The Aromatic family encompasses fragrances where herbs and living plants — lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, basil, mint, artemisia — form the dominant character. These are the fragrances of kitchen gardens, apothecaries, open countryside and the Mediterranean maquis. They smell green, slightly medicinal, alive.

Aromatics overlap significantly with the Fougère family (which is built on lavender as its cornerstone) but where fougère always includes the oakmoss-coumarin structure, pure aromatics can stand without it — relying on the herbs themselves to carry the composition. Many aromatic fragrances also incorporate woody and spicy elements, creating the Aromatic Woody and Aromatic Spicy sub-families.

For beginners: aromatics are fresh and natural-smelling without being aquatic. They tend to feel clean and herbal — particularly approachable in spring and summer when the association with living plants feels most natural.