Eau de Cologne: a short history of a great freshness

Eau de Cologne has been our specialty since 1936. But its story began long before, on the other side of the Rhine.

An Italian invention, born in Germany

In 1709, an Italian, Giovanni Battista Farina, founded a trading house in Cologne. His brother Johann Maria Farina joined him there and created a citrus-scented water, which he named “Eau de Cologne” in honour of his adopted city. Fresh and light, it stood out from the heavy perfumes of the time and became hugely successful across Europe.

4711: an address that became a name

At the end of the 18th century, Wilhelm Mülhens also began selling eau de Cologne, from the Glockengasse in Cologne. In 1794, as the city came under French occupation, every house was numbered: the house on the Glockengasse where Mülhens would set up received the number 4711. That number became the name of one of the best-known eaux de Cologne in the world, 4711 Original Eau de Cologne, which we sell in 100, 200 and 400 ml.

What goes into an eau de Cologne

The classic recipe is based on citrus (bergamot, lemon, orange, citron), neroli and petitgrain, both from the orange tree, and aromatic herbs such as rosemary or lavender. The blend is lightly concentrated, which gives that feeling of instant freshness. Over time, perfumers have created eaux de Cologne around other notes: verbena, rose, vetiver, cedar…

How to wear it

• Generously: eau de Cologne is splashed on by the handful, on the neck, arms and chest, ideally after a shower.
• Often: it lasts one to two hours. Reapply freely during the day to freshen up.
• Somewhere cool: keep the bottle away from light and heat, which citrus notes are sensitive to.
• For everyone: eau de Cologne has never been just for men or just for women.

Our house-made eaux de Cologne

Since 1936, we have made our own eaux de Cologne at 75 boulevard de Sébastopol: verbena, citron, citrus, vetiver, rose… in 100 ml or 500 ml bottles. Fond of older-style colognes? Try the lotions by L.T. Piver too.

You can smell all these perfumes in our shop at 75 boulevard de Sébastopol, Paris (2nd arrondissement), Monday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 7 pm, or order them online: free delivery in France on orders over €80, free in-store pickup.