Paris by Night, Scented Music, Lights, Love and Laughter

No food, no laughter, no music, no love and no peace. It is hard for many of us to understand what life was like to live with the restrictions of war. It’s not just about what is not available but it is what became not allowed. For example, during the Nazi invasion of France, Jazz music was not allowed to be played. However, the plucky citizens found a way around it. Find out more in Paris by Night, Scented Music, Lights Love and Laughter.

Image Samantha Inman @rememberingtobreathe

Jazz’s arrival in Europe during the 1920s erupted in France more than any other country in Europe, but for German society, this music style was seen as unacceptable.

With the rise of the Nazis, the music conflicted sharply with their ideals of ruthless efficiency. Natural, impulsivity posed a direct threat to the rigid hierarchical structure of the fascist organisation. And their desire for global ‘Aryan purification’ made objections to the music inevitable.

The Nazi regime regarded any mode of culture not considered ‘racially pure’, as decadent and even infantile, the French particularly in Paris, who adored jazz used the music as a ‘taunt’ against their German occupiers.

After all, the very untameable nature of Jazz, steeped in ideals of non-conformity, raw sexuality and absolute impulsivity and spontaneity conflicted sharply with Nazi ideals. And so for the Parisians particularly, Jazz became a symbol synonymous with ideals of resistance.

At this point in France, popular Jazz records actively inspired the rejection of Nazi rule, and Django Reinhardt’s ‘Nuages’ became an anthem of the French Resistance.

Portrait of Django Reinhardt and Duke Ellington, by  William P. Gottlieb

Even on the radio Jazz tunes were re-titled as to sound to their captors as though they were part of traditional French culture. For example, I Got Rhythm became Agate Rhythm or Blues in C Sharp, and St Louis Blues became Tristesse de St Louis. Even artist’s names were changed, Louis Armstrong chose a different name.

As it got pushed more underground Jazz clubs were commonly used to harbour the organisational activities of the Resistance. Submerged in the depths of French culture, hidden away down shadowy alcoves and candle-lit cellars, lingered a hotbed of Jazz-freaks and countercultural radicals.

Once France was liberated and peace came to the country the infectious quality of the music never died. In Parisian jazz clubs people still adored the rebellious energy and freedom jazz evoked.

After the war, American musicians returned to play in Paris. Jazz legends at the inaugural Festival International de Jazz in Paris in 1948 included many giants in their field including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Sidney Bechet, Thelonius Monk, Mary Lou Williams and Miles Davis. Once again Paris was the European home of Jazz.

In the 1960s, the Saint Germain quarter of Paris walked day and night to the beat of Jazz. Seeping out of every bar, restaurant and club in this artistic enclave, one particular bar stood out for three people, one Englishman and two Parisians. The bar was Orpheon and the three people, Yves Coueslant, a stage designer, Christiane Gautrot, an interior designer, and Desmond Knox-Leet a painter all happened to be the founders of Parisian House, Diptyque would meet there.

When this now-famous brand opened its first shop on Paris St Germain they sold fabric designs and various decorative items, and by 1963, they had introduced scented candles. Yet by 1968, they came out with their first eau de toilette; L’Eau. As the house grew more perfumes and scented candles were developed.

And so in 2021 as part of the 60th birthday of the house, Orpheon the Bar, became Orpheon the perfume created by the genius nose Olivier Pescheux.

For the founders of Diptyque, this little jazz club, nestled in the heart of the vibrant district, became both a refuge and a source of creative
inspiration. In the mellow half-light, conversations blended into saxophone notes in perfect harmony. Such was the importance of both time and place that Orphéon, became the fragrance that captures the essence of this legendary location.

This elixir, this post-war breath of freedom, was captured and bottled with smokey curls of tobacco, floral facets and wooden floors.

The fragrance, in fact, opens with the cool, fresh facet of lively Juniper Berry imparting a crisp and clean aroma that meets the heart of Jasmine with her floral, musky elements whilst the warm woody-powdery base notes meld from Cedar and Tonka Bean.

Think of it in an overview as a Mossy Woody Fresh Tonic with White Flower. It is Rich, Intense, Robust, Powerful, Elegant, Sophisticated and, of course, unisex.

For 2025 and to celebrate this iconic scent, Diptyque introduces a collection of limited edition offerings. This includes an exclusive fine oak case housing a limited edition Orphéon 75ml inspired by a drinks cabinet and designed as a collector’s item.

On the outside, it is decorated with a hand-carved panoramic illustration that captures all the magic of Parisian nights and the warm ambience of Orphéon.

For the first time, the 75ml Eau de Parfum is graced with a limited edition featuring a revised label. A distinctive blue with silver highlights enhances the design in a tribute to the Orphéon’s faceted column, which can still be seen today in the Diptyque boutique at 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain.

Further expanding the collection, Orphéon is also now available in a new 30ml size, the perfect discovery, hand bag or travel size.

The fragrance is a truly unique and unisex scent, embodying the patinated wood, vapours of alcohol, and musky linger of make-up brought together in a floral and bright woody scent with the heat of Tonka bean, the depth of Cedar, the richness of Jasmine and the vivacity of Juniper berries. 

And just to add to the excitement Diptyque is thrilled to unveil its new boutique in Canary Wharf, marking the brand’s first presence in this vibrant business district.

Designed to evoke the spirit of Diptyque’s original boutique at 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris, the open-plan layout encourages exploration and sparks the imagination, while celebrating the brand’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage.

It’s wonderful that something from the 1920s as impulsive and spontaneous as Jazz music and the memories of a Paris club from the 1960s has been scented and bottled, and is still as vivacious now.

 New DiptyqueStore, RP260, Cabot Place, London E14 4QT  Monday – Friday: 10AM – 8PM Saturday: 10:00AM – 7PM Sunday: 12PM – 6PM

Orphéon Premium Eau de Parfum Set 75ml Limited Edition
Orphéon Eau de Parfum 75ml Limited Edition
Orphéon Eau de Parfum 30ml Limited Edition
Set of 2 Small Candles Limited Edition To find all the limited editions of Orphéon online as well as Diptyque.com here 

If you enjoyed reading Paris by Night, Scented Music, Lights, Love and Laughter why not read From Rebellious Rhythm here

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