Fragonard Parfumeur, 100 years of history

It was shortly before the First World War that Eugène Fuchs, a born entrepreneur and already captivated by the magic of perfume, decided to create his own business based on a completely new concept: the direct sale of perfume products to tourists who were beginning to discover the charms of the Riviera. Thus, in 1926, Parfumerie Fragonard was born. The choice of the name of the famous painter of Grasse origin, Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806), was a tribute Eugène Fuchs wished to pay to the town of Grasse, which had welcomed him and his family, as well as to the refinement of 18th-century arts. This choice also signalled his desire to align his business with tradition.

Hélène and Jean-François COSTA

The spirit of the House is faithfully carried on by the next three generations who take the reins of the company. At their instigation, new production and sales units are established in Grasse and Eze, as well as in Paris. It is Jean-François Costa who initiates the modernisation of the company. A great art lover, he brought together his collections of perfume objects in the 1970s, leading to the creation of several museums in Grasse and Paris. This initiative contributes to Fragonard's already flourishing prosperity while also giving it a cultural dimension.

Today, it is her daughters, Anne, Agnès, and Françoise, who manage the destiny of the House. Conscious, like previous generations, of contributing to the company's growth and adapting to new lifestyles, they develop a refined universe around the House's perfumed products, inspired by Provence or tinged with exoticism.

Anne, Agnès and Françoise COSTA

1926 Creation of the Fragonard Perfumery in Grasse Located since 1926 in this magnificent factory, a tannery in the 18th century that became a perfumery at the very beginning of the following century, it offers an original journey to discover the mysteries of traditional perfumery, from the processing of raw materials to the packaging of finished products. 1968 Opening of the Perfume Factory in Eze Village Between Nice and Monaco, this factory benefits from a prime location at the foot of the rock, overlooking the sea. It is an immense perfume factory whose modernity is particularly highlighted within the charming medieval village of Eze. The visit to the perfumery is complemented by a visit to the cosmetics laboratory where the brand's creams and other body care products are developed. 1978 Opening of the Perfume Museum in Grasse One of the finest private collections of perfume-related artefacts, tracing 3,000 years of the history of perfume. Precious perfume-related objects (Egyptian cosmetic spoons, medieval pomanders, etc.) sit alongside paintings of women at their dressing tables and Provençal furniture. 1982 Opening of the Scribe Perfume Museum in Paris Located opposite the Opéra Garnier, on Rue Scribe, in a beautiful private mansion built in 1860 where Maria Callas lived, it houses part of the collection of perfumery objects painstakingly assembled by Jean-François Costa over sixty years. The architectural and decorative elements: stucco, painted ceilings, chandeliers, etc., have been carefully restored to showcase this collection. 1986 Opening of La Fabrique des Fleurs in Grasse In order to allow more visitors to learn about the perfumery industry, the Fabrique des fleurs de Grasse has been added to the town centre. While the route it offers also invites visitors to discover the main stages of perfume production, this highly functional facility relies on the most modern production tools. 1993 Opening of the Capucines Perfume Museum in Paris The Théâtre-musée des Capucines, built in 1894 and fully renovated in 1993, offers an introductory journey into the world of perfume. Jean-François Costa has gathered beautiful collector's items from all eras in this intimate venue. It also has a large shop. 1996

 Opening of the first perfume shop in Grasse Located next to the Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewellery, it sells perfumes and cosmetics, as well as candles and home fragrances. 1997
 Opening of the Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewellery in Grasse One of the most beautiful private collections of Provençal clothing and jewellery from the 18th and 19th centuries, assembled with passion by Hélène Costa throughout her life and displayed in this residence on Rue Ossola, which was the former home of the Marquise de Cabris (Mirabeau's sister). 1998-2017
 21 new shops The Fragonard universe is expanding, with 7 new boutiques opening in Paris, 13 in the south (Grasse, Cannes, Eze, Saint-Paul de Vence, Nice, Marseille, Avignon, Saint-Tropez), and 1 in Milan, Italy. 2000
 Opening of the Museum Café in Grasse A stone's throw from the Historic Factory and opposite the Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewellery, the Café des Musées offers tasty dishes with Mediterranean flavours.

 2011 Opening of the Jean-Honoré Fragonard Museum Housed in the Hôtel de Villeneuve, the museum exhibits the paintings and drawings of Grasse’s most famous son, the painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732–1806), as well as works by two of his pupils, Marguerite Gérard (1761–1837) and Jean-Baptiste Mallet (1759–1835). 2015
 Opening of the Opéra Perfume Museum in Paris A stone's throw from the Opéra Garnier, the Haussmann Perfume Museum offers a unique museum concept that showcases the entire manufacturing process, from raw materials to finishing, as well as an exceptional collection of antique bottles that traces the history of perfume from ancient Egypt to the 20th century, through more than 250 objects.
 2019
 The metamorphosis of the Scribe perfume museum Following renovation and extension work, the Scribe Perfume Museum is reopening its doors, with its collection of perfume-related artefacts now enriched by a number of unusual, rare and precious new acquisitions. 2021

 Fragonard at La Samaritaine Closed in 2005, La Samaritaine reopens its doors in spring 2021 after significant restructuring work. Among the 600 luxury brands present, Fragonard offers its perfume and cosmetic collections in a dedicated space designed as an elegant and refined perfume counter. 2021

 The Fragonard House in Arles For the first time, Fragonard is opening a unique venue combining a boutique on the ground floor with guest accommodation on the upper floors. Welcoming visitors to the area, the six rooms reflect the southern charm so dear to Fragonard. 2023

 Opening of the Fragonard shop in Aix-en-Provence Located right in the heart of the city, on the corner of Rue des Marseillais and Place Richelme, this new 175m² store is Fragonard’s 24th boutique. 2025
 Nîmes, a new spot with an ancient Roman feel! Between Avignon and Marseille, this city, famous for its historical heritage and gentle way of life, is home to a new Fragonard address. Nicknamed the «French Rome,» Nîmes is inaugurating its very first Fragonard boutique on 1st July 2025. Located opposite the Maison Carrée and a stone's throw from the arena, this new establishment perfectly embodies the spirit of the city. 2025

 Opening of the Museum of Fashion and Costume in Arles It is within the Hôtel Bouchaud de Bussy that Maison Fragonard Parfumeur is opening its seventh museum. True to their passion for the heritage and history of Provence, Anne, Agnès and Françoise Costa, the fourth generation at the helm of the family business, decided in 2019 to preserve an invaluable part of Arles’ heritage: the fashion and costume collection of historians Odile and Magali Pascal.