No. 56

Scent Breakdown

No. 56 by Louche is clearly trying to be Bal d'Afrique. It gets pretty darn close, maybe 80-91%. The bright citrus and that distinctive African marigold opening are there, though the lemon feels a bit sharper and more synthetic compared to the smoother bergamot in Bal d'Afrique. The heart is a floral blend, again echoing the original, but the violet is more prominent here. Where it really differs is the drydown. The vetiver is present, but the musky amber base feels a little thinner, lacking the richness and depth that Byredo achieves. Overall, a recognizable interpretation.

Bottom Line

No. 56 is a great way to experience the Bal d'Afrique vibe. If you're obsessed with the original and need that extra layer of complexity, stick with Byredo. However, if you're on a budget, or just want something easy to wear without worrying about depleting your expensive bottle, Louche's offering is a solid choice. Office-friendly and inoffensive. A great daily driver that won't break the bank.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is decent . I get about 5-6 hours on my skin, with moderate projection for the first hour or two. It sits closer to the skin after that, creating a nice, subtle scent bubble. Nothing beastly, but enough to last through a workday. It's definitely a skin scent in the dry down.