Papier d’Arménie ~ Incense Papers

A family business started in 1885 with a dream, made in France.
The story began in the 19th century when Auguste Ponsot, during a visit to Armenia, noticed locals perfuming and purifying their homes by burning benzoin resin. Captivated by the simplicity and beauty of the tradition, he brought the idea back to France.

His partner, pharmacist Henri Rivier, discovered that dissolving benzoin in high-grade alcohol created a persistent and pleasant scent. All that was needed was a way to carry it—blotting paper became the perfect medium, absorbing the blend while preserving the aromatic richness of the resin. It burns slowly without a flame, releasing the scent gently into the air.

Today, the business is still family-run by Mireille Schvartz, great-granddaughter of Rivier. Nearly 15,000 booklets leave their Montrouge workshop each day, with very little having changed since the beginning. In France, Papier d’Arménie® is woven into the fabric of everyday life—one in four people have used it, and 75% recognise the name.

A quiet ritual passed down through generations, still made with care.

I love France—the place, the people, the slow mornings at village markets, the hidden antique treasures tucked away in quiet corners. Being able to share it all with my children has made this city of love forever etched on my heart. It’s a part of our story now, and I’m so grateful to weave a little piece of it into what I do.