Jean Desprez 1962 Edp

U ££

Bal à Versailles

by Jean Desprez

Jean Desprez Bal à Versailles is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1962, created by Jean Desprez. The fragrance opens with Rose, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, and Neroli, settles into a heart of Orris, Lily Of The Valley, Lilac, and Leather, and dries down to a base of Civet, Resin, Musk, and Cedar.

Our verdict on Bal à Versailles: Acquired

Bal à Versailles is properly divisive, a love-it-or-hate-it affair that’s not for the faint of heart. Original formulations, adored by Michael Jackson, are hailed as masterpieces - rich, complex, and seductively ‘naughty’. But be warned, modern versions might leave you longing for that vintage magic, or worse, with just a whiff of talcum powder or cat pee.
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  • Confident
  • Bold
  • Mysterious
  • Sensual
  • Classic
Bal à Versailles Eau de Parfum bottle

ScentArt

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Profile

Citrus Floral Fruity Green Sweet Warm Woody Earthy Animalic Fresh
Citrus 11%
Floral 26%
Fruity 3%
Green 9%
Sweet 22%
Warm 10%
Woody 15%
Earthy 12%
Animalic 14%
Fresh 13%

Mood Profile

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

Accords

Amber
100%
Powdery
72%
Woody
64%
Animalic
59%
Musky
59%

Notes

Top Notes

Rose 13% Jasmine 12% Orange Blossom 12% Neroli 11% Rosemary 11% Mandarin 10% Redcurrant Leaf 10% Bergamot 10% Lemon 10%

Heart Notes

Leather 15% Ylang-Ylang 13% Sandalwood 13% Orris 13% Patchouli 13% Lilac 11% Vetiver 11% Lily Of The Valley 10%

Base Notes

Civet 15% Resin 15% Tolu Balsam 13% Amber 13% Benzoin 13% Vanilla 12% Musk 11% Cedar 8%

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Its potent projection and animalic accords make it unsuitable for office or sport. However, the opulent, amber-heavy profile and "naughty" or "sexy" sentiment from reviews make it perfect for dates and evening formal events.

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Where to buy

Wide selection Amazon UK Prime delivery often available Check price on → Check price on →

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About

This is a golden warmth in a bottle, opening with a chorus of rose and orange blossom, underscored by the green freshness of neroli and bergamot. It quickly deepens into a rich, powdery heart where orris, ylang-ylang, and a whisper of leather unfurl. The base is an opulent tapestry of amber, civet, and musk, sweetened by vanilla and resin, creating a sensual, long-lasting embrace that's anything but shy.

Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.