There's been a lot written about Jean Desprez Bal a Versailles. Looking on the web, it also seems as if it can be had for some significant knock-down prices. I got my sample from Les Senteurs and I must admit it surprised me on two counts. First, I was led to believe that it is very feminine. On my skin it did have these elements, but was far more unisex than I had feared. Second, it was nowhere near as skanky as I had read it was.
To me Bal a Versailles smells rosy, with even a hint of spicy geranium and a touch of citrus and fruit to start. Underneath is a bit of musk and perhaps patchouli, quite earthy but not overtly so. As the top fades it becomes a bit more 'perfume-y' and feminine and a more recognisable chypre structure is evident, with a oriental twist - oakmoss, amber, a bit of patchouli and a smidgen of vanilla. It is nice, but not as challenging as I thought it would be. Having said that, this is the EDT that I've been trying, so possibly not the best concentration to try. In the dry down I detect a bit of leather and labdanum, which lends a nice earthiness to round things off.
So overall, I like Bal a Versailles and was glad that it is more unisex compared to the reviews I have read. I only wish it had had a bit more 'oomph' to it on my skin, but nevertheless still enjoyable to wear.
Image credit - http://www.jeandesprez.com/
