Fragonard & the Flea

After a bit of relaxing here in Cannes, the first trip out of town was just a few kilometers inland to the town of Grasse. While eventually I will share some photos of the beautiful scenery, what seems to have most caught my attention and the eye of my camera thus far are just the pretty little things. Grasse is famous for Fragonard in both its forms, Fragonard the famous french painter and Fragonard the perfume company named for its admiration of the renowned artist. There you will find the museum of perfume and all the pretty little things on display inside.

These regal little perfume bottles crafted into crowns where made for Prince Matchabelli, a line of perfume started by the Georgian prince and amateur chemist George Matchabelli. To the right is a beautiful little perfume bottle in the shape of a birthday candle.

This little doggy pulling a golden chariot of perfume was just too cute not to photograph.

There was no date with this vintage Belle de Nuit on display but I would guess it’s from the 1920’s or 1930’s.

These handsome little bottles came with beautiful silk boxes to match.

I couldn’t leave without a souvenir so I purchased these two these petit pots of parfum balm. Adorably purse perfect for a girl on the run like me.

This morning was spent browsing Cannes’ Marché Forville. Normally filled with a large food market Tuesday through Saturday, on Mondays the venue becomes a brocante.

Only a french dollhouse would be equipped with such a beautiful little canopy and murals.

I found a wonderful book on one of my favorite artists Raoul Dufy. Inspired by the scenes of the French Riviera, Dufy is known for the brilliant colors he used in his paintings. It was interesting to find some early sketches in black and white.

I would have loved to take that green glass vase with me, but I was afraid it would be a bit of trouble bringing back to Paris. The little birdie in the cage was also quite pretty although a bit dark in this picture.

We met the most amazing sunglasses vendor. Her lunettes were in perfect condition from every era of the last century. Better yet, while these glasses run up to 100 euros at the Paris flea markets, many of hers were priced as low as 25 euros.

These were two of my favorites. The bottom pair were vintage Lancel from the 1980’s sparkling with rhinestones. For those of you who aren’t up on the trend, 1980’s inspired shades are a hot item for spring and summer fashion this year.

French-Kissed took home this beautiful pair of muted pink enamel glasses from the 1950’s. She will now be seeing la vie en rose.

I bought this tortoise shell rhinestoned pair for spring and summer to make sure I’ll be up on the trend.

Lastly I bought this adorable little pink shaded lamp. It doesn’t work but I was willing to pay five euros for the pink lamp shade alone., even if it is a little dirty it only brings it charm.

 Tomorrow…I’m off to visit Monaco!