Inaugurated at the Palace of Versailles in the spring of 2023 thanks to the patronage of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, the Jardin du Parfumeur is a haven in the heart of the Trianon estate where several hundred aromatic plants and flowers are cultivated. Located in the Châteauneuf Orangery, this new garden helps build awareness of the history of fragrance at the court of Versailles, which became the cradle of perfume-making craft and artistry in the 17th century.  

The Jardin du Parfumeur is the culmination of extraordinary synergy between Francis Kurkdjian and the Trianon’s gardeners. It is home to a wide variety of traditional botanicals, including essences that exude unexpected aromas, and “mute” or silent flowers, such as hyacinth, peony and violet. Together with his team, head gardener of the Trianon estate Alain Baraton spent more than two years bringing the garden to life.

In keeping with the spirit of the 17th-century Trianon gardens, the Jardin du Parfumeur is composed of three distinct areas: “The Garden of Curiosities” facing the Orangery, where most of the floral essences can be found, “Under the Trees” featuring a blossomed walkway beneath Japanese cherry trees, and “The Secret Garden” with its more intimate atmosphere.

Accessible via guided tour, the Jardin du Parfumeur offers workshops open to families, students and non-profits throughout the summer. The “Perfumer’s Workshop” tour introduces visitors to the new garden and the plants that grow there, inviting them to gain a deeper understanding of the olfactory expertise involved in the art of perfume-making. 

In 2024, the gardeners drew inspiration from the Jardin du Parfumeur to select the annual theme of the Grand Trianon flower beds. In summer, the upper bed became the “Flowerbed of scents,” inviting visitors to enjoy a fragrant and informative stroll.