collection
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