on the eastern front...

Musee des Arts Asiatiques. Toulon

Mr Fauvenge de French.  I have last-name envy. Most of the 400+ pieces shown here where donated by Mr de French himself, a journalist who traveled across Asia in the first half of the 20^th century. This, and the fact that the museum is set in a house that belonged to Jules Verne, and you are immediately transported.  The art work is mesmerizing, the peace and quiet of the museum are luxurious, and the bored staff welcomes you like a distant cousin who is coming home from Tonkin.
Bonus: The museum is free every day. The house overlooks the Mediterranean. And I want to steal the fountain on the garden wall (below).

http://www.toulon.com/musee/arts/asiatiques/toulon/tabid/416/Default.aspx