Les Bains Guerbois: A Place to Experience, A Collection to Savor
Written by Eveline Nagajeva
Les Bains Guerbois is more than a maison—it is a living archive of Parisian elegance, with walls that hold first-hand stories dating back to 1885. Its walls are steeped in the spirit, conversations, and dances of Parisian aristocracy, artistic vanguard and celebrities.
Photo from the brand’s album
Public baths, or "bains publics," have played a significant role in Parisian life, reflecting the city's evolving attitudes toward hygiene, social interaction, and culture.
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, a period sometimes referred to as "Les Grandes Puanteurs" (The Great Stenches), many Parisian buildings were constructed without any plumbing or proper sanitation. Bathtubs, showers, and even basic washbasins were uncommon, particularly in residential homes.
This wasn’t solely due to technological constraints, but also because of prevailing medical theories and religious views, which often regarded bathing as unnecessary—or even harmful. In place of regular washing, people turned to perfumes, powders, scented cloths, and frequent changes of linen to maintain personal hygiene and mask odors. By the mid-19th century, modern medicine had begun to debunk the myth that bathing was harmful to health. But for Parisians, a new challenge emerged—most homes had no bathtubs. The most practical and immediate solution? Public bathhouses, which quickly became essential spaces for hygiene, relaxation, and social life.
Founded in 1885 by François Auguste Guerbois and his son Albert—owners of the renowned Guerbois Café, captured by Édouard Manet in At the Café (Au café)—Les Bains Guerbois was more than a spa. It was a sanctuary of luxury and ritual, a haven where steam and silence mingled with conversation and art. It quickly became a cult destination for aristocrats, bohemians, and the city’s intelligentsia. Within its perfumed halls, Marcel Proust, Émile Zola, Sarah Bernhardt, Colette, and many others came not just to rest, but to breathe, to dream, and to lose themselves.
François Auguste Guerbois / Photo provided by the brand
In the second half of the 20th century, Les Bains Guerbois underwent an extraordinary transformation, becoming the iconic nightclub Les Bains Douches. From its opening in 1978, it quickly rose to fame as the epicenter of Parisian nightlife, attracting the global cultural elite. David Bowie, Grace Jones, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yves Saint Laurent, Madonna—the list of legendary names who passed through its doors is endless, reading like a who’s who of fashion, music, and art. Les Bains Douches was both a playground for global icons and a launchpad for rising stars like David Guetta, who began his career within its vibrant walls.
Les Bains' Facade / Photo provided by the brand
The Revival: A New Era Begins
Today, Les Bains Guerbois continues to build on its extraordinary legacy. Under the vision of Jean-Pierre Marois, the historic space has been reborn as a boutique hotel and the home of a niche fragrance house. Each perfume in the collection is more than a scent—it is a story, an atmosphere, a tribute to the decades of creativity, decadence, and reinvention that have made Les Bains an enduring symbol of Parisian culture.
From bathhouse rituals to nightlife and perfume, Les Bains Guerbois has lived many lives. We asked the brand’s Marketing & Communication Director Donatien Darnaud a few questions to discover how its past and present come together through scent.
Jean-Pierre Marois / Photo provided by the brand
The revival of Les Bains Guerbois is such a unique and fascinating story. As far as I know, Jean-Pierre Marois originally came from the film industry—how did the idea to transform and relaunch this historic place come about? What inspired to start a new chapter?
In 2006, Jean-Pierre inherited this legendary property from his father, who had purchased it from the Guerbois family in the late 1960s. By then, the building was on the brink of collapse. Deeply attached to the place where he had spent countless memorable nights unbeknownst to his parents—Jean-Pierre decided to convert it into a hotel. His plan was to fund the enormous renovation project while preserving the soul of the building he so dearly loved.
What led to create a perfume line? Does Jean-Pierre Marois have a background in perfumery, or was it a longtime passion that naturally evolved? What sparked the decision to turn this vision into reality?
It was probably a mix of passion and luck. A five-star hotel needs its own scent, and Jean-Pierre, who loved the Spiritus Sancti candle by Trudon, decided to contact the perfumer behind it: Dorothée Piot. Together, they created a special fragrance called Atmosphère, which you can still smell at Les Bains today. Jean-Pierre really enjoyed working with her, so he kept creating new scents with Dorothée and others. What started as a scent for the hotel slowly became a full perfume collection.
Jean-Pierre Marois is not only the owner of Les Bains Guerbois but also the creative director, actively involved in the life of the maison and the development of the fragrances. Many business owners tend to delegate responsibilities, especially in large projects. How to manage to stay creatively inspired without burning out under so much responsibility?
Yes, that’s absolutely correct. Jean-Pierre is deeply involved in every part of Les Bains Guerbois, from the creative direction to the development of each fragrance. For him, it’s not just a business, it’s a personal journey. Les Bains is part of his life story, and he wants to make sure that every scent, every detail, reflects the soul of the place.
Photo provided by the brand
Everyone I speak to about Les Bains Guerbois fragrances always mentions how stunning the bottles are—and they truly are. These crystal-like decanters are works of art on their own. Can you tell us about the design process? What inspired their unique form and visual identity?
Thank you, that means a lot. The idea was to create bottles that feel timeless, like modern relics. We wanted them to look and feel like crystal decanters you might find in a Parisian apartment or an old speakeasy; objects you’d want to keep, even once the fragrance is gone.
The many vertical facets catch the light beautifully, almost like reflections on water, which ties back to the history of Les Bains as a bathhouse. The weight, the balance in the hand, the depth of the glass... all of it was meant to express a certain luxury, but in a quiet, meaningful way. It’s not about showing off. It’s about creating an object that tells a story and feels personal.
Do you have a personal favorite among the fragrances? I know it’s difficult to choose—many creators say it’s like picking a favorite child—but is there one that holds a particularly special place in your heart?
It’s true, choosing a favorite is almost impossible. Each fragrance tells a part of the story, and they all mean something different. But if I had to name one that holds a special place in my heart, it would be 1979 New Wave. It captures the spirit of a very specific time at Les Bains: the energy, the freedom, the music, the creativity. There’s something magnetic about it.
Every time I smell it, I’m instantly transported back to that moment when everything was shifting and anything felt possible.
Which fragrance was the most challenging to create, either conceptually or technically?
The most challenging? Without revealing too much, it’s actually the one we’ve just finished developing. It took 18 months of work, hundreds and hundreds of versions, moments of doubt, moments of pure magic. Conceptually and technically, it pushed us further than anything before. The formula is now final, and we absolutely love it. We can’t wait to share it with the world.
Les Bains Guerbois has worked with some incredible master perfumers. Is there someone you dream of collaborating with in the future—someone still on your creative wish list?
The perfumer of our next opus… Probably the Holy Grail for many fragrance lovers. We can’t reveal too much just yet, but let’s just say it’s a collaboration we’ve dreamed about for a long time. Stay tuned.