Paris Eau de Toilette by Yves Saint Laurent is an opulent floral fragrance that combines romantic rose with powdery violet, golden mimosa, fresh hyacinth, geranium, orange blossom, hawthorn, bergamot, iris, jasmine, lily, lily of the valley, ylang-ylang, heliotrope, musk, sandalwood, amber, cedarwood, and oakmoss.
Released in 1983, Paris was created as Yves Saint Laurent’s tribute to the city he loved. The fragrance presents Parisian femininity through an abundant bouquet of roses, violets, spring flowers, soft powder, woods, and musk.
The Eau de Toilette opens with an expressive mixture of rose, violet, mimosa, hyacinth, and green floral notes. As it develops, iris, jasmine, lily, ylang-ylang, and lily of the valley make the bouquet fuller and more dimensional. Sandalwood, musk, amber, cedarwood, heliotrope, and oakmoss then create a warm, powdery, softly woody dry down.
Paris is especially appealing to women who enjoy classic floral perfumes with noticeable rose and violet. It works beautifully for weddings, garden parties, brunch, spring outings, elegant lunches, romantic dates, professional occasions, and signature-fragrance wear.
What Does Paris by Yves Saint Laurent Smell Like?
Paris smells rosy, floral, powdery, violet-rich, green, softly sweet, woody, romantic, and feminine.
The fragrance opens with rose, mimosa, hyacinth, geranium, green notes, orange blossom, bergamot, hawthorn, nasturtium, cassia, and violet.
Rose is the fragrance’s defining note.
The rose accord smells full, romantic, velvety, and distinctly floral. It is not a dark jammy rose, a sugary rose candy, or a heavy Middle Eastern rose-and-oud composition. Instead, it suggests a large bouquet of freshly cut pink roses surrounded by other spring flowers.
Violet adds a soft powdery character with delicate sweetness. It gives Paris its recognizable cosmetic elegance and creates a smooth contrast with the fresher green notes.
Mimosa contributes a warm yellow-floral quality that can feel powdery, honeyed, softly almond-like, and slightly pollen-like. It helps make the opening richer and more expansive.
Hyacinth adds green watery freshness with a distinctive spring-floral aroma. It gives the bouquet greater realism by suggesting stems, leaves, and cool garden air.
Geranium reinforces the rosy character while adding aromatic greenery and a subtle mint-like sharpness.
Orange blossom introduces a lighter white-floral brightness with gentle citrus and nectar-like nuances.
Bergamot provides a restrained citrus lift. It helps brighten the opening but does not turn Paris into a citrus-focused fragrance.
Hawthorn contributes a softly powdery, almond-like floral effect, while nasturtium and cassia add additional green, spicy, and floral complexity.
As Paris develops, iris, jasmine, lily, lily of the valley, violet leaf, orris, rose, and ylang-ylang become increasingly noticeable.
Iris and orris create elegant powderiness. They may suggest face powder, violet petals, soft suede, or vintage cosmetics.
Jasmine adds floral richness and sensuality without overtaking the rose.
Lily contributes a clean white-floral quality, while lily of the valley adds green freshness and a delicate bell-shaped floral effect.
Ylang-ylang introduces creamy warmth and a lightly exotic floral sweetness.
The dry down combines sandalwood, musk, amber, cedarwood, heliotrope, and oakmoss.
Sandalwood provides smooth creamy woods. Musk gives the fragrance a soft skin-like finish, while amber adds gentle warmth.
Cedarwood supplies dry structure, and oakmoss introduces green earthiness with a classical perfume character.
Heliotrope reinforces the powdery effect with floral, almond-like, and vanilla-like nuances.
Overall, Paris smells like an abundant bouquet of pink roses, violets, mimosa, hyacinth, iris, jasmine, lily, and spring greenery resting over powdery heliotrope, musk, sandalwood, amber, cedarwood, and oakmoss.
What Are the Notes in Paris by Yves Saint Laurent?
Paris by Yves Saint Laurent was released in 1983.
Top Notes:
Rose, Mimosa, Hyacinth, Geranium, Green Notes, Orange Blossom, Bergamot, Hawthorn, Nasturtium, Cassia, Violet
Heart Notes:
Violet, Iris, Jasmine, Lily, Lily of the Valley, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Violet Leaf, Orris
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Musk, Amber, Cedarwood, Heliotrope, Oakmoss
Rose, violet, mimosa, and hyacinth establish the fragrance’s floral identity immediately.
Green notes, geranium, bergamot, orange blossom, and hawthorn add brightness, texture, and freshness.
Iris, jasmine, lily, lily of the valley, ylang-ylang, and orris make the floral heart fuller and more powdery.
Sandalwood, musk, amber, cedarwood, heliotrope, and oakmoss create the smooth, warm, and classically structured dry down.
Published note pyramids vary slightly in how they organize the flowers, but the central identity remains consistent: rose, violet, mimosa, spring flowers, powdery iris, musk, sandalwood, amber, cedarwood, and moss.
Is Paris for Men, Women, or Unisex?
Paris is officially marketed as a fragrance for women.
Its rose, violet, mimosa, iris, jasmine, lily, ylang-ylang, powdery character, and romantic presentation create a traditionally feminine floral profile.
However, fragrance does not have strict gender rules. Paris may also appeal to anyone who enjoys:
- Rose
- Violet
- Mimosa
- Powdery florals
- Green flowers
- Iris
- Oakmoss
- Sandalwood
- Classic perfumery
- Vintage-style floral compositions
It is not prominently fruity, gourmand, aquatic, vanilla-heavy, or woody in a traditionally masculine way. Its personality is centered on an expressive floral bouquet and a powdery musky base.
How Long Does Paris Eau de Toilette Last?
Paris Eau de Toilette typically lasts approximately five to eight hours on most wearers.
Rose, violet, mimosa, hyacinth, and green notes are strongest during the opening.
Iris, jasmine, lily, lily of the valley, and ylang-ylang remain noticeable through the heart.
Musk, sandalwood, amber, cedarwood, heliotrope, and oakmoss create the softer dry down.
Some wearers may continue to detect rose, violet, musk, sandalwood, and powdery notes on clothing beyond eight hours.
Performance can vary according to:
- Skin chemistry
- Number of sprays
- Temperature and humidity
- Skin moisture
- Application location
- Whether the fragrance is sprayed on clothing
- The production period of the bottle
- Reformulation differences
- Storage history
- Individual sensitivity to floral and musky notes
Applying Paris to moisturized skin and adding one light spray to clothing may help extend its performance.
Vintage bottles may smell richer, deeper, or more mossy than newer formulations. An older bottle’s performance will depend heavily on how it was stored.
How Strong Is the Projection?
Paris Eau de Toilette has moderate to moderately strong projection during its opening.
Rose, violet, mimosa, hyacinth, iris, and lily create a noticeable floral scent bubble during approximately the first two hours.
The fragrance gradually becomes softer and more intimate as musk, sandalwood, heliotrope, amber, cedarwood, and oakmoss settle closer to the skin.
Although it is an Eau de Toilette, its large floral bouquet can feel expressive, particularly to people who are sensitive to rose, violet, or powdery notes.
A moderate application is recommended for offices, restaurants, airplanes, medical settings, and small indoor spaces.
What Fragrance Family Is Paris?
Paris belongs primarily to the floral fragrance family.
It is also commonly described as a floral woody fragrance because its large bouquet rests over sandalwood, cedarwood, musk, amber, and oakmoss.
Its primary scent qualities include:
- Rose
- Floral
- Violet
- Powdery
- Green
- Woody
- Fresh floral
- Musky
- Softly sweet
- Romantic
- Feminine
- Classic
Rose and violet form its central identity. Mimosa, hyacinth, iris, jasmine, lily, ylang-ylang, and lily of the valley expand the bouquet. Musk, sandalwood, amber, cedarwood, heliotrope, and oakmoss give the fragrance structure and warmth.
What Seasons Is Paris Best For?
Paris is best suited for:
Spring: Excellent
Fall: Excellent
Summer: Very good with moderate application
Winter: Very good for daytime and indoor occasions
Spring is the fragrance’s most natural season.
Rose, violet, mimosa, hyacinth, lily of the valley, iris, jasmine, and greenery feel especially appropriate when flowers are blooming and temperatures are mild.
Fall also works beautifully because sandalwood, amber, cedarwood, heliotrope, musk, and oakmoss give the fragrance enough warmth and texture for cooler weather.
Paris can be worn during summer, especially for weddings, garden parties, brunches, and air-conditioned settings. A lighter application is recommended during extreme heat because rose, mimosa, violet, and powdery notes may become more intense.
During winter, Paris works well for daytime events, elegant lunches, religious celebrations, professional occasions, and indoor gatherings. Women who prefer dense vanilla, amber, spice, tobacco, or caramel perfumes may want something warmer for very cold evenings.
Is Paris Better for Daytime or Nighttime?
Paris is most naturally suited for daytime and early evening wear.
Its rose, violet, mimosa, green flowers, and graceful powderiness work especially well for:
- Brunch
- Weddings
- Garden parties
- Professional lunches
- Shopping
- Spring outings
- Religious ceremonies
- Afternoon tea
- Museum visits
- Daytime dates
- Elegant social occasions
- Family celebrations
It can also transition into:
- Romantic dinners
- Theater outings
- Early evening weddings
- Formal receptions
- Anniversary celebrations
- Classical concerts
- Sophisticated evening events
For nightlife or occasions that call for strong sweetness, dark amber, vanilla, leather, or heavy projection, some women may prefer a more modern evening fragrance.
What Occasions Should Paris Be Worn For?
Paris works especially well for:
- Weddings
- Bridal showers
- Engagement parties
- Garden parties
- Brunch
- Afternoon tea
- Elegant lunches
- Professional events
- Religious ceremonies
- Theater outings
- Museum visits
- Romantic dates
- Anniversary celebrations
- Spring gatherings
- Formal daytime occasions
- Signature-fragrance wear
- Gift giving for classic-perfume lovers
Its romantic floral character is especially effective when the wearer wants to smell graceful, feminine, polished, and timeless.
What Age Range Is Paris Best Suited For?
Paris is especially well suited for women approximately 30 and older, although fragrance has no true age restriction.
Younger women who enjoy rose, violet, powdery florals, vintage fashion, and traditional perfumery may find it distinctive and elegant.
Women in their thirties, forties, fifties, and beyond may especially appreciate its full floral bouquet, mossy structure, sandalwood, iris, and nostalgic Parisian identity.
It feels mature and sophisticated rather than youthful or playful.
Someone accustomed primarily to sweet berry fragrances, caramel gourmands, perfume mists, or minimalist clean musks may initially find Paris more floral and classically structured than expected.
Is Paris Office Appropriate?
Yes. Paris can be office appropriate when applied moderately.
Its rose, violet, mimosa, iris, lily, and sandalwood create a polished and professional impression. However, its floral bouquet can become noticeable in enclosed spaces.
For office wear, use approximately two to four sprays:
- One spray on the chest
- One spray on the back of the neck
- One spray on one side of the neck
- One optional light spray on clothing
Use fewer sprays in:
- Medical environments
- Airplanes
- Small meeting rooms
- Shared offices
- Fragrance-sensitive workplaces
- Close customer interactions
Paris works particularly well in executive environments, professional lunches, client meetings, cultural institutions, formal workplaces, and cooler office settings.
Is Paris Good for Dates?
Yes. Paris is a beautiful fragrance for romantic dates and elegant occasions.
Rose creates an unmistakably romantic first impression.
Violet, mimosa, and iris add powdery softness, while jasmine, lily, and ylang-ylang provide floral depth.
Musk and sandalwood create an intimate dry down, while amber, cedarwood, heliotrope, and oakmoss give the fragrance warmth and structure.
Paris works especially well for:
- Lunch dates
- Garden dates
- Dinner dates
- Theater dates
- Anniversary celebrations
- Wedding dates
- Museum visits
- Classical concerts
- Spring evenings
- Elegant restaurants
Paris creates an impression that feels:
- Romantic
- Feminine
- Graceful
- Sophisticated
- Timeless
- Powdery
- Polished
- Memorable
Three to five sprays are generally sufficient for a date.
Is Paris a Safe Blind Buy?
Paris is a moderate-risk blind buy because its rose, violet, powdery character, and classical style may be polarizing.
It may be a good blind buy if you enjoy:
- Rose
- Violet
- Mimosa
- Hyacinth
- Iris
- Jasmine
- Lily
- Lily of the valley
- Ylang-ylang
- Powdery florals
- Sandalwood
- Oakmoss
- Classic fragrances
- Vintage-inspired perfumes
It may be less suitable as a blind buy if you dislike:
- Strong rose
- Violet
- Powdery notes
- Mimosa
- Traditional floral bouquets
- Oakmoss
- Vintage perfume styles
- Fragrances with minimal fruit
- Florals that remain prominent throughout wear
Someone expecting a sweet vanilla fragrance, fruity body spray, aquatic perfume, or modern gourmand may find Paris considerably more floral, powdery, and traditional than expected.
What Fragrances Smell Similar to Paris?
No perfume smells exactly like Paris, but these three fragrances from the South Beach Perfumes catalog share aspects of its rose, flowers, green notes, powderiness, woods, musk, or timeless feminine character.
Beautiful by Estée Lauder
Beautiful shares Paris’s romantic floral abundance, rose, lily, jasmine, tuberose, warm woods, and elegant feminine personality.
Beautiful combines rose, mandarin orange, lily, tuberose, marigold, orange flower, lily of the valley, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, vetiver, and amber.
Both fragrances feel floral, romantic, polished, feminine, and particularly appropriate for weddings and elegant occasions.
Beautiful is warmer, creamier, more white-floral, and more strongly defined by tuberose, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, and amber.
Paris is rosier, more violet-rich, greener, and more powdery because of mimosa, hyacinth, iris, heliotrope, and oakmoss.
Choose Beautiful for a warm wedding bouquet with white flowers. Choose Paris for rose, violet, mimosa, powder, and classic Parisian elegance.
Pleasures by Estée Lauder
Pleasures shares Paris’s violet, peony-like rosiness, lily, lily of the valley, jasmine, rose, green notes, sandalwood, musk, and patchouli-related depth.
Pleasures is fresher, airier, greener, and more transparent. It presents flowers as dewy and rain-kissed rather than powdery and opulent.
Paris is richer, rosier, more powdery, more structured, and more classically perfumed.
Choose Pleasures for a fresh spring garden and easy office wear. Choose Paris for a fuller rose-and-violet bouquet with greater vintage elegance.
Oscar by Oscar de la Renta
Oscar shares Paris’s abundant floral bouquet, rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, tuberose, iris-like powderiness, sandalwood, amber, patchouli, and musk.
Oscar is warmer, spicier, denser, and more oriental in character. Its gardenia, cloves, coriander, myrrh, opoponax, amber, and woods create a richer evening profile.
Paris is fresher, rosier, greener, more violet-centered, and more naturally suited to spring daytime wear.
Choose Oscar for opulent flowers, spice, amber, and formal evening warmth. Choose Paris for rose, violet, mimosa, and romantic daytime elegance.
What Is the Difference Between Paris Eau de Toilette and Other Paris Fragrances?
The Paris collection has included several concentrations, flankers, and limited interpretations. They are not all identical formulas offered only at different strengths.
Paris Eau de Toilette
The Eau de Toilette features:
- Rose
- Violet
- Mimosa
- Hyacinth
- Geranium
- Green Notes
- Orange Blossom
- Iris
- Jasmine
- Lily
- Lily of the Valley
- Ylang-Ylang
- Sandalwood
- Musk
- Amber
- Cedarwood
- Heliotrope
- Oakmoss
It is floral, rosy, powdery, green, and softly woody.
Paris Eau de Parfum
Paris Eau de Parfum is generally richer, denser, warmer, and more concentrated than the Eau de Toilette.
It maintains the central rose, violet, mimosa, iris, jasmine, woods, and musk identity but often feels deeper and more persistent.
The Eau de Toilette is typically brighter, airier, greener, and easier to wear during spring and daytime occasions.
The Eau de Parfum is better suited to cooler weather, evenings, and wearers who want a fuller rose-and-violet experience.
Paris Parfum
Paris Parfum is the richest and most concentrated interpretation.
It emphasizes the floral heart and warm base with greater density, depth, and lasting power.
The Parfum may feel smoother and less sparkling than the Eau de Toilette.
Paris Fleur de Parfum
Paris Fleur de Parfum is a more intense floral interpretation associated with rose, violet, mimosa, iris, woods, amber, and powdery warmth.
It should not automatically be assumed to smell identical to either the standard Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum.
Paris Premieres Roses
Paris Premieres Roses is a lighter, fresher, and more youthful interpretation centered on newly opened roses, violet, spring flowers, and soft woods.
It generally feels greener, airier, and less powdery than the original Paris.
Parisienne
Parisienne is a separate Yves Saint Laurent fragrance and should not be confused with Paris.
Parisienne features berries, rose, violet, peony, patchouli, sandalwood, musk, and vinyl-like modern nuances.
It is fruitier, younger, and more contemporary than Paris.
Mon Paris
Mon Paris is also a separate fragrance.
It combines strawberry, raspberry, pear, white flowers, patchouli, vanilla, musk, and ambroxan.
Mon Paris is sweeter, fruitier, darker, and more modern.
Paris is more floral, powdery, rose-centered, and classically structured.
Different Bottle Sizes
Different sizes of Paris Eau de Toilette contain the same fragrance concentration.
The South Beach Perfumes listing is for the 1 oz spray.
A larger bottle contains more fragrance but is not stronger.
Learn more about fragrance concentrations.
Is Paris by Yves Saint Laurent Discontinued?
Paris appears to be discontinued or in limited distribution in the United States.
The fragrance is not prominently featured in YSL Beauty’s current U.S. fragrance assortment, and many longtime wearers report increasing difficulty finding newly produced bottles.
However, authentic Paris Eau de Toilette remains commercially available through selected fragrance retailers and remaining inventory.
The most accurate conclusion is:
- Current U.S. distribution appears limited
- It may be discontinued in certain markets
- Authentic inventory remains in circulation
- Availability varies by size and concentration
- Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, Parfum, and flankers may have different availability
- Older and newer packaging may coexist
- A retailer having stock does not necessarily mean broad production continues
- An unavailable size does not prove every Paris product has disappeared globally
Women who consider Paris their signature fragrance may want to secure an authentic bottle while their preferred concentration and size remain available.
When Was Paris Released?
Paris by Yves Saint Laurent was released in 1983.
The fragrance was created as Yves Saint Laurent’s tribute to Paris, the city that represented fashion, romance, art, beauty, and personal inspiration throughout his career.
The fragrance was launched on December 4, 1983.
Its concept centers on the rose as a symbol of romantic Parisian femininity.
The composition also reflects the abundant floral style of the early 1980s, when perfumes often used large bouquets, expressive projection, powdery textures, woods, mosses, and musks.
The rounded pink bottle, black detailing, and romantic presentation reinforce the fragrance’s connection to:
- Paris
- Couture
- Roses
- Femininity
- Romance
- Elegance
- Artistic expression
- Timeless style
Who Created Paris?
Paris was created by master perfumer Sophia Grojsman.
Grojsman developed an expressive floral composition built around a large rose accord surrounded by violet, mimosa, hyacinth, iris, jasmine, lily, sandalwood, musk, amber, cedarwood, heliotrope, and oakmoss.
The fragrance moves through three recognizable stages:
- Rose, violet, mimosa, hyacinth, and green flowers
- Iris, jasmine, lily, lily of the valley, and ylang-ylang
- Sandalwood, musk, amber, cedarwood, heliotrope, and oakmoss
Its defining strength comes from the scale and richness of its rose-and-violet bouquet.
How Many Sprays of Paris Should Be Used?
For most situations, use approximately three to six sprays.
Office or close indoor setting: Two to four sprays
Everyday daytime wear: Three to five sprays
Wedding or garden party: Four to six sprays
Romantic date: Three to five sprays
Formal daytime event: Three to five sprays
Very hot weather: Two to three sprays
A balanced application may include:
- One spray on each side of the neck
- One spray on the chest
- One spray on the back of the neck
- One optional light spray on clothing
Begin moderately because rose, violet, mimosa, iris, lily, and powdery notes can become stronger as the fragrance warms on the skin.
Avoid excessive application in airplanes, medical environments, small offices, restaurants, or fragrance-sensitive spaces.
Is Paris Authentic?
Yes. The Paris Eau de Toilette offered by South Beach Perfumes is an authentic Yves Saint Laurent fragrance.
South Beach Perfumes sells authentic, original brand-name perfumes and colognes sourced through established fragrance distribution channels.
Authentic Paris bottles may display differences based on:
- Production year
- Concentration
- Bottle size
- Packaging redesigns
- Regional distribution
- Batch-code placement
- Label formatting
- Country-specific packaging
- Retail, tester, or unboxed format
- Licensing and manufacturing changes
- Reformulation
- Older or newer inventory
These normal production and packaging variations do not automatically indicate that a fragrance is counterfeit.
Because Paris has been sold for several decades and now has limited distribution, authentic bottles from different periods may vary more noticeably than bottles of a recently launched fragrance.
Learn more about our product guarantee policy.
Who Should Buy Paris?
Paris is an excellent choice for someone who:
- Loves rose perfumes
- Enjoys violet
- Appreciates mimosa
- Likes hyacinth
- Enjoys iris and orris
- Loves jasmine and lily
- Prefers powdery floral fragrances
- Likes sandalwood and musk
- Appreciates oakmoss
- Wants a wedding perfume
- Enjoys elegant daytime fragrances
- Likes classic designer perfumes
- Wants a romantic signature fragrance
- Appreciates vintage fragrance styles
- Enjoys full floral bouquets
It is especially suitable for someone seeking a romantic rose-and-violet perfume with powdery flowers, soft woods, musk, amber, and timeless elegance.
Who May Not Like Paris?
Paris may not be the best choice for someone who:
- Dislikes rose
- Avoids violet
- Does not enjoy powdery fragrances
- Dislikes mimosa
- Prefers fruity perfumes
- Wants a vanilla gourmand
- Loves caramel or candy-like sweetness
- Wants an aquatic fragrance
- Prefers minimalist skin scents
- Dislikes traditional floral bouquets
- Avoids oakmoss
- Wants a strongly modern fragrance
- Prefers dark leather or tobacco
- Dislikes fragrances associated with vintage styles
- Wants prominent citrus or tropical fruit
Its rose, violet, mimosa, iris, and powdery structure may feel too traditional or floral for someone who primarily enjoys sweet, fruity, aquatic, gourmand, or highly contemporary perfumes.
Final South Beach Perfumes Expert Review
Paris Eau de Toilette by Yves Saint Laurent is an iconic floral fragrance that captures a romantic and highly stylized vision of Paris through rose, violet, mimosa, spring flowers, powder, woods, and musk.
The opening is abundant and immediately recognizable. Rose creates a full romantic bouquet, violet adds powdery sweetness, mimosa provides golden floral warmth, and hyacinth contributes cool green freshness.
Geranium, orange blossom, bergamot, hawthorn, and additional green floral notes give the opening greater dimension and prevent it from becoming a simple rose perfume.
The heart continues the floral theme through iris, jasmine, lily, lily of the valley, ylang-ylang, violet leaf, and orris.
Iris and orris deepen the powdery texture, jasmine provides sensuality, and lily of the valley adds a fresher green contrast.
The dry down creates softness and structure. Sandalwood supplies creamy woods, musk adds intimate warmth, amber provides gentle sweetness, cedarwood adds dryness, heliotrope reinforces the powdery character, and oakmoss gives the fragrance classical depth.
Its greatest strength is identity. Paris does not smell like a generic floral fragrance. Its combination of rose, violet, mimosa, hyacinth, iris, powder, sandalwood, and moss creates an unmistakable personality.
It works beautifully for weddings, brunch, garden parties, romantic dates, elegant lunches, professional occasions, spring events, cultural outings, and signature-fragrance wear.
Its primary limitation is style. Women who prefer modern vanilla gourmands, fruity musks, aquatic florals, or minimalist fragrances may find Paris too powdery, floral, or traditional.
Reformulation and availability are additional considerations. Bottles from different periods may vary, and the fragrance has become more difficult to find through mainstream YSL distribution.
For women who enjoy rose, violet, mimosa, hyacinth, iris, jasmine, lily, sandalwood, musk, amber, heliotrope, cedarwood, and oakmoss, Paris remains one of Yves Saint Laurent’s most important and romantic fragrance creations.
South Beach Perfumes Expert Rating: 9.4 out of 10
Explore our Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Signature Scent to discover the fragrance families, notes, seasons, occasions, and scent personalities that best match your individual style.
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