I bought my first bottle of Chance eau de perfume (by Chanel) in 2014 at the airport in Nice, France. Nice is a beautiful location known for its stunning coastlines and vibrant atmosphere. I wandered through the fragrant shops in between my flights. I was drawn to the elegant design of the bottle. It seemed to capture the essence of my enchanting surroundings. The moment I spritzed a little on my wrist, I smelled a captivating blend of floral notes. Jasmine, pink berry, and amber top mixed with a hint of vanilla. This scent transported me back to sunlit days. I remembered strolling the Promenade des Anglais, museums, and cafes of Nice. This perfume became a cherished memory. It reminds me of my travels. I experienced special moments in that remarkable city.

Scent is directly linked to memory. When I met Eric, my neighbour and future husband, I was living out of a suitcase. I had just moved from Aix-en-Provence. During that transitional phase, Chance was a wardrobe essential. Its earthy notes balanced the chaos of my ever-changing environment. It reminded me of comfort and the sweet spontaneity of new beginnings. Eric offered to take me on a scenic drive into the city of Toulon. I welcomed the change of scenery. I was eager to escape the confines of my temporary home. It was a gorgeous day, warm but not hot, as we drove through the majestic mountains with the top down. The refreshing breeze tamed my hot flashes while mixing my perfume with the smell of wild herbs. The vibrant colors of the landscape seemed to harmonise beautifully. They mingled with the hip hop beats. We listened to music. We drove the winding road up to the Mémorial du Débarquement et de la Libération en Provence.

We’ve been together ever since that Chance encounter on October 29, 2023.

When people ask me how my husband and I came together, I say purely by Chance (EDP). It was serendipity that led this NYCGURLXPAT to cross paths with this French farmer. We met in this private cul-de-sac of 4 Vents one fateful evening. It was the chance meeting that feels almost scripted. Everything aligned perfectly by chance. Every time I wear Chance EDP, Eric (my now husband) gets emotional at the memory of our first Chance encounter.

Did I mention that Eric does not speak English? When we met I spoke French on an intermediate level, apparently Chance EDP transcends languages, space and time.