Calvet came from a long established family in Avignon and was educated at the Jesuit college in the town.

He studied medicine at the university in Avignon, in Montpellier and then in Paris.

[1] In his last will, dated 10 January 1810, Calvet donated his cabinet of curiosities, his library and a few pictures to the town of Avignon.

[2] The donation was accepted by Napoleon I in a decree dated 9 April 1811.

[3][4] The collection is housed in the Musee Calvert on rue Joseph Vernet in Avignon.