Fragonard is a historic French perfumery founded in Grasse in 1926, renowned for its artisanal fragrances, vibrant packaging, and deep ties to the traditions of Provence. Today you can find perfumes, beauty products, home decoration, accessories and fashion collections (for men and women) in its stores… and always with “Provence (as) an eternal source of inspiration for our creations”.
The shop in Rue d’Antibes is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Cannes. It’s spacious (350m2) and spills over into more than one room with a wide selection of products beautifully displayed, from candles to perfumes, clothes, soaps and umbrellas.
If you find you’re usually sensitive to perfumes, or have allergies, Fragonard is worth trying. Their high-quality perfume is kind on the skin; and most of their products make fabulous gifts. (If you can’t choose, there are gift cards; and if you’re on holiday and forget to visit Fragonard, there are now two boutiques open in the departures lounge at Nice Airport, at both Terminal 1 and 2.)
Fragonard Tours
If you have time, a visit to Fragnard’s factories in Grasse or Eze are worthwhile. The tours are free and you can request a guided tour in French, English, German, Spanish or Italian. You can also attend a workshop to create your own perfume (although this is not free).
Fragonard shops in Cannes
Apart from the larger store in Rue d’Antibes, Fragonard also has an outlet in Marché Forville in Cannes at 11 Rue du Dr Pierre Gazagnaire (+33 4 93 99 73 31).
The History and Culture of Fragonard
Fragonard was founded as small artisanal perfumery in Grasse in 1926. The flowers and plants from the region were used to distill and prepare perfume concentrates. Fragonard has remained in the family for four generations! Today it is run by Jean-Francois Costa’s three daughters – Agnès, Françoise and Anne. They have three factories on the French Riviera, six museums and 24 shops, according to their website.
The sisters say that despite their company growing, they have always done so at their own pace, preserving the values their father passed on to them: “quality work, respect for our employees, and a love of sharing.”
The name Fragonard is a tribute to one of Grasse’s most famous citizens, a painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806).
The company motto is: “Open to the world, creative and demanding.” In 2015, the first Fragonard outside of France was opened in Milan, Italy.
