11 exquisite French candle brands to shop in Paris

The world of French candle making is a realm where the elegance of fragrance meets the artistry of design, a tradition steeped in history and refined over centuries. French candle brands are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, blending sophisticated scents with luxurious aesthetics to create more than just candles — they create experiences.

These brands, each with their own unique story, embody the essence of French luxury and are celebrated for their ability to infuse spaces with captivating aromas that evoke emotions, memories, and a sense of place. From the oldest candlemaker still in operation, Trudon, with its deep roots dating back to 1643, to the innovative and contemporary Maison Francis Kurkdjian, these brands represent a spectrum of styles and approaches. 

See also: How Diptyque transformed from a textile maker to global perfume juggernaut

Bon Parfumeur
Bon Parfumeur, a French brand, epitomizes the revival of artistic perfumery with a modern twist. Born from a desire to resuscitate the grandeur of bygone perfumery, the brand stands out for its exceptional ingredients and creative approach. It offers a diverse array of twenty-eight eaux de parfums, crafted by skilled French perfumers, categorized into ten olfactory families, and includes four scented candles. These candles are not just fragrances for the home but are artistic expressions, capturing the essence of traditional French perfumery and blending it with contemporary creativity. www.bonparfumeur.com

Kerzon Paris
Kerzon Paris, a familial venture initiated by brothers Etienne and Pierre-Alexis, embodies the essence of cherished memories through its scents. Their candles, made with natural raw materials, evoke joyful pastimes, with each fragrance composed in Grasse, France's perfume capital. The brand's scented candles, such as Tuileries Palais Royal and Jardin du Luxembourg, are more than just aromatic products; they are olfactory storytellers, reminding one of life's simple pleasures like walking in a forest or having a coffee by the Seine River. www.kerzon.paris

Overose
Overose, established in 2016 in Paris, represents the intersection of modern luxury and artistic expression. Renowned for its unique aesthetic, Overose combines a feminine, artsy approach with a signature pink and holographic design. The brand's commitment to craftsmanship is evident in its candles, which feature a blend of botanical wax and unconventional floral essences. These candles are designed to resonate with the day-to-day lives of their users, offering an immersive sensory experience that's both beautiful and practical. www.overose.com

Carrière Frères
Carrière Frères, founded in 1884 by the innovative Carrière brothers, is a testament to the resilience and evolution of candle-making. Despite the industrial revolution, they managed to keep the candle-use alive with their unique wax formula that ensured clean and even burns. The brand's offerings are a homage to exotic and indigenous scents, delivering an olfactory experience that's both singular and inspired. Carrière Frères candles embody a blend of historical tradition and modern scent exploration, making them more than just candles – they are pieces of aromatic history. https://carrierefreres.com

L'Artisan Parfumeur
L'Artisan Parfumeur stands as a beacon of exquisite craftsmanship in the world of French perfumery. Known for its unique and long-lasting fragrances, the brand's candle line is an extension of its commitment to olfactory excellence. Each candle from L'Artisan Parfumeur is a harmonious blend of aromas, carefully curated to create an immersive sensory experience. These candles are not merely products; they are fragrant narratives that add an element of luxury and sophistication to any space, reflecting the brand's dedication to artisanal quality and creative fragrance design. www.artisanparfumeur.fr

Officine Universelle Buly 1803
Established by Jean-Vincent Bully in 1803, Officine Universelle Busy 1803 is a venerable name in French perfumery. Renowned for its natural candles made without paraffins, the brand offers a sensory journey through time with its elegantly packaged wax wares. The candles, encased in ceramic or marble vessels, exude fragrances that are both alluring and sophisticated. The brand is not just about candles; it's about the splendor of craftsmanship, the beauty of fragrance, and a devotion to natural, quality ingredients, making each candle a piece of olfactory art. www.buly1803.com

Prodige
Prodige offers a range of French candles that captivate with their long-lasting and intense fragrances. Each candle from Prodige is a testament to the brand's exclusive wax recipe, ensuring a consistent and enduring scent experience. The eclectic range, featuring aromas like Cherry Whiskey, Basil and Tomato, and Anise & Coriander, is not just about fragrance; it's an olfactory adventure. Prodige's candles are more than just aromatic accessories; they are crafted to enhance moments from dawn to dusk, making each day a little more enchanting. www.prodige.eu

Claepsidra Paris
Claepsidra Paris combines luxurious perfumery with eco-responsible design in its handmade candles. Each candle is a blend of pure, refined scents designed to provide a subtle yet luxurious olfactory experience. With fragrances like the Phi candle, a blend of cotton flower and peony petals, Claepsidra's range is about more than just scent; it's about creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere. The brand's commitment to handmade, eco-friendly products makes each candle a responsible choice for those seeking both luxury and sustainability. www.claepsidra.paris

Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Maison Francis Kurkdjian, a revered fragrance house, offers a luxurious range of scented candles that are much more than mere home fragrances. These candles are expertly crafted to reawaken the senses, drawing upon the rich heritage and expertise of the brand's namesake, Francis Kurkdjian, a master perfumer. Each candle is a work of olfactory art, designed to infuse spaces with captivating aromas that are complex, nuanced, and deeply evocative. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect, from the choice of fragrance notes to the elegant presentation. www.franciskurkdjian.com

Trudon
Trudon stands out in the world of candle making with a history that dates back to 1643, making it the oldest active candlemaker. The brand's rich heritage is intertwined with the history of France itself, having lit the halls of Versailles and the corridors of French cathedrals. Each Trudon candle is a piece of history, crafted with the same dedication to quality that has been its hallmark for centuries. The candles are known for their unique scent collections, which are the result of meticulous research and collaboration with renowned perfumers. Trudon's fragrances capture the essence of different eras and locations, offering an olfactory journey through time and space. www.trudon.com

Diptyque 
Diptyque, a renowned French brand, epitomizes luxury in the realm of scented candles. Celebrated for their sophisticated fragrances, Diptyque candles are a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Each scent is carefully crafted to evoke a specific mood or memory, transforming ordinary spaces into sanctuaries of relaxation and elegance. The brand's iconic packaging is as distinctive as its fragrances, featuring minimalist yet chic designs that are instantly recognizable. The quality of Diptyque candles is exceptional, with each one being a testament to the brand's dedication to craftsmanship. The fragrances are complex and layered, ranging from floral to woody to spicy, ensuring there is a scent for every preference and occasion. www.diptyqueparis.com