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“It Smells Like the President”: French Leader’s Fragrance Habit Overwhelms Staff

French President Macron is under fire, and it isn’t for his politics. It’s because if you lit a match near him, he might just go up in flames thanks to the sheer amount of cologne he’s wearing. We’re not entirely sure if perfume is flammable, but we’re rolling with the metaphor: the man is apparently drenched in scent.

This fun little revelation comes courtesy of journalist Olivier Beaumont’s new book, The Tragedy of the Elysée. While the book likely has some serious political insights, the world has clung to one headline-worthy detail—President Macron wears what’s been described as “industrial amounts” of Dior Eau Sauvage. And not just in the morning. Apparently, the man is freshening up throughout the day, including at his desk.

We haven’t read the full book (because, well, we’re here for the perfume gossip), but this scent-centric moment has made it a global talking point.

“It smells like the president”

That’s not a metaphor—it’s what aides have literally said. According to one former staffer, “When Emmanuel Macron enters the room, you can feel it… almost like marking his territory.” Others joked that from one wing of the building to another, you’d hear the phrase: “It smells like the president.”

Even one of Macron’s close aides confirmed that you can tell whether he’s been in a room just by the lingering scent. The man has a bottle of Dior Eau Sauvage in his desk drawer, ready to go at any time.

His wife, Brigitte Macron, reportedly prefers Louis Vuitton fragrances, but she still finds comfort in her husband’s scent—occasionally spritzing it on herself while he’s abroad.

All of this adds up to one unavoidable truth: the president wears a lot of perfume.

What Is Dior Eau Sauvage?

For those wondering what scent could command a hallway, here’s a quick rundown. Dior Eau Sauvage is a classic men’s fragrance first launched in 1966. It’s known for its fresh, clean notes and timeless appeal. With citrus, lavender, vetiver, and oakmoss, it’s got that barbershop sophistication—refined but still bold.

And yes, it smells great. But like any fragrance, too much of a good thing can quickly turn into a fog of regret.

By the way, we have an in-depth Dior Eau Sauvage review if you’re interested (please, be interested!).

How Not to Overdo It: Fragrance Etiquette 101

We say this as a site that exists because we love fragrance: too much is too much. Whether you’re the President of France or heading to lunch with coworkers, spraying with abandon can overwhelm everyone around you—and not in a good way.

Here are a few scent-smart tips to keep in mind:

1. Spray, don’t soak. Two to four sprays max. That’s it. You’re not disinfecting countertops.
2. Target your pulse points. Neck, wrists, behind the ears—places where your body emits heat and helps the scent gently project.
3. Avoid the re-application trap. Unless you’re outdoors in high heat or your fragrance is extremely subtle, you probably don’t need to respray.
4. Go easy in close quarters. Offices, airplanes, and elevators are not the time to flex your sillage.
5. Try samples first. Some fragrances evolve on the skin. Sampling gives you time to see how strong or soft a scent really is before you commit.

Final Notes

President Macron may be making headlines for his cologne habits, but let’s be honest—it’s not the worst offense in the world. He’s passionate about his scent. We respect that. We just also respect the noses of everyone in a shared space.

Wearing fragrance should be about enhancing the mood, not dominating the room. So next time you reach for your favorite bottle, channel a little restraint—unless, of course, you’re trying to announce your presence like a head of state.

And if you’re curious about bold classics like Dior Eau Sauvage or want to explore more wearable options, check out our fragrance samples. They’re perfect for finding your signature scent—without overpowering the entire building.

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