Originally from Lyon, Charles Malfroy set up his painting studio in Martigues called the "Venice Provençale". He exhibited at the Salon des Artistes français in 1891 and 1894. His submissions of Mediterranean landscapes in cheerful tones to regional exhibitions were awarded prizes by the jury and highly appreciated by collectors. The artist produced views of small Mediterranean ports: Martigues, Cassis, Les Lecques, Bandol, etc. His son Henry Malfroy, also a painter, took over his studio in Martigues.