Saga
The story behind Le Galion and Paul Vacher
« The fragrances of Le Galion belong to the same family of passionate fragrances, both fiery and subtle, they create a trail of admirers behind those who wear them. »
1930
In 1930, Prince Murat, a descendant of Joachim Murat, brother in law of Napoleon 1st, and King of Naples, founded Le Galion Perfume House.
The first fragrances the house created were called Chypre, Indian Summer, Champs de Mai, Il n’est qu’à moi, Fougère, 111 and 222.
1935
In 1935, Prince Murat sold his company to perfumer Paul Vacher, who was already famous within the industry at that time.
1936
Soon Paul Vacher fragrances were all the rage. Sortilège, created in 1936, was an instant success when it was launched in Paris. The fragrance contained more than 80 natural essences and was one of the leading fragrances for the Perfume House. Launched after the war in the United States, at the prestigious "Stork Club" of New York, it proved enormously successful and became The signature fragrance of the club. Soon after in 1937, came Bourrasque, and two beautiful floral scents, Iris and Tubéreuse, all produced from the finest, natural and raw materials.
In 1938, as Europe stumbled towards war, the fragrance Brumes encouraged women not to let go of their beauty rituals, to anoint the skin with a few drops and to remain hopeful despite all of the hostility.
1946
In 1946, when Serge Heftler-Louiche and Christian Dior wanted to develop a fragrance for their fashion house, they naturally turned to Paul Vacher who was at that time already recognised as one of the greatest masters of perfumery of the twentieth century alongside Ernest Beaux, Ernest Daltroff, Jacques Guerlain and Edmond Roudnitska.
Paul Vacher created for Christian Dior the beautiful cyprus fragrance, called simply Miss Dior.
The 50's
In 1950, Paul Vacher bought a mansion in Neuilly to house the production plant and offices of the Le Galion Perfume House. Over the next thirty years, Le Galion perfume house provided Parfums Christian Dior with many raw materials (especially jasmine, rose and neroli) and produced the concentrated formula from which Miss Dior and other fragrances were blended.
THE 60's
In the early 1960s, Christian Dior Perfumes turned once again to Paul Vacher. Desiring this time a fragrance that had presence and strength whilst remaining extremely refined, Paul Vacher created Diorling in 1963.
By this time the Le Galion Perfume House was famous internationally and by 1964, Sortilège was being sold in 97 countries worldwide. During this period, Paul Vacher also created two fragrances for Jean Dessès: Celui and Kalispera (1962). He also continued to create for Le Galion: the Cologne Extra Vieille (1967), Galion d’Or, and Vétyver (both 1968), and l’Eau Noble (1972).
1975
1980
In 1980, Le Galion was sold to an American group. Poorly managed, the company quickly collapsed. Gone with it was an image of France and of perfume; an image of elegance and quality.
2014
More than 30 years later, like the phoenix, Le Galion Perfume House is reborn from the ashes. Back are the original, exceptional, fiery and subtle fragrances - rare luxury and refined creations.
2020
To celebrate the House's 90th anniversary, Le Galion sets sail once again and unveils a new collection of 9 perfumes—one for each decade. This collection includes re-editions of its greatest successes, soliflores, and prestigious new creations by renowned perfumers, once again honoring luxury perfumery and timeless French elegance.
A Timeless revival
In 2022, the iconic Le Galion bottle experienced a revival, redesigned by the renowned Pierre Dinand and his grand son Jules Dinand. This redesign came exactly 50 years after Dinand had originally crafted the previous version, marking a significant moment in the brand’s history. The new design pays tribute to the timeless elegance of Le Galion while embracing a contemporary aesthetic, seamlessly blending heritage with modernity.
