While there are a great many things that I love about Paris (the gorgeous architecture, the beautiful museums, the incredible food, etc...), the Paris flea markets have got to be at the very top of my list.
I consider myself a fairly experienced flea market shopper. I mean, I've been to Brimfield, I can tell the difference between reproductions and authentic pieces, and I can even bargain like a pro (well, kinda of). Yet, despite all the hundreds of hours I've probably spent antiquing, nothing really prepares one for the Paris Flea Markets. Each time I go, I am just completely blown away. Just the sheer size of the markets is awe-inspiring. They go on and on and on...the further "in" you go, the better they seem to get.
But it's really "the stuff" that makes them so incredible.
There are just so many things...and so many things that you would never find here in the States - at least not on a typical trip to the local antique center.
I could continue to blather on about all I saw, but it is probably best to just show you...
After an intense morning of shopping, we needed a break and the girls were hungry, so we stopped for lunch at a really cute cafe. And aside from the fact that the waitress totally lied to us and told us we could only order full meals for all four of us (while the French couple at the next table sat down and just ordered coffee!), the burgers were still pretty delish!
I'll be back tomorrow with photos from our afternoon shopping and some helpful tips...
XOXO
Jessica
This looks so amazing. I'm going in December 2012. I may have to try this out.
Posted by: Spiral Style | May 02, 2012 at 08:28 PM
Oh my. This looks wonderful and terrifying at the same time! I am such a sucker for flea markets. How did you not buy everything in sight?
Posted by: Abby | May 03, 2012 at 01:21 AM
Amazing!!! Lucky you...
Posted by: Beata | May 03, 2012 at 11:25 AM
I was in Paris last October 2011 and only got to be at the flea market for a few hours. Had fun, just not enough time to look at everthing... It was pretty amazing...
Posted by: Kathy | May 03, 2012 at 02:31 PM
I can't wait to go I think we are going in Sept. I wonder how much it is to ship a container back or how much a container holds. There must have different sizes. I see mirrors and signs and chairs that I like! Thanks so much for showing the photos. What did you buy?
Posted by: Marie Arden Pink Living | May 03, 2012 at 04:50 PM
I followed a bunny trail from Flickr to your blog. Thank you SO much for these pics. I'm literally going to Paris next month and I am so giddy about the possibilities for antique shopping!
Posted by: Angie | May 03, 2012 at 10:26 PM
I am just loving all of this Paris info! We are going this summer and I'm gathering all the knowledge I can!
Posted by: jen@thecottagenest | May 06, 2012 at 07:04 AM