A Paris perfume lesson feels surprisingly hands-on. In 90 minutes with Marina JUNG, you learn why scents change over time and build your own perfume using notes and chords.

I really like how the class stays personal in a small group of ten, and I also like that you walk out with a full 50 ml bottle of your chosen scent, not just a couple of samples.

One thing to plan for: the workshop happens in a home-style apartment setting, so it’s not a big street landmark. If you’re the kind of person who hates hunting for entrances, give yourself a little extra time and wear layers in case the room runs cool.

Key things that make this workshop worth your afternoon

• A real teachable system: you learn notes and chords, not just random mixing.
• Three guided trials: test different directions before you commit to the final bottle.
• 60 scent materials to choose from: think rose, jasmine, woods, musks, and more.
• Small-group attention: up to ten people, so you get feedback while you work.
• Take-home results: you leave with a 50 ml bottle with packaging.
• Marina JUNG’s teaching style: patient, welcoming, and hands-on for first-timers.

The big idea: notes, chords, and why perfume acts alive

This is not a perfume lecture where you sit and watch. You’re doing the work while you learn the rules that perfumers use.

The core concept is simple: a perfume is built from notes (individual ingredients or scent families) that blend into a structure—your chords—that makes the final fragrance feel intentional. You’ll hear how different materials show up at different moments as the scent evolves, which is why the perfume you smell at the start can shift as it dries down.

What I like most here is that you’re not expected to already know what you like. The process gives you a way to describe your preference and reproduce it. If you’re the sort of person who buys perfume and then can’t explain why you love it, this workshop gives you the language.

Your first step: smelling like a beginner, then thinking like a perfumer

In the session, you explore the main raw materials behind classic perfumes. You’ll go through a large selection—60 different scent products—so you can start to notice the differences between, say, floral materials and more resinous or woody ones.

You also get a teacher who can translate perfume chemistry into normal human terms. Marina JUNG is the instructor behind this pedagogy, and multiple participants highlight how clear her feedback is while they experiment. The goal isn’t to memorize a textbook. It’s to train your nose to make choices faster.

Expect a mix of explanation and doing. You’ll test and adjust instead of waiting until the very end. That matters, because fragrance is personal, and your preferences often show up after you’ve tried a few combinations.

The three trial perfumes: your hands-on testing round

The workshop is built around three trial creations. Each one is like a mini project: you build it, smell it, and then decide what direction you want for the next step.

From what you’ll do, you can picture the flow:

• You’ll choose from the available materials and assemble your first trial.
• You’ll refine and compare as you move into trial two.
• You’ll create a third version to confirm what you really like.

That structure is one of the biggest reasons this class feels satisfying. You get freedom, but you’re not totally lost. And since you can test before bottling, you’re less likely to end up with something that smells different than you expected.

A lot of people mention that the class feels like you get real “play” time with mixing, but still with guidance. That balance is what keeps it fun for beginners and meaningful for people who already know a bit about fragrance.

Picking your signature scent and bottling 50 ml

After your trials, you choose the perfume you want to take home. Then the workshop moves into the making-and-bottling part so your final scent doesn’t stay just a memory of mixing.

The included take-home item is a 50-milliliter bottle with packaging. That’s a key value point. Many perfume classes hand you something tiny; this one gives you a size that’s actually wearable and giftable.

You can also keep your formulas. The idea is that you’ll be able to re-order later, which helps if you fall in love and want the same scent again without trying to recreate it from scratch.

You’ll get help deciding. Several participants say Marina will nudge you toward combinations that match your taste, including when the choice is difficult. That’s common with fragrance—sometimes two options both feel right until you understand what each one is doing for you.

What it’s like in the room: cozy, personal, and not a storefront show

This workshop isn’t staged in a big “activity” room. You meet in Marina’s apartment-style studio space, which gives it a quieter, more local feel.

That home setting shows up in the small comforts people notice: a warm space, a clean layout, and even access to a restroom. The vibe is informal, which makes it easier to ask questions while you’re mixing.

And because the group is capped at ten people, it doesn’t feel like you’re waiting your turn while someone else gets all the attention. You can work at your own pace, then get feedback when you need it.

One practical note: since it’s not a hotel or a flashy storefront, you may want to arrive with extra time. There are no big signs to guide you in the way you’d expect in a tourist district.

The chemistry meets creativity: why this feels authentic

A lot of perfume experiences end up being either too vague or too technical. This one stays practical. You learn what ingredients do in plain terms and then apply it right away.

You’ll explore how perfumes change over time and understand the idea of building a fragrance like a professional “nose.” That framing matters because it shifts you from random scent mixing to a repeatable approach. You start to think in terms of structure—how one material supports another—rather than just whether something smells good by itself.

Creativity still has space. You can experiment with different facets among the materials, and you’re not forced into a single style. Participants repeatedly mention how much freedom they had with combinations, along with the teacher’s guidance when they wanted direction.

Price and value: $115 for real ingredients and a real bottle

At $115 per person for 90 minutes, you’re paying for several things at once:

• Instruction from an experienced teacher
• All the scent materials needed for your trials
• The final 50 ml bottle and packaging

That combination is why the price feels more fair than many “make-and-take” experiences. You’re not just buying a workshop time slot—you’re getting a meaningful product at the end.

If you want more than one fragrance, there are options. One participant notes you can purchase an additional bottle afterward for about 30 euros, which can be useful if you fall in love with two different directions. The key is that you’re not pressured to buy extra beyond what’s included.

Also, this lasts as a souvenir with daily value. A bottle you’ll actually wear beats a fridge magnet most days.

Who should book this perfume workshop (and who might skip it)

I think this is ideal if you:

• Want a memorable, hands-on activity that’s still practical
• Like fragrance and want to understand what you’re smelling
• Travel with a partner and want something interactive but not physically demanding
• Prefer a small-group experience with room for questions

It also works well for teens and older kids, with one review describing a father-daughter workshop where both enjoyed it. That said, it’s not suitable for children under 7 years and it’s also not suitable for pregnant women, so check before you book.

If you’re looking for a fast, no-brain “Paris photo moment,” this won’t match that mood. But if you want something you can wear and remember, this fits extremely well.

Timing, language, and practical expectations for the 90 minutes

The class runs 90 minutes, so you can usually slot it into an afternoon without wrecking your entire day.

Marina’s workshop supports French, English, and Spanish, so you should be able to follow the teaching and ask questions comfortably.

For the meeting, you’ll be picked up at the address about ten minutes before the workshop. The wording is clear that you should plan to be ready shortly before your start time.

Food and drinks are not included. That doesn’t mean you can’t eat beforehand; it just means you should plan your meal around your schedule.

Restrictions to know before you go

A couple of rules are listed, so it’s smart to check them now:

• Pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed)
• Audio recording is not allowed
• No children under 7
• No pregnant women

If any of those affect your group, you’ll want to choose a different activity.

Should you book Marina JUNG’s signature scent workshop?

If you like the idea of learning while you make something you’ll actually use, I’d book this. The strongest pull is the combination of small-group attention, real guidance while you experiment, and a take-home 50 ml bottle built from your choices—not generic results.

I’d only hesitate if you strongly dislike scent environments or if you’re the type who needs ultra-easy wayfinding. The workshop location is more home-based than storefront-based, and the room can run cool, so show up prepared and give yourself a little extra time.

If your goal is an authentic, creative Paris experience you can carry home in your bag and on your skin, this one earns a spot on your schedule.

FAQ

How long is the perfume workshop in Paris?

The workshop lasts 90 minutes.

What does the small-group limit look like?

The group is limited to ten participants.

What do I create during the workshop?

You create three trial perfumes, then select one perfume to take home in a 50-milliliter bottle.

Is the 50 ml bottle included in the price?

Yes. The workshop includes a 50-milliliter bottle of your perfume with packaging.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What languages are available for the instructor?

The instructor speaks French, English, and Spanish.

Is the workshop suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 7 years.

Is the workshop suitable for pregnant women?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to pay right away?

You can reserve now and pay later, meaning you can book your spot and pay nothing today.

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