Rance 1795
Founded 1795
Francois Rance started this perfume house in Grasse, France, in 1795, and it says Napoleon wore its scents. The house moved to Milan in 1902 and is still run by the family, now Giovanni Rance of the seventh generation. Its Milan boutique on Corso Magenta has been open for more than 25 years.
Hours and prices change, so check with the shop before you go.
From Napoleon's Grasse perfumer to Corso Magenta, Milan
Rance 1795 traces its start to Grasse, where the perfumer François Rancé opened a perfume workshop after success with perfumed gloves and began distilling in 1795. His son François Charles made L'Impératrice and L'Eau Impériale for Napoleon and Joséphine, the house says. In 1902 Alexandre Rancé moved the business from Grasse to Milan.
In Milan the family first focused on soap, then added face powder, lipstick and perfume. Jeanne-Sandra Rancé led the house in the modern era and created scents still in the range. Today Giovanni Rancé, the seventh generation, is chief executive and creative director, and the house says it still works from old recipe books and natural essences. Perfumed soaps remain part of the range.
Rance 1795 has its own boutique in Milan at Corso Magenta 15/A, listed on its store locator. Eaux de parfum such as Le Vainqueur start at 125 euros on its website. Try Le Vainqueur first. The house says François Rancé made it for Napoleon, as a journey to his home island of Corsica, with sea notes, lavender and leather.
- Le VainqueurMade for Napoleon as a trip to Corsica and the winds of the Strait of Bonifacio, reworked by Jean-Christophe Hérault in 2005.
- Le Roi EmpereurCelebrates Napoleon's crowning as King of Italy, with aniseed, cardamom, iris and cinnamon.
- EugénieA floral bouquet lifted by melon, apple and tangerine over amber and vanilla.
Where to buy
- Own boutique, Corso Magenta 15/A, Milan
In our city guides
- Rance boutique (Boutique, Milan)