Undoubtably a spice lovers fragrance. This is briming with spices from the opening to its last breath. The opening to my nose is a bizarre combo of sharp citrus, petitgrain, incense resins Peru balsam, olibanum and thick green notes almost to the point of patchouli and a TONNE of mint. The settling transition is so interesting as it gets drier and more peppery then reveals unmistakable pepper, aniseed and the main player in my opinion cloves. It's a very traditional scent to me, quite bold and almost medicinal in its approach. It's something I'd imagine a rich Parisian putting on a handkerchief and using it to block out the stench of the streets. It mellows slightly and the base seems resinous and call me crazy but when it sits very close smells a bit like cola. All in all...spicy, incense like...very interesting opening that second by second I could pinpoint all the notes I mentioned but it's over to soon and then the fragrance is dominated by those strong cooking spices. Good longevity but surprisingly subdued after no time at all.

Oh Regarding the hanky comment I didn't feel it necessary to specify 'like a couple of hundred years ago' I thought that was obvious.

Great use of Wikipedia but I think you're being a little pedantic about this. I don't wish to perpetuate any myths about the French. The facts are that big cities smell bad even today and I wasn't aiming criticism specifically at Parisians.(or any criticism actually?) I used it as an example because the city of Paris is undoubtedly the apotheosis of Perfume. Now lets not clog up the reviews section with this kind of beef...save it for the forum.