III

The Verdict

Givenchy III was created in 1970 by Raymond Chaillan and Jean-Francois Latty to mark the opening of Givenchy's flagship store at 3 Avenue George V in Paris. More than half a century later, the fragrance community has rendered its judgment: this is one of the finest green chypres ever composed. With a 4.30 average across 929 votes and a remarkable 52% expressing love, Givenchy III commands the kind of reverence usually reserved for Mitsouko and No. 19. One Basenotes reviewer called it simply "the pinnacle of the perfumer's art." That is not a minority opinion.

What It Smells Like

The opening is a burst of crystalline green. Sharp, resinous Galbanum cuts through first, joined by bright Bergamot and Mandarin Orange with a champagne-like sparkle from Aldehydes. There is a lush, almost tropical quality from Gardenia and Peach that keeps the green from becoming austere. This is one of the grand chypre openings of the 1970s, and it announces itself with both confidence and grace.

The heart is where the composition truly unfolds. A rich floral bouquet of Jasmine, Narcissus, Hyacinth, Rose, and Lily-of-the-Valley is anchored by Carnation's spicy warmth and the dry, powdery elegance of Orris Root. Unlike Chanel No. 19, which stays serious and somber, Givenchy III retains an uplifting, sparkling disposition throughout the floral heart. The narcissus adds a hay-like, slightly animalic quality that gives the composition depth without heaviness.

The drydown is classic chypre territory. Oakmoss and Patchouli form the earthy, mossy backbone, while Vetiver adds a dry grassiness and Sandalwood smooths the transition. Amber, Myrrh, and a surprising touch of Coconut provide warmth in the final hours. One reviewer described the overall impression as "a forest green that is beautiful, profound, and venerable." Another put it memorably: "If Givenchy III were a woman, she would be sexy as well as chic, intelligent, stylish, and self-possessed."

When to Wear It

Spring and fall are the ideal seasons, where the green freshness and mossy depth are both served by moderate temperatures. Community voting runs 25% day versus 12% night, confirming this as primarily a daytime fragrance, though the complexity easily supports evening wear. The office, cultural events, gallery openings, and any occasion calling for understated sophistication are all strong fits. Despite being marketed for women, the community has long recognized its genuinely unisex character. One reviewer recommended it specifically for men who love chypre scents but worry that Mitsouko would read too feminine.

Longevity & Projection

Vintage formulations are the gold standard here. The original EDT delivers 8 or more hours with moderate, well-mannered sillage. The Extrait pushes past 10 hours with very good projection that never overwhelms. Even the 2007 Les Parfums Mythiques reissue, which critics consider a shadow of the original, provides decent longevity. Projection sits in that ideal zone of noticeable within arm's distance without announcing itself across a room. Three to four sprays covers most situations comfortably.

The modern reformulation does have its critics. Some find the opening "harsh and sharp" compared to the original, with the gardenia and peach diminished. But even those critics concede that the reformulated version "is still a nice perfume" and a worthwhile alternative if vintage bottles are unavailable.

The Community Says

The love for Givenchy III borders on devotion among chypre enthusiasts. Fans describe it as "chic, understated, elegant, French" and compare it favorably to the greatest chypres of the twentieth century. One reviewer noted they wear it "all the time" and find it "absolutely out of this world." The comparison to Mitsouko comes up frequently, with Givenchy III described as drier and fresher but touching the psyche in the same way, speaking "to the intellect as well as the senses." Several reviewers have flatly stated they cannot think of any perfume launched this century to touch it.

The minority criticism focuses on the green intensity. Some find the galbanum and oakmoss combination headache-inducing and the patchouli too dominant. A few report that the fragrance disappears too quickly, though this complaint appears more common with the reformulated version than the vintage.

Who Should Buy This

Givenchy III is essential for anyone who loves green chypres, classic French perfumery, or complex floral compositions with real structure. If you have ever fallen for Mitsouko, No. 19, Bandit, or the great mossy florals of the 1970s, this belongs in your collection. It is equally compelling for younger fragrance enthusiasts curious about what the golden age of perfumery actually smelled like.

Skip it if you prefer sweet, fruity, or minimalist modern compositions. Skip it if green or mossy notes have ever felt overwhelming to your nose. And if you decide to pursue it, seek out vintage formulations where possible. The difference in depth and projection is meaningful.

The Bottom Line

Givenchy III is a monument to a style of perfumery that barely exists anymore. In an era of IFRA restrictions and crowd-tested compositions, it stands as a reminder of what happens when talented perfumers work with the full palette of natural materials and prioritize artistry over mass appeal. Fifty-plus years on, it remains one of the most beautiful and complete fragrances in existence. The fact that it can still be found for reasonable prices makes it one of the great values in all of perfumery.