From May 22 to 25, 2025, Chanel will transform the Villa Windsor park into a true olfactory paradise. In the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, this 3,200-square-foot ephemeral garden invites you on an exceptional sensory journey, highlighting Sandalwood, an emblematic ingredient in the brand’s fragrances. This installation is part of the “Jardins, Jardin” event, whose theme this year is “Adventure is in the gardens”. Immerse yourself in Chanel’s captivating universe and discover how nature inspires the creation of its iconic fragrances.
Sandalwood, the star of Chanel’s 2025 garden
Sandalwood, a precious wood with warm and enveloping notes, occupies a special place in Chanel’s olfactory palette. This year, the luxury house is highlighting this fascinating ingredient through a unique immersive experience.
Sandalwood in Chanel’s emblematic fragrances
Sandalwood is present in several olfactory creations from the double-C house. It can be found notably in:
- N°5 extract, where its accords are discreet yet essential
- Allure eau de parfum, adding a touch of sensuality
- Bleu de Chanel, reinforcing its woody signature
- Bois des Îles from “Les Exclusifs” collection, where it is the main note
- Égoïste, where it enhances the amber accord
From New Caledonia to Paris
The Sandalwood used by Chanel comes from the island of Maré in New Caledonia. The Santalum austrocaledonicum tree is cultivated there using traditional environmentally-friendly methods. The visitor’s journey through the ephemeral garden traces the path of this precious ingredient, from its cultivation to its incorporation into Chanel perfumes.
A green haven in the heart of Paris
The choice of Villa Windsor as the setting for this ephemeral garden is not coincidental. This historically significant location offers an exceptional green space in the heart of Paris, perfectly suited for the immersive experience offered by Chanel.
Villa Windsor: an exceptional setting
Located in the Bois de Boulogne, Villa Windsor is a historic residence that once housed the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Its 3.7-acre park provides an idyllic setting for the Chanel garden installation, combining prestige and lush nature.
The design of the Chanel garden, between nature and luxury
The 3,200-square-foot ephemeral garden has been designed as a genuine sensory journey, skillfully blending natural elements with the luxurious touches characteristic of the House of Chanel. Here’s a glimpse of its layout:
Zone | Natural Elements | Chanel Touches |
|---|---|---|
Entrance | Pathway lined with sandalwood trees | Arch with intertwined double C’s |
Garden core | Flower beds, fountain | Giant perfume bottles |
Sensory space | Living wall, misters | Designer perfume diffusers |
An immersive sensory experience
The Chanel ephemeral garden offers visitors a unique olfactory journey, designed to awaken all the senses and deepen the understanding of the house’s perfume creation process.
The olfactory journey to discover Sandalwood
The experience unfolds in several stages, each revealing a different aspect of Sandalwood and its use in Chanel perfumery:
- Tree discovery: observation and touching of real sandalwood trees
- Essence extraction: demonstration of techniques used
- Olfactory composition: creation workshop guided by an expert
- Perfume evolution: experience of different notes over time
- History and heritage: exhibition on the use of Sandalwood at Chanel
Activities and workshops to immerse in the Chanel universe
In addition to the main journey, activities and workshops allow visitors to deepen their experience. Chanel experts lead sessions on the art of perfume, the history of the house, and their sustainability commitments. Practical workshops offer the opportunity to create your own Sandalwood-inspired fragrance or learn techniques for optimal perfume application and longevity.
The art of Chanel perfume
The ephemeral garden is also an opportunity to highlight Chanel’s unique perfumery expertise, combining respect for traditions with constant innovation.
Olivier Polge: the art of creating olfactory emotions
Olivier Polge, Chanel’s in-house perfumer-creator since 2015, shares his vision of olfactory creation. He explains how Sandalwood integrates into the palette of Chanel perfumes: “Sandalwood brings a unique woody signature, both warm and creamy. It allows for the creation of enveloping and sensual fragrances, perfectly aligned with Chanel’s timeless elegance.”
Chanel’s commitment to sustainable perfumery
The ephemeral garden also highlights Chanel’s sustainability initiatives. The house has developed a responsible sourcing pathway for Sandalwood in New Caledonia, working closely with local communities. This approach ensures the preservation of natural resources while supporting the local economy.
Practical information for visiting the Chanel garden
To fully enjoy this unique experience, here is the essential information to know before your visit:
- Dates: May 22 to 25, 2025
- Location: Villa Windsor Park, 4 Route du Champ d’Entraînement, 75116 Paris
- Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Admission: included in the Jardins, Jardin entry ticket (€15 full price, €7.50 reduced rate)
- Reservation: highly recommended on the official Jardins, Jardin website
For an optimal experience, plan about 1.5 hours to explore the entire garden and participate in the various activities. The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather conditions, as part of the journey takes place outdoors.
This immersion in Chanel’s olfactory universe promises to be a memorable experience, combining the art of perfume with the beauty of nature. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the secrets of Sandalwood and Chanel’s expertise in an exceptional setting in the heart of Paris.