A scent of emotion at Chanel

A long-awaited trip

In 2019, I went to Paris for two weeks to celebrate my 50th birthday (even though I was almost 51!). I had saved for five years for this trip and I really wanted to go in May, inspired by Charles Aznavour's song "J'aime Paris au mois de mai." What a concept! Well, yes… that's just how I am!

We rented a tiny Airbnb in the Marais and I pretended it was our little pied-à-terre in the City of Lights. I imagined myself strolling around every day in a little dress – I had packed several – but it was too cold in the end. Never mind! Jeans, a leather jacket, and a silk scarf (found in a thrift store there), a little more lipstick and perfume than usual, and there I was, in Paris mode!

Chanel, a dream within reach

Among all the things I wanted to do, visiting 31 rue Cambon, the famous boutique opened by Coco Chanel in 1918, was an absolute must. We walked there, and since I don't have a great sense of direction, I was speechless when we arrived in front of the legendary façade. I wondered if I would dare to enter…

As I hesitated to cross the threshold, two elegant and smiling young men opened the door for me, saying: "Bonjour, welcome to Chanel!" I immediately felt welcome, even though I didn't fit the typical Chanel client profile.

I had planned to buy a perfume to give myself an excuse to enter. I have worn Chanel No. 19 for over thirty years – a perfume with a strong, bold character, just like Gabrielle Chanel herself.

A privileged encounter and a fascinating exchange

I was immediately directed to a salesman: Maxime. A charming young man, professional, polite, and even friendly. My husband, with a smirk, mentioned that I am a designer in Quebec... and we were at Chanel! Awkward! But Maxime, ever the gentleman, reacted with interest and offered to show me the ready-to-wear collection.

We walked slowly among these luxurious creations, naturally chatting about the materials used, the inspirations, and the manufacturing details. Suddenly, I was simply in my element, amazed but not intimidated, even though it was a level of luxury unfamiliar to me.

The famous staircase

My accomplice of a husband took the opportunity to ask Maxime if he could show us Mademoiselle Chanel's famous staircase, the one with the mirrors where she would sit to observe her fashion shows without being seen.

Maxime led us there with great class. At the foot of the staircase stood some of the Coromandel screens so dear to Coco. Maxime offered to let me go up for a souvenir photo. I didn't need to be asked twice! But once on the steps, a wave of emotion washed over me. Tears flowed freely.

I went back down to the reassuring shoulder of my beloved while my heart calmed down. A few intrigued tourists watched us. Maxime, true to his delicacy, simply told them: "She is emotional."

Service worthy of a great house

It was time to settle my purchase. We were invited to sit in magnificent armchairs, as if we were about to buy an entire wardrobe. No cash register, no queue. Maxime returned with my beautifully wrapped perfume and directed us to an elegant colleague to finalize the purchase discreetly (and phew! the price of the perfume was the same as elsewhere).

A moment etched in my heart

This visit will remain for me much more than a simple shopping experience. It was a true pilgrimage, a great lesson in customer service, elegance, simplicity, and authenticity.

I left there, my small bag in hand, my heart full of emotion, and a small tear in the corner of my eye that wouldn't dry.

I will return to Paris this summer, and when I get back, I can't wait to tell you everything this magical city will have inspired in me!