Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Antiquing in Autumn....Les Puces

One of my fondest memories is my first visit to Les Puces..Paris Flea Market, in the early 1990s.. I remember being in awe viewing fabulous antiques & vignettes...that was the moment I knew I was a true Francophile. Around every corner, the inspiration was everywhere...18thc Flemish Tapestries...Art..Louis XV...Louis XVI...Chandeliers...Trumeaus...Architectural Elements...Religious Figures.. Altar Pricketts...Puttos...Sevres...Baccarat....French Silver...Fine gilt pieces...Country French furniture...and much, much more. Anything you had seen grace the pages of AD, Town & Country, Veranda, and at that time, Southern Accents were all here in person!  All those beautiful stands, some small & intimate, others large, set up as rooms...watched over by the ever stylish French merchant. I have visited Les Puces many times in the last twenty plus years, there have been changes, more touristy...a few different merchants, definitely not US dollar buying friendly :)...One thing that has stayed the same, the beautiful French treasures are still here, as is the lovely French merchants.  In the last few years I have seen more Swedish antiques, a larger selection of architectural & garden decorative objects, and country French utilitarian items, which are in keeping with the popular French farmhouse look, that seems to be  everywhere now. (love it)  I still never fail to find a special find at Les Puces...never fail to have a fabulous meal at one of the nearby cafés and never fail to have a chat with a charming French merchant, whom I have known for many years, who smiles fondly at my attempt to speak the French language like a Parisien....



 Through the years, fleaing in France...I have broaden my antique hunting...found many small street markets, brocantes in Paris and fabulous countryside fairs in all areas of this beautiful country. Always eagerly awaiting my next visit...My francophile heart still sings when I am fleaing in France..especially at Les Puces....Pour moi, la joie de la vie

Leaving Gard de Nord on our drive to Les Puces stopped for a delicious lunch....


Les Puces, located at Porte de Clingancourt is the largest antique market in the world, made up of several small markets, covering over ten acres, open each Saturday, Sunday & Monday, and attracting over 150,000 each weekend...




Many allees that sell a large variety of antique & vintage finds...



Our French finds, back at home in our dining room....

 

The french chairs, architectural figural sconces, silver, carved gilt putto, pots de creme all found at Les Puces... each one a reminder of a fabulous buying trip!


 Last stop at Les Puces...found the perfect pair of bergeres!


Adieu... mes amis



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