Bouquet de Cintra c1873

Bouquet de Cintra (1873) was one of Guerlain’s most refined 19th-century creations, composed by Monsieur Guerlain for Elise, Countess of Edla, the morganatic wife of King Ferdinand II of Portugal. According to the Journal des Demoiselles (1879), the perfume was made using flowers sourced directly from Portugal, a gesture of authenticity and homage. Crafted as an Extrait de Parfum, it reflected not only Guerlain’s technical mastery but also the 19th-century tradition of honoring royal patrons through bespoke fragrances that celebrated local botanical splendor. The choice of Cintra (modern Sintra)—the king’s beloved retreat near Lisbon, crowned by a fairytale palace—lent the perfume a sense of romance and cultural prestige. Its reputation endured, as records show it was still being sold in 1888.

The name “Bouquet de Cintra”, translating to “Bouquet of Cintra”, immediately evokes the image of a fragrant, carefully gathered arrangement of flowers and citrus blooms from this lush Portuguese paradise. Cintra was famed for its luxuriant vegetation: citrus groves heavy with lemons, citrons, and oranges; fields dotted with wild arbutus, chrysanthemums, narcissus, and delicate blossoms such as ionopsidium and linaria. To 19th-century audiences, the very name conjured images of a fertile, sunlit landscape, where exotic greenery met the cultivated refinement of royal gardens.

The composition of the fragrance likely mirrored this setting, balancing brightness with depth. The citrus groves would have given the perfume a fresh, zesty overture, sparkling and uplifting. The wildflowers—sweet, powdery, and faintly herbal—would have provided the heart with a natural softness, an impression of air perfumed by meadows and gardens. At the same time, the richness of the local landscape, with laurel, acacia, cork oak, palm, pine, and aloe, would have suggested deeper, resinous undertones—woody, green, and faintly balsamic—that grounded the brightness with strength and gravitas. This duality of lightness and depth made the perfume a sophisticated reflection of the Cintra region itself: verdant, exotic, and romantic.

For its late 19th-century audience, Bouquet de Cintra would have embodied both sophistication and escapism. Perfumes of place were highly fashionable, offering wearers a way to transport themselves through scent to exotic landscapes or royal courts. In choosing Cintra, Guerlain presented not only a tribute to Portuguese beauty and royal patronage but also a fragrance that combined European elegance with an almost Edenic lushness. To women—and indeed men—of the era, it would have been a refined yet sensorially adventurous choice, at once romantic and worldly.

 

Virgil spoke of Cintra - 

"Mossy springs and softer grass at the top

  And the shade of a rare green tree covers you."

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? I have not seen an example of this fragrance yet and I am not sure what the notes would be. I would imagine it was a citrus based floral.

La Ilustración española y americana - Volume 23, by Abelardo de Carlos, 1879:

The success of Guerlain's products at 15 rue de la Paix in Paris has been well established over time. Following the Universal Exposition, Mr. Guerlain experienced a significant increase in orders for his creations, a testament to his dedication and innovative spirit. One notable achievement includes the bouquet commissioned by Countess Edla, which was designed at the request of Her Majesty the Queen of Portugal. This special arrangement features flowers from the neighboring kingdom and the flora from the hills surrounding the historic castle of Cintra, a cherished residence of the Portuguese royal family. This rich floral inspiration has contributed to the creation of one of Mr. Guerlain’s most exquisite perfumes, the Extract of Cintra.

Additionally, Guerlain’s Eau de Cologne is highly recommended for its fresh and pleasant fragrance, ideal for daily use. This aromatic liquid is not only enjoyable but also serves as a remedy for headaches when gently applied to the temples.

Journal des demoiselles - Page 13, 1879:

EAU DE COLOGNE AND EXTRACTS FROM MAISON GUERLAIN, 15 RUE DE LA PAIX - Although Monsieur Guerlain's name did not top the list of award winners at the Universal Exhibition, this omission is due to his role as a jury member, which placed him out of competition. Nonetheless, this distinction highlights his esteemed position in the industry and his role as a representative of excellence. Guerlain's Eau de Cologne and extracts have garnered significant attention from both French and international chemists and manufacturers.

The concentrated extracts from Guerlain are known for their subtle, refined scents. Unlike heavy, overpowering fragrances, these extracts release their delicate aroma with just a single drop, showcasing a remarkable advancement in perfumery. The elegance of Guerlain's creations has cultivated a loyal following, both domestically and abroad.

This year’s success reaffirmed Guerlain's reputation, with orders doubling as a testament to his ongoing dedication and innovative work. The true beauty of an extract is best appreciated not by simply sniffing from a bottle but by experiencing its nuanced aroma as it evaporates from a handkerchief.

Guerlain’s Eau de Cologne is praised for its fresh and pleasant fragrance, which also serves as an effective remedy for headaches when applied to the temples. Among the popular concentrated extracts are Pao Rosa, derived from Brazilian wood; Fleur de Serre; and the Imperial Russian Bouquet, all known for their suave, sweet, and persistent qualities.

A recent highlight is the bouquet created by Guerlain for the Countess d'Edla, composed of flowers from Portugal and the flora surrounding the historic Cintra Castle, a favored residence of the Portuguese royal family. This special blend has led to the creation of the exquisite Cintra Extract.

Additionally, Guerlain's La Ferté balm remains an excellent remedy for chapped lips, hands, and chilblains, available in a small box priced at 1 franc 25 cents.

A Illustração - Volume 4, 1887:

"GUERLAIN, PARIS, DE 15 rue de la Paix, RECOMMENDED ITEMS : Marie-Christine Bouquet, Pao Rosa, Cintra Bouquet, Countess l'Edla Bouquet, Heliotrope Blanc, Paris Exhibition, Russian Imperial Bouquet."

Bottles:

It was most likely contained in the Carre flacon like other Guerlain perfumes of the era.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued.  It was still being offered in 1887.