There are a huge range of scented candle manufacturers in the world now, offering some incredible fragrances to fit any budget.
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But if you believe the story of Rigaud, that may not have been the case were it not for them.
Read on to learn more about Rigaud and their scented candles, and to find out which are the top Rigaud candle scents you can enjoy.
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What is a Rigaud Candle?
A Rigaud candle is a luxury candle that is hand-made in France. These are exceptionally high-quality candles, manufactured to strict standards that have been developed over many years.
Rigaud candles are not presented in an exceptionally intricate way – the packaging may reflect the opulence of the candle, but once opened you’ll see it is simply stored in a clear glass vessel.
The reason is to show off the incredible vibrancy of the candle wax – each scent has its own distinct color, and the candles are cooled extremely slowly as they are filled so that they are absolutely perfect and even.
Rigaud candles are available in various sizes. The smallest weigh 60 grams (around 2oz) and have a burn time of around 28 hours, while the largest option is the Prestige candle, weighing 750g and burning for 150 hours.
One important thing to note about Rigaud candles that sets the brand apart from other candle manufacturers. Don’t expect to be overwhelmed by choice. The Rigaud range is particularly limited, and that’s by design. Whereas other producers of candles may have 20, 30 or even more choices when it comes to a candle scent, Rigaud tend to keep the choice below 10.
With that, you can be reassured that the greatest care goes into creating each fragrance, and they are completely distinct. It also ensures that, with fewer complications, each candle can be made to only the very strict standards that Rigaud upholds.
The History of Rigaud
Rigaud as a company began back in 1852, when Jean Baptiste Rigaud moved to Paris and began to develop perfumes, which over time earned him a reputation across Europe and North America.
The business passed to Henri Rigaud on Jean-Baptiste’s death, and then later following the Second World War was passed down to the next generation again – to Mario Rigaud and his wife Viviane. And it was Viviane who, working with her husband, developed what they claimed to be the world’s first scented candle.
Candles have been used to deliver fragrances for many years, particularly in China where wax would be layered with incense – new aromas were even an indicator of the passing time, as a new incense layer would be reached each hour.
But Viviane Rigaud claims to have made the first true scented candle where the wax was directly infused with the scent. Without Rigaud, would we have had so many brands of scented candle to choose from?
Rigaud Candles – best for bedroom:
Bois Precieux
This candle is truly an exotic, spicy delight, with aromas inspired by the wooden houses amongst bustling cities of Asia. Hints of patchouli and teak help to really make your home sing with a sweet, rich scent.
It’s perfect for the bedroom as it just adds a luxurious layer of sumptuous zest with a comfortable depth. Keep the lights low, and use this candle to create a cosy space where you can feel transported away from the rigours of the working day. This is your safe zone, and you’ll feel like it’s a world away from any stresses or worries.
Reine de la Nuit
Your bedroom is a place to unwind, and any candle scent should be designed to help prepare you for a comfortable, relaxing sleep.. The Reine de la Nuit candle evokes a powerful sense of tropical landscapes at dusk – expect a soothing aroma that helps to unknot every tension in your body, with just a hint of intriguing mystery.
The candle looks the part too – the deep dusk blue echoes the most still and silent of night skies. You can’t help but fall into a state of zen with this candle melting away your day.
Rigaud Candles – best for kitchen:
Gardenia
Bring a feeling of calming refreshment into the busiest room of your home with this Gardenia candle. It offers a clean and floral aroma, with a blend of tropical white flowers and the fresh, green notes of Provencale Rose. This helps bring the crisp breeze into your home, keeping the air (and the conversation) light and refreshing over breakfast.
The candle itself reflects that luxurious fresh feel with its brilliant white wax. It also makes it the perfect accessory for any kind of kitchen design, whether modern, farmhouse or eclectic.
Jasmin
This candle is the perfect accompaniment for the spring and summer months, when you want your garden to continue throughout your home. It’s a light and refreshing candle that uses a blend of bitter orange and jasmine petals, undercut by the more subtle and reassuring warmth of orange blossom. It’s calming, but sweet at the same time – sure to enrapture the senses.
Burn it in your kitchen to really capture that summer feel, especially if you’ve chosen lighter colors to create a very open and contemporary kitchen space. The color – a gentle green – helps to add a natural touch to your space too.
Rigaud Candle – best for living room:
Cythere
Before we even touch on the enrapturing aroma of this candle, you’ll first notice the incredibly rich color, which is absolutely flawless. But once you light it, the true wonder of this candle reveals itself – a truly intense blend that perfectly balances delicate hints of jasmine, fruity deeper notes and a musky backdrop.
Use this candle if you want your living room to feel extremely cosy and homely. It’s great in any season, but particularly as the colder nights draw in. Huddle around a fire with this aroma floating through the room and you’ll feel completely at peace.
Vesuve
Another candle to bring that sense of comfort and relaxation to your living room, this bold orange candle is named for Naples’ great volcano Vesuvius. The candle itself erupts with amazing aromas, including cedar, vetiver, cinnamon and cumin amongst the amber and incense essences.
The result is a candle that adds genuine warmth to the room and the atmosphere – but not to the extent of a volcano, don’t worry. Instead, become enthralled by the soothing scents of nature that this vibrant orange candle offers.
Rigaud Candles – best for bathroom:
Rose
This contemporary candle in luscious bright pink looks and smells divine. It blends modern rose scents with hawthorn, with a powdery accent that really sweetens the whole room. It isn’t sickly overly sweet, but is gently nuanced to add a delicious and fun kick to the air in your home.
It’s perfect for bringing a little ray of garden sunshine into your bathroom space, whether you’re soaking yourself in a hot bath or just keeping the room feeling fresh and clean.
Rigaud Candles – highest rated:
Cypres
Cypres is the candle that Viviane and Mario Rigaud created in 1959, believed to be the world’s first truly scented candle. And it’s a sign that, so many years later, it remains the most popular candle offered by Rigaud. It’s inspired by the forests of the Mediterranean, with a blend of cedar wood and jasmine.
The rich green color evokes pictures of the charming hills and woods along the Mediterranean region, and this candle is perfect for use throughout the whole year and in any room in your home.
What is the most romantic candle scent?
If you’re looking to set the mood with a romantic candle, you want one that is not too overpowering but that creates a relaxing atmosphere. Something that isn’t too light – you want a little bit of depth to create an ambiance that suits low lights and the gentle mood. Popular aromas include soft touches such as jasmine, rose and lavender.
Many of the Rigaud candles on this list would work perfectly, but if you want the most romantic setting then choose either Reine de la Nuit or Cythere.
Have you ever bought a Rigaud candle? If so, what did you think? They’re some of the world’s most luxurious and they lay claim to being the originators of the scented candle. They are extremely popular, and promise to leave your home smelling truly delightful, no matter which option you choose.