04.08.09
Antique Lovers
For years, one of my most anticipated events of a Paris visit was the opportunity for antique shopping. Is there a better way to remember a fabulous trip than with a little memento? A French antique, big or small, makes a wonderful souvenir that can be enjoyed for years.
Economy is often a factor, but opportunities are available at every price point. My findings have ranged from a beautiful old chest, for which I emptied my savings, to antique leather bound copies of Blaise Pascal’s Pensées for $20.00. Every corner of Paris seems to offer sources for these finds.
One of the best and largest are the markets at Saint-Ouen, a must for real antiques lovers, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. My first few visits were in a private car, which was very nice since it is outside of central Paris and definitely not the best area to go alone. Back in the days of a stronger dollar, I saw more ladies from Dallas at the dealers’ market than any other represented people group. It seemed every item I would pick up after 10:00am was already sold and tagged for a Texan! Visit the website for more on each market: http://www.parispuces.com/en/Default.asp I especially enjoy Marche Paul Bert.
For those who would rather just make a quick stop after an early morning croissant or on the way to dinner, markets can be found in many arrondissements. On my last visit during the month of June, I enjoyed the market at Saint-Sulpice in the 6th arrondissement. I was pleased to see that both Saint-Ouen (“Clignancourt Flea Market”) and the Saint Sulpice market were both mentioned in Travel and Leisure’s short list of European markets: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/lords-of-the-fleas/sidebar/1