Interview: portrait of Jean-Pierre Roux
Written on 16 October 2025
Welcome to Galimard! The year 2025 is slowly coming to an end and, among the many events that have marked it, the launch of our emblematic perfumes “J”, “R” & “T” certainly stands out. A happy coincidence (or perhaps not such a coincidence?) made this collection symbolically named “HÉRITAGE” see the light of day in a very special year: the 80th birthday of Mr. Jean-Pierre Roux, our Senior CEO!
Without him, our House would not be what it is today. If Galimard has managed to preserve its heritage and its family spirit, it is largely thanks to this discreet figure who has watched over it for decades. Honoring him therefore came naturally, and after some hesitation, our dear Director, who usually prefers to stay out of the spotlight, finally agreed to take part in a short question-and-answer session.
What is your earliest olfactory memory?
The harvesting of bitter orange blossoms with my grandfather, in his fields in Bar-sur-Loup.
In what year did you take over the company?
In 1972, following the early passing of my parents.
Had you always wanted to run a perfumery, or did you have other interests?
I studied economics and management and was planning to pursue a career in higher education, but my parents’ passing changed the course of things.
I have never regretted that shift—those studies turned out to be extremely helpful in managing the company.
Always by family members. First by my sisters and my wife Chantal, and later by my children, to whom I have passed the torch.
What motivated you the most to revive the Galimard name and bring it to the level of recognition it enjoys today?
To preserve this family treasure and to develop it by giving it new life.
What is your secret to having stayed the course all these years despite local and international competition?
Luck helps sometimes, but hard work always does.
The international reputation of Maison Galimard has led you to meet many celebrities. Which encounter stands out the most, and why?
During the inauguration of the Grasse factory in July 1980, we had the honor of welcoming Jean Marais as our guest of honor, an unforgettable moment.
Other very diverse encounters also come to mind, such as the visit of Mr. Boris Yeltsin, the first President of the Russian Federation, and his wife to our Studio des Fragrances in 2002; Mr. Mikhail Kalashnikov, inventor of the weapon that bears his name; and, in quite a different field, the singer Sacha Distel and Jean-Paul Belmondo, who also created his own fragrance at the Studio des Fragrances… the list goes on!
Do you remember the first Galimard perfume you ever wore?
Monsieur Galimard.
And which one do you wear today?
Which product, of any type, is your favorite in the boutique?
The HÉRITAGE collection.
Are there any products that no longer exist and that you miss?
The men’s fragrance Rafting.
Which women’s fragrance is your current favorite?
Could you share one or two amusing anecdotes from your career?
I remember arriving at Jacques Chibois’s restaurant surrounded by six Miss France winners and Madame de Fontenay, all invited to lunch after creating their perfumes at the Galimard Studio des Fragrances. Hard to go unnoticed that day!
Do you have a motto or advice you’d like to share?
“The impossible always recedes when we walk toward it.”- Saint-Exupéry.
And a piece of advice to our teams: “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.”
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