
The Caleche fragrance by Hermes is a floral aldehyde scent for women. It was launched in 1961 and composed by Guy Robert. The top notes of the perfume include aldehydes, cypress, bergamot, neroli, orange blossom, lemon, and mandarin orange. The middle notes are comprised of iris, ylang-ylang, rose, gardenia, jasmine, and lily-of-the-valley, while the base notes are oakmoss, sandalwood, vetiver, musk, cedar, amber, and tonka bean. The scent is described as elegant, clean, and woody, with a touch of citrus and floral heart.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Launch | 1961 |
| Perfumer | Guy Robert |
| Fragrance Type | Floral Aldehyde |
| Target Gender | Women |
| Top Notes | Aldehydes, Cypress, Bergamot, Neroli, Orange Blossom, Lemon, Mandarin Orange |
| Middle Notes | Iris, Ylang-Ylang, Rose, Gardenia, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley |
| Base Notes | Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Musk, Cedar, Amber, Tonka Bean |
| Fragrance Family | Chypre |
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What You'll Learn

Citrus notes
The citrus elements of Caleche are complemented by aldehyde notes, which are sharp and crisp, adding a modern edge to the fragrance. The combination of citrus and aldehyde notes creates a unique and sophisticated aroma, setting Caleche apart from other perfumes. The citrus and aldehyde combination has been described as an assault on the nose, showcasing the bold and memorable nature of these notes.
The heart notes of Caleche are floral, with ylang-ylang, rose, jasmine, and iris providing a contrast to the citrus and aldehyde opening. The citrus notes, however, remain prominent throughout the fragrance's development, showcasing their importance in the overall composition. The interplay between the citrus and floral notes adds a dynamic element to the perfume, making it a versatile and intriguing scent.
The citrus notes in Caleche contribute to its reputation as a timeless and elegant fragrance. The citrus elements add a sense of gaiety and modernity, while the overall composition exudes sophistication and femininity. The citrus notes of Caleche are a key aspect of its appeal, contributing to its enduring popularity and status as a classic perfume.
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Chypre notes
The chypre family of fragrances is characterised by an interplay of citrus, floral, and woody notes, with a distinctive mossy-woody accord at its heart. The term "chypre" comes from the French word for Cyprus, the Mediterranean island known for its abundance of oakmoss, a key ingredient in traditional chypre perfumes. Oakmoss imparts a deep, earthy, and slightly sweet aroma, providing a robust foundation for the fragrance.
In Hermes Caleche, the chypre notes are seamlessly woven into the composition. The base notes of the fragrance include oakmoss, alongside sandalwood, vetiver, cedar, amber, tonka bean, and musk. This rich and complex base provides a warm and sensual finish to the scent, enhancing the overall depth and longevity of the fragrance.
The heart of the fragrance also incorporates a subtle chypre character through the use of floral notes such as iris, which adds a touch of elegance and nobility. The interplay of floral and chypre elements creates a unique signature, making Caleche stand out from other fragrances of its time. The combination of floral and chypre notes gives Caleche a sophisticated and refined aura, evoking a sense of timeless elegance.
The chypre character of Hermes Caleche sets it apart from other fragrances and contributes to its enduring appeal. While the fragrance was created in the early 1960s, its intricate blend of notes, including the carefully crafted chypre accord, ensures that it remains relevant and captivating even today. Caleche is a testament to the art of perfumery, showcasing the exquisite balance of freshness, warmth, and sophistication that can be achieved through the masterful use of chypre notes.
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Aldehyde notes
Aldehydes are a key note in the fragrance of Hermes Caleche, a perfume for women launched in 1961. The aldehydes in Caleche are described as "roaring-twenties" and modern, with a sharp and crisp initial impression that lingers throughout the fragrance's development. The aldehydes are said to give the perfume a soapy quality, and they work in harmony with the other notes to create a scent that is clean, elegant, and abstract.
The top notes of Caleche include aldehydes, citrus, and floral elements such as neroli and orange blossom. The aldehydes in the top notes create a sparkling and fizzy effect, adding a unique twist to the traditional citrus and floral combination. The heart or middle notes of the fragrance are primarily floral, with ylang-ylang, rose, and jasmine taking centre stage. The aldehydes in the heart notes add a warmth and sunshine to the floral bouquet, creating a well-rounded and sophisticated scent.
The base notes of Caleche are woody and chypre, with notes such as oakmoss, sandalwood, and vetiver. The aldehydes in the base notes add a touch of modernity and sparkle to the traditional woody and earthy tones. The result is a fragrance that is both classic and timeless, yet with a unique twist that sets it apart from other perfumes of its time.
The aldehydes in Hermes Caleche are a key element in the perfume's overall composition, adding a sharp, crisp, and sparkling quality to the fragrance. The aldehydes work in harmony with the other notes, enhancing the citrus, floral, and woody elements, and creating a scent that is elegant, sophisticated, and unique. The combination of aldehydes and florals is a signature of the Caleche fragrance, and it continues to be a beloved and iconic perfume even today.
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Floral notes
Calèche by Hermès is a floral aldehyde fragrance for women, composed by Guy Robert in 1961. The perfume is a combination of flowers, wood and chypre, with a heart of floral notes.
The floral notes in Calèche are ylang-ylang, rose, jasmine, gardenia, iris, and lily-of-the-valley. The heart of the fragrance is a floral potpourri, with bright and elegant rose, and an intense creaminess from the ylang-ylang. The iris and jasmine provide a traditional floral base, with whiffs of oleander rounding off the scent. The floral notes are described as prim, powdery, and soapy, reminiscent of saddle soap.
The vintage formulation of Calèche also has a strong floral presence, with a reviewer describing it as citrus-flowers-woods. The parfum is described as having soapy florals, with a gilded carriage strewn with jewels and a scent of luxury and old-world riches. The floral notes in the vintage fragrance are described as rich and naive.
The Eau de Parfum, or Soie de Parfum, is a modernized version of Calèche, composed in the early 1990s. It features smoother, more intricate florals, with a plush, sugar-less rose taking the lead. The floral notes in this version are denser and warmer, with a delicate swirl of amber around its woody base.
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Woody notes
Calèche by Hermès is a woody fragrance with a chypre floral scent. The perfume's base notes include sandalwood, oakmoss, cedarwood, vetiver, amber, tonka, and musk. The woody notes are complemented by a combination of citrus and aldehyde top notes, including lemon, orange, mandarin, and neroli, as well as floral middle notes such as iris, ylang-ylang, rose, jasmine, and lily-of-the-valley. The interplay of these notes creates a sophisticated and elegant fragrance.
The name Calèche refers to horse-drawn carriages, emblematic of the Hermès house. The fragrance, created in 1961 by Guy Robert, exudes femininity and sophistication. The woody notes in Calèche provide a warm and earthy depth to the scent, balancing the freshness of the citrus and floral notes.
The combination of woody and chypre notes in the fragrance's base creates a unique and captivating trail. The sandalwood note adds a creamy and smooth aspect to the scent, while the oakmoss brings a green and earthy dimension. The cedarwood note provides a sharp and vibrant touch, while the vetiver adds a hint of smokiness.
The tonka and musk notes in the base of Calèche contribute to its complexity. Tonka bean adds a touch of sweetness and a slightly spicy undertone, while musk provides a soft and sensual aspect to the fragrance. The woody notes in Calèche are a key element in the perfume's composition, providing a solid foundation for the other notes to shine.
The interplay of the various woody notes in Calèche creates a sophisticated and elegant aroma. The fragrance has a timeless quality, evoking a sense of old-money glamour and sophistication. The woody notes provide a lasting impression, making Calèche a memorable and distinctive fragrance in the world of perfumery.
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Frequently asked questions
The fragrance notes in Hermes Caleche include aldehydes, bergamot, lemon, neroli, mandarin, orange blossom, gardenia, ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, iris, lily of the valley, sandalwood, oakmoss, cedarwood, vetiver, amber, musk, tonka, cypress, and frankincense.
The top notes in Hermes Caleche are aldehydes, cypress, bergamot, neroli, orange blossom, lemon, and mandarin orange.
The middle notes, or heart notes, in Hermes Caleche are iris, ylang-ylang, rose, gardenia, jasmine, and lily-of-the-valley.
The base notes in Hermes Caleche are oakmoss, sandalwood, vetiver, musk, cedar, amber, and tonka bean.
Hermes Caleche is a Floral Aldehyde fragrance for women. It is described as a woody, chypre floral with a combination of flower, wood, and citrus hints.










































