Fragonard Parfumeur, 100 years of history

It was shortly before the First World War that Eugène Fuchs, an entrepreneur at heart and already captivated by the magic of perfume, decided to create his own business based on a completely new concept: the direct sale of perfumed 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 celebrated painter of Grasse origin, Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806), was a tribute that 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 marked a desire to anchor his business in respect for tradition.

Hélène and Jean-François COSTA

The spirit of the House is faithfully perpetuated by the next three generations who take the reins of the company. At their initiative, new production and sales units are created in Grasse and Eze, as well as in Paris. It was Jean-François Costa who initiated the modernisation of the company. A great art lover, he gathered his collections of perfumery objects during the seventies, giving rise to several museums in Grasse and Paris. This initiative contributed to Fragonard's already flourishing prosperity while also adding a cultural dimension to it.

Today, it is his daughters, Anne, Agnès, and Françoise, who manage the destiny of the House. Concerned, like previous generations, to contribute to the company's development and adapt to new lifestyles, they are developing a refined universe around the House's perfumed products, inspired by Provence or tinged with exoticism.

Anne, Agnès and Françoise COSTA

1926 The creation of the Fragonard Perfumery in Grasse Established in 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 of discovery into 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 enjoys a prime location at the foot of the rock, overlooking the sea. It is an immense perfumery whose modernism 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 richest private collections of perfumery objects, tracing 3,000 years of perfume history. Precious perfumery items (Egyptian kohl spoons, medieval pomanders, etc.) are displayed 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… have been carefully restored to showcase this collection. 1986 Opening of the Flower Factory in Grasse To allow a greater number of visitors to discover the perfume professions, the Grasse Flower Factory 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, for its part, 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 collection pieces from all eras in this intimate setting. He also has a large shop. 1996

 Opening of the first perfume shop in Grasse Next to the Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewellery, it offers perfumes and cosmetics, as well as candles and home diffusers. 1997
 Opening of the Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewellery in Grasse One of the most beautiful private collections of 18th and 19th-century Provençal clothing and jewellery, assembled with passion by Hélène Costa throughout her life and presented in this residence, 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 Parisian boutiques, 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 Café des Musées 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 accents.

 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 the works of 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 showcasing the entire manufacturing process, from raw materials to finishing, as well as an exceptional collection of antique perfume bottles that traces the history of perfume from ancient Egypt to the 20th century, with over 250 objects.
 2019
 The metamorphosis of the Scribe perfume museum Following renovation and expansion work, the Scribe Perfume Museum is reopening its doors and its collection of perfumery objects has been enriched with many unusual, rare and precious acquisitions. 2021

 Fragonard at La Samaritaine Closed in 2005, La Samaritaine is reopening its doors in spring 2021 after significant renovation work. Among the 600 luxury brands present, Fragonard is showcasing 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, the Fragonard perfumery is inaugurating a unique venue combining a ground-floor boutique with guest accommodation on the upper floors. Welcoming passing visitors, the six bedrooms reflect the southern identity dear to Fragonard. 2023

 Fragonard shop opens in Aix-en-Provence Located in the very heart of the city, at the corner of Rue des Marseillais and Place Richelme, this new 175m² establishment is the 24th boutique for Fragonard. 2025
 Nîmes, a new ancient Roman address! Between Avignon and Marseille, this city, renowned for its historical heritage and pleasant way of life, is welcoming 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 head 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.