Our new spring shipment has just arrived! A formal preview to come after we’ve unpacked and cataloged the pieces.
But first, I am taking you to the famous flea markets in Paris. I’ll also share a few tips and professional advice on how to successfully shop the markets.
Located at Porte de Clignancourt and officially called Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (but commonly known as “Les Puces” by the trade and Parisians), it is one of the largest antique markets in Europe.
How many of you have been to Les Puces (translated as the fleas)? Whatcha think? Tom and I love it! We’ve been buying at the Puces for over ten years…..usually twice a year, and even before we had a shop.
You can metro, cab or drive there. We usually drive and park in one of the garages as we’re short on time. You can cruise around for a coveted parking spot, but keep in mind many are reserved for residents. Tip: Skip the upgrade to an oversized car and get a compact for easier navigation and parking. If taking metro, be careful once you approach the outdoor vendors selling clothing, handbags, etc. This area is not the Puces. It gets crowded, and pickpocketing is common as this is not the best neighborhood in Paris. Therefore, I highly recommend taking a cab!!
There are many different antique markets at Saint-Ouen. Each has its own flair, character and charm. Marche Biron has classic French antiques, fine artwork and dripping crystal chandeliers. Biron can be pricey. Marche Paul Bert is one of my favorites. Again, it is not inexpensive. Marche Serpette has some of the best antiques and designer furnishings such as Maison Jansen, Bagues, etc. Tres chic! Marche Vernaison is fun, eclectic and touristy. You will find bargains, vintage clothing, paintings, furniture and the unexpected at Vernaison. To see a complete list, go here.
Tip #1 – Go early to beat the crowds and get first dibs. It can get really crowded in the afternoon.
Tip #2 – Buy with your eyes and not with your ears! Examine! Examine!! You will find most dealers to be knowledgeable and honest. But once in a while…..
I really liked this stall. Check out the Swedish painted dropleaf table, painted apothecary style chest, campaign iron daybed and clubchair reupholstered in vintage homespun linen with tufting.
How could I resist this small French Directoire trumeau with its classical style frieze, pilasters and original painted surface?? The mercury glass is heavily foxed…just the way I like it! Look for it on our website soon.
Tip #3 – Always ask before handling, and oh, mind your handbag, backpack, umbrella, etc. Not all shops / stalls are as neat and tidy as the above. Many are packed!
Ahhh, lunchtime! You will see the dealers picking up their baguettes, cheese, pate and wine. They will enjoy a fabulous lunch and still conduct business. So do interrupt if you have a question about an item in their stall.
Above: How many doggies can you find? Look at all those Montparnasse carved wooden frames – so French!
Above: This early 19th century French walnut table with its mellow patina spoke to me. I love the undulating “X” form stretcher. It is one of my favorite pieces in the new shipment.
Tip #4 – Line up a shipper in advance if you anticipate buying large items that can’t be carried home on the plane.
Tip #5 – Crate fragile items such as chandeliers, mirrors, marble tops and barometers – definitely worth the investment.
Tip #6 – When buying artwork, don’t be afraid to take the piece outside to examine in natural light. (Of course ask first.) That dingy looking painting in the dark corner could be a gorgeous gem!
Tip #7 – Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. Do so politely and confidently. And know when to stop.
I really, really wanted the above 19th cen French boiserie panel, but it was just out of my budget. After negotiating for a while, I had to walk away 🙁 But I did buy a terrific landscape painting from that same dealer.Win some, lose some!
Perfect for Halloween! I meant to go back for these glass eyeballs but forgot. My guess is that they aren’t old. Anyone know where I can find a few?
Even the graffiti in Paris is charming!
After the Puces, a visit to one of our favorite museums: Musee d’Orsay. This magnificent Beaux Arts building was once a train station.
Enjoy the impressive collection of Impressionist paintings and panoramic views of Paris from the top floor of d’Orsay. In the distance is Montmartre.
Paris is full of fabulous restaurants, and we love trying new ones. I asked my blog friend and talented chef Ivan of
A Normandy Kitchen for a restaurant suggestion. Ivan suggested
Aux Lyonnais, an old Parisian restaurant now owned by Alain Ducasse. Being Americans, we ate early of course!
The food was absolutely divine! For my main course, fish dumplings in a rich but very light (how do they do it?) crayfish sauce with creme fraiche. Tom had pollack with an asparagus sauce. For appetizers, we had pate and foie gras.
Dessert was just as delicious. Check out my souffle with grapefruit salad. Mmmmm!! BTW, even the restroom was charming….just had to share 🙂
As we always do on the last night of each Paris trip, we visited a few iconic monuments and sights. Seeing the Louvre at night – magical!
AU REVOIR!
YES… I'm the first one to make a comment!!! Haha… my jaw hit the floor and I'm still trying to pick it up! What an amazing trip – every image is breathtaking! I love this city and it get me itching to go back. Thanks for stimulating my evening Loi!
I hope all is well
xoxo
Desiree
Love the trumeau and table you purchased. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post. I am looking forward even more to experiencing this in September.
This is wonderful Loi and thank you for listing your expert shopping tips. Next time we go, I DO plan on visiting here. Such great finds! Beautiful French walnut table.. and the Swedish piece is perfect for your shop. Can't wait to see more! Have fun unpacking;)
xxleslie
Thank you for making my day Loi. A wonderful Parisian tour and so many amazing finds!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I have a complaint, my friend. Your post was too short! I want MORE! LOL!
Thank you for taking us along and for the excellent advice. I wish I could go with you!
xo
Andie
Gorgeous Loi. I've been to St-Ouen several times and love it. We always plan a day there but I can't afford to buy in the shops I really love. Haha. Paul Bert is a favorite. I often buy small prints or small objets. It must be such a rush for you buying and shipping amazing large pieces. My dream. Haha!!
Love Orsay. I have been there many times. I seem to find something new there every time.
Do you and Tom speak French??
Lots of love and always welcome Paris posts!!! Great photos Loi. I am trying to talk David into a fall trip.
Xo Terri.
Thanks, Terri! We speak just a little bit of French. Most of the dealers at the Puces are great…..very easy to work with.
Beautiful images! I visited Les Puces for the first time in December and it was quite an experience. I did metro there, and would likely take a cab the next time. Wandering through the outer "non" flea market to get to the actual market was a little dodgy, but not horrible, kind of like NYC back when there were watch vendors on every corner. You just don't make eye contact and march onward. I went on an off day (Monday), so some of the vendors were closed, but it was still wonderful and I came home with a few treasures!
xo Kat
P.S. I want that campaign bed!!!
Kat
Me, too!! It needed a custom mattress though 🙁
Oh. My. Goodness! Loi!
There is so much fabulousness here. I would have died.
Thank you so much for taking us along. Can't wait to see more.
Teresa
xoxo
LOI! Bonsoir mon ami! Oh comme j'adore Paris!
OK, you have stolen my heart once again. Your divine photos, your EXCURSIONS! THE FOOD, your prose, everything is perfect. I do a Paris Link Party every year and will be doing it again this May. This would have been a perfect post! But if you are interested when I post it, by all means, you have all it takes to participate!
I love that little French bulldog and seeing the people eat the iconic baguette and pâté! Those tables Loi, I have one in my dining room that is painted gray and I use it as a sideboard. So chic, bien sûr.
So all I need is some serious cash and a plan ticket and I am going to Tone on Tone! That is my dream, to own that Swedish settee or something like it!
Be well dear friend. I am saddened to hear of what has happened in Boston today, my "hometown" of 11 years. Take care, you and Tom and thank you so much for adding joy and beauty to the world. LOVE! Anita
Ah, the number of treasures I have brought home from les puces over the years, from the iron daybed that my daughter still sleeps in to art, textiles and furniture – there is simply no place else like it in the world! I love your purchases Loi, as always your eye is unerring!
I love the French 19th century boiserie panel complete with your own lovely grey background colour. Somehow you seem to have succeeded in giving Paris a toneontone look.
I have seen glass eyes from time to time on Antique programmes here which are normally in wooden cabinets from opticians. I think you are right, I do not believe those are original. The ones I have seen here are much smaller to fit in the eye socket and they also have realistic veining on the whites. You could probably find them on a Chinese website!!!
Your last pictures of the Louvre at night are magical.
Dear Loi,
The tour through Paris is trully exciting and I fully enjoyed each photo and advice.I have some experience from Paris because I completed my univerity studies in Sorbonne.It's one of the most charming places in the whole world.I have never bought aux marche aux puces but I'm sure that there exist amazing peaces that only an expert eye like yours can objectively appreciate.You are a very talented photographer Loi except your antiquarian skills.
Warm regards!
Olympia
Loi, what a fantastique Patisian treat you have given us. I have been to Clignancourt. As you say, it's in a dodgy area, but once you are in the lanes it's wonderful, but quite pricey. I must try the others you mention. I'm going to France next month so a day or two in Paris is almost certain.
Thanks for the tour. I think that restaurant is on the cards too.
Enjoy your week. Can't wait too see your new bits and pieces 🙂
Much love
Di
Hello Loi, I am jealous of your shopping-plus-museum spree. I expect I could do a lot of damage to my bank account in a place like that–especially with a shipper in tow! I also would have found that boiserie section hard to walk away from.
About the eyes, they look like ones which were spoiled in the manufacturing process, and never finished. If they are human-sized, the front part would have been cut off, smoothed, and the veining applied in later steps. I have seen both human and dolls' eyes like these.
–Road to Parnassus
I adore visiting Paris. But I have never been to the Les Puces so it was fun to tag along through your post, the furnitures and decorative items are amazing. Maybe when I go there i will be buying some paintings or some figurines. The food you had seems delicious. Always fun to visit Musee D'Orsay and to view Montmartre from there. This was a fun visit around Paris.
Loi, I have always wanted to go to the Paris Flea Market. Have you ever shopped for fabric in Paris? I did manage to do that one. All of this feels like it will be part of my "when the kids go to college" life. Thanks for sharing.
Only little pieces / fragments of old textiles at the Puces. Occasionally we'll wander into a fabric showroom but have never purchased.
This is such a fabulous post and a trip I would die for. When I went in 2010 we just do the art thing and sketched our way thru Paris, but now I want to do the decor and markets! Love that restaurant! A truly magical trip. Can't wait to comesee what you brought back!
Xoxo Nancy
Powellbrower.com
Hi Loi,
Isn't grand when you can combine business with pleasure? And in Paris??! How lucky for you and Tom, to be in this fabulous city, where work means hunting for hauntingly beautiful items, enjoying a delicious dinner in an elegant restaurant, and visiting the history of a country rich in the arts, architecture, and culinary wonders! Thanks so much for this personal tour and all the smart tips. If I ever make it there, (it's only a 4 hour flight!), I hope to put them all to practical use!
Poppy xo
What an amazing and success trip to Paris!!! The trumeau is to die for! I am looking forward to seeing them set up in your shop….or….are you keeping some for yourselves?
Thank you again for my Paris trip! I had a Ball!
Oh wow, this makes me want to get back there now! Great advice Loi on flea market shopping…those crazy eyes! I most especially loved the pic of the bathroom;) Hee hee! xob
aaah, my dream!!!! i told chris that for my 40th birthday (in 5.3 years) i want him to send me to paris to go to the flea markets and shop and eat and drink, too, of course! i told him he doesn't need to come, but i will find a friend to come with me. 🙂 he is not much of a shopper, so i think i need a friend who is into it, too, as a companion.
those eyeballs… ohmygoodness! creepy!! perfect for halloween!!!
Thanks for taking me on this trip! Loved everything about it. I'm in a completely different world from yours but it was still a fun ride!
I've been to Paris several times but have never been to Les Puces for fear that I would be terribly intimidated and unequipped to haggle because I don't speak a lick of French. But these photos and tips make me want to push myself to try when I'm there next!
Thanks Loi, one of my many dreams is to visit France and include a Paris flea market day (or two).
What a gorgeous post and the food looks divine!
Fondly-Lisa
I think you must be one of the luckiest guys on the face of the planet!! What a wonderful world you live in. And I'm so glad I found your charming blog so that I can tag along on your beautiful adventures. 🙂
Maybe one day I will make it to Paris..and I will be able to use your shopping tips.
Have a great week, friend.
xo
Terri
I spent quite a few seasons working in Paris and once projects were complete I would always take a trip to les puces before returning home. There was a simple little corner café in Marche Paul Bert where I would go to sit at a cramped table, elbow to elbow with my neighbours, feeding my inner shopping monster before heading out looking for little treasures in the markets. What a lovely trip down memory lane looking at your snaps.
Mr Paul
PS. BTW Keep your mitts off those eyeballs, they're mine!
Hey Loi, you certainly have wet my appetite. Paris is high on my list, and the flea markets for sure!! Can't wait to see the new pieces.
PS – those glass eyeballs are creepy and scary!
Ah, glass eyes! Wish you had bought these. I have been collecting them for years and can often find them on eBay.
Just right! franki
Hi Loi,
I loved visiting Musee d'Orsay….spectacular!! I'm in a rush and will need to come back to this post to soak it all in-:)
Sarah
Loi,
Your photos are marvelous and got me very excited for our May trip. The tips on the flea market are spot on especially the warning about pickpockets. The gold wedding band gypsies are everywhere, especially near the D'Orsay. I do find the Puces overwhelming and extremely expensive — so hard to find a bargain. I hope you post more photos of your trip.
It's been far too long since I visited Paris, but I feel a bit like I was there after enjoying your beautiful post. It was lovely getting to share your trip! Incredible photos as always!
You found so many wonderful treasures, Loi, and I just love the trumeau mirror. We visited Paris several years ago, but we were in the tourist frame of mind. Need to go again to visit all of the flea markets!! Hope you have a wonderful day ~
Loi I absolutely loved your trip to Paris! Thanks for taking me along..even to the loo! And those eyeballs? Man could I ever have fun with those! They cracked me up just in a bowl of sand..funny! One of these days I will bring Brian to visit your wonderful store!
And to the above comment…I saw this post before the horrible event occurred, so I feel pretty sure that your heart is very sad just like all of America and the world today. It is obvious the commentator is hurting and lashing out.
raise your words, not your voice. it is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.
-rumi
a portion of this comment was directed to the comment that has been deleted…certainly not to my friend Design Chic 🙂
Thanks for the clarification, Gina. And I appreciate your support.
dearest loi
when this post arrived in my email, i settled in, excited to read and enjoy. my husband suddenly kept coming at me to sign papers! finally a moment to savor and savor i did. through your lens paris looks particularly beautiful.
love this market and your luscious finds.
the only place i have seen these eyeballs is at a shop on the main road outside the market. alain takes the eyeballs and puts them on ultra thin metal posts. all at varying heights. he inserts the posts into the wooden bottom of a cloche, puts the glass dome over his composition and viola! stunning, strange and magnificent
merci
debra
Hi Loi-what a magical trip to Paris. You know how I feel about flea markets,my little heart is racing. I have been to Les Puces but never like you took me. I will send this on to a friend who is leaving from Paris in May. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
I love Paris. Used to cry every time she was mentioned after we moved back to the US. Thanks for the tutorial–super post!!!
Mary
Loi,
This is a keeper. I loved your tips and will print the list of places to visit for treasure. I would like to find a little metal day bed like the one in your picture. There are so many charming pieces in each of your photographs. Thanks for the armchair visit to Paris, it almost felt like I was actually there!
Karen
we leave for our 10 day trip in just 3 short weeks so this is very timely -thanks for sharing!
What perfect timing since I'm on my way to Paris in 3 weeks and plan on antiquing. I will definitely use your information and tips. You have such lovely taste in your found objects. Thank you for sharing.
Cheri
Wonderful post! I love Paris. We were there five years ago (hard to believe it's been that long ago!). Only spent 4 days in Paris and 3 in Strasbourg, where my grandfather was from. Loved every minute of that trip. The Musee D'Orsay is the best museum. I also loved the Musee Rodin. Thanks for taking us on a tour of Les Puces.
Claudia
I want to go shopping with you!
Looks like you had a wonderful time…
I can't wait to see what you bought for the shop.
I always love shopping at Tone on Tone!!!
xo
Brooke
I understand why you really, really wanted the boiserie panel. I really, really, really would have wanted it, and I don't think I could have walked away. But why, oh why do you want the glass eyeballs??? Thanks for the tour and tips.
Best…Victoria
Those eyeballs….totally crazy! But would've been cool for the shop on Halloween. Thanks, Victoria!
Oh to be able to shop with YOU!! Now that would have really made my experience in Paris even more amazing. You always take us on such wonderful journeys here on your blog. Thank you again,
xo Kathysue
Thanks for taking me along, Loi! What a wonderful respite from home renovation and painting. Hugs and good wishes.
I, too, love that boiserie fragment with the urn and oak leaf swag!
WOW Loi, you have transported me there!! Great photos…I have been to Paris twice and still cannot drag Mr. M. off to the Marche aux Puces! I am plotting a girl's trip, so I can just indulge myself !! Looks like a wonderful time, but I am sure still intense because you are on business for the shop…cannot wait to see the items that you have brought home for your finely edited and beautifully merchandised store….thank you for the tips to shop the fleas as well, N.xo
I dream of the brocante markets in France…whether in Paris or Isle-sur-la-Sorgue! There really is nothing like it in the States. Hoping to go back in September; and, of course, the planning is half the fun!
Thanks for sharing these gorgeous images!
oh my Loi….wish I had this two weeks ago! My first trip to the Puces. Came home with some antique textiles and an education. Cash is still king. We were advised to just take Visa…but both shopkeepers where we made purchased would have taken more off the price for cash. As for the pick pockets…we didn't carry bags, just the essentials within interior pockets of our coats. One savvy shop owner told us that women will come in her stall, go on and on about pick pockets yet will be carrying $50,000 handbags….and then ask her to watch them haaaaaa.
Love your finds, did you purchase the wood relief piece?
I really enjoyed your Instagram photos of France!! Thanks for sharing those, Jennifer. Did not get that piece….was out of my budget 🙁
I savored every image–well except those eyes that were looking back at me. I'd love to do that sometime. Beautiful night photos too.
Loi..Thanks for all of the great tips! We are hoping to visit Paris next year, although the arrival of our little one may push it back a bit. I have taken a bit of a break from blogging due to all of the chaos from getting ready for the baby. Hope to be back regularly now. Would have loved to be there at dinner with you! That food looks sooo good right now. Wishing you the best! – Tonya
Thank you, Tonya! I hope you all are well, and the kitchen renovation going great. Take care!
Wow! this post is worth a million..so many tips and insider information. Though we are planning to go next year but after reading your post I am so much tempted to visit Paris sooner:)
Best wishes
Oh what fun! I hope to someday shop the fleas in Paris! You photographed some lovely eye candy – Love the frames that peek out in several photos and I really like that tufted linen chair. I'm not usually a fan of tufted but that one is great!
Paris in springtime Loi! Fabulous. I will live through you my friend. Might I add that your photographs are outstanding??/ Love those eyeballs! Ivan seems to have made a great recommendation for dinner. Thanks for the tour. Looks like you must have come back with some treasures.
Thanks for the virtual shopping trip, Loi. Your choices are beautiful. Those eyes are too much, though, but like you said–good for Halloween. I hope to visit these markets one day.
-Deborah
Fabulous post! You brought back so many memories of our anniversary trip to Paris…over 14 years ago now. Our visit to Les Puces was a highlight for me and a surprising fun day for my husband and traveling companions too. We also visited the d'Orsay and Louvre of course…Montmatre too. Ah…you have brought back sweet memories of the most romantic week of my life with your beautiful photos. Thanks so much Loi!
Thank you so much Loi, for taking me antiquing with you. I believe this is the safest way for me to enjoy this activity as I fear my heart would stop beating if I were there in person!!!
Ange x
ahhhhhhh. so dreamy, loi. i want the doggie and everything in that tidy stall. plus throw the antique documents in my cart. love your images and tips. those parisians didn't know what to do with me at the vide greniers i visited as a first-timer. i simply would say the amount i was willing to pay (in french) for an item i liked (rather than ask how much)as a question. from what i observed, no one else does this, and one vendor said THIS IS SO POWERFUL HOW YOU ASK. I HAVE NEVER…and i asked if that meant no. it didn't. so i talked to him and his son awhile as they wanted to practice their english. it was just littles and clothing, and this was no clingancourt, but 90% of the time, the vendor took my low offer. 🙂
michele
I'm gonna try that, Michele! 😉 PS – There are actually two doggies in that photo. The other partially hidden.
oh! So wonderful, so many beautiful things! I was really intimidated when I was in France so I didn't buy any lovely old things, maybe next time….
Thanks for sharing with us Loi! I came back for a second look- I wish that linen club chair was mine…i have a serious chair fetish and love revamping them, but that one I would take as is-it's perfect.
So many treasures there, it is a special place for sure. Can't wait to peruse the website and see the new inventory.
Have a great week! XO
Sarah
Hi, Sarah – Welcome back 🙂 I, too, wanted that linen chair. The linen fabric was incredible!! But it was just a bit too pricey.
What a dreamy trip! Must be hard "work" Loi, but someones got to do it, eh? 😉 That grapefruit salad sounds divine!
Wonderful post! Would love to visit Paris one day…
Oh how absolutely exquisitely beautiful Loi…and the details that 99.99% of the population would never notice, but we so appreciate them. I've never been to Paris or anywhere in Europe for that matter. Alright…that is a slippery slope, so maybe not go there… you know the deal here… however, I still dream that maybe things will change one day and in the meantime, I can live vicariously through your beautiful photos!
Did you really eat all of that for dinner? lol… it all looked and sounded unbelievably yummy!
xo ~ L
I love Les Puces but haven't been in a couple of years time to go back but with you next time you really have great taste! That trumeau you purchased is fabulous and now I'm going to be sitting on your website to see if I can afford it. Looks like you had an incredible time and I love seeing your travels.
XXX
Debra~
Loi,
Thank you for taking us along on your trip to Paris!!! I love that city and need to make another visit. This summer we're headed to London….so will have to make due with that.
The French panel you left behind is just stunning….and exactly the type of piece I would be drawn to.
xoxo Elizabeth
Hi, Loi,
Thanks for sharing the flea market trip. I love all the various shapes of urns, so I see that I would be in Seventh Heaven at the Puces. Is there an Eighth Heaven?
oh, Loi, what a fabulous, fun post! In my few trips to Paris I have never been able to fit in a visit to Les Puces. Wouldn't you ever consider leading a trip? I would sign up right away. xoxo, P
That would be so fun! But you have to keep up with me as I move very fast….too much to see and do 🙂 Actually, Tom and I did way too much on this trip. We stayed in 6 hotels in 10 days!!
I agree with Phyliss 100%! I was going to beg you to let me tag along next time (lol)…maybe you can do a bloggers trip?? You better believe I'd be there! It's always been a dream of mine to go antiquing in Paris & your post has me wanting it even more now
Heidi
Ok! I'm putting your name down, Heidi 🙂 Come visit soon!!!
Hello Loi,
Thank you so much my friend for the mention, I was just happy you liked the place – very classic food but I love going there, a bit like going back in time! Your trip looks wonderful in the photographs. I haven't been to the Saint-Ouen market for a few years but the tips are perfect – early being the best one!! Happy that you and Tom had a good trip to France.
Ivan
Thank YOU, Ivan!! We really appreciate all your recommendations. Look forward to trying the others!
😀
Dearest Loi, this post brought tears to my eyes…I miss Paris!!! 🙂
I can't believe that I have never visited the markets…I will take your advice when I do have another chance to go! Merci!
Sounds like you found some terrific pieces..you and Tom even had time to enjoy the sights…that is wonderful!!
And love the candid photos of dejeuner avec les chiens… :)))
The restaurant…so gorgeous…
Love your photos, beautiful, beautiful…
Merci, doux ami!!!!
xoxo,
– Irina
How jealous am I, Loi! Looks like a great time was had by all. Antiques and French food – how could you lose? Loved the trumeau, the drop leaf table and the linen chair in the background and the restaurant, of course.
b
Loi, so many treasures! I cannot wait to see them in your online store! I think there may be something for me in your crate! The markets of Paris are always fun, and you are so right about the pick pockets. One must be very careful out there!
I love EVERY photo! Especially the Louvre at night. That is my favorite time to visit the Louvre, on the days they are open late, no crowds and sometimes it feels like you have the place to yourself. I have a few recommendations for your next trip for dinner, and of course chocolate…hot chocolate I mean.
Have a wonderful weekend Loi! Thank you for bringing so much beauty and joy into the world.
Oh the beauty you share here Loi, I wish others in this world, who take a breath of life would contribute in some way to making the world safe and sweet, kind and gentle as YOU DO. Thank you for coming to my post, thank you for being so wonderful to us all by always presenting your lovely soul to us.
I just drove two hours to get home from teaching in a horrible snow storm. Wet snow with the consistency of mashed potatoes!
Much love, Anita
Oh my goodness. I have always heard the Paris flea markets were amazing. I took one look at that pile of old hand written letters and know I wouldn't leave Paris without them. I am already thinking of the amazing things that could be created. I just loved this post Loi. Your photos of the Louvre at night…WOW!
Susan
What a charming little tour for me to enjoy this morning in cloudy Hong Kong. I have never been to the flea market, but of course have known about it. Your tips are very welcome. A return to that beautiful city is long overdue!
Ok, the eyeballs totally creep me out, but I *love* the rest!! You have such great taste and an enviable life – I want to jet off to go antiquing!!
Stacy
How exciting for us, we get to go to Les Puces with Loi! I love everything (except the eyeballs)! The photo of the Louvre at night is so beautiful. Also love the expensive panel but the eyeballs are rather disgusting, Loi!!!!
Did you buy that linen tufted chair? I love that and all your travels….you have such an EYE! 🙂
pve
Thank you for reminding just how much I love Paris! Never been to the markets though…sigh! Love seeing them through your eyes…
Monica
Dear Loi,
Here I am coming in late as per usual.
I love visiting les Puces but as you say you have to be careful of pickpockets. We always take the train but going early we never experience any problems. You are right though, they do tend to be somewhat expenses. 'Paris prices' as one country antique dealer said to me. They used to have an interesting and rather downmarket puce within the park at les Halles but it is at present undergoing reconstruction and so alas no market this time we were there. We often got rather good bargains there
Going to the Musée d'Orsay is one of our pleasures too. I smiled when I saw your photos as I took almost exactly the same ones now that you can take no longer pics inside.
I enjoyed the visit. Maybe I should do a post on Paris too.
Bye for now
Kirk
Montparnasse frames – you just can't beat'em!
LOI!
OOOOOO! Thank you my dear blog brother! I mostly have blogging sisters, but I always wanted a BROTHER! teeheheee
I will save you a huge piece of chocolate cake my dear. AND GUESS WHAT? My husband surprised me yesterday and we went shopping….furniture SHOPPING! AHH! OK, around here (Scandinavian capital of the USA), we were not able to find any Gustavian style furniture, BUT he did buy me a new GRAY VELVET COUCH and some French style gray velvet dining chairs for my pine harvest table in the dining room! I thought of you the entire time. I am so thrilled. The sofa will take about 10 weeks to get, but I have two of the four chairs.
What a guy, huh?
OK, we have more snow coming in tonight, Loi. I am dreaming of white HYDRANGEAS, not snow!
Have a lovely week my friend. Many thanks. Anita
Two of my favourite places to visit in Paris Loi! Clignancourt and Musee d'Orsay……Looks like you had a fabulous trip!
Thank you so much for your comment on my post on Highgrove……glad you enjoyed these beautiful gardens too!
Have a lovely week.
Sophia
Bookmarking this post. We are going to Paris in October – just a very short visit so am going to cram in as much as possible. I would love to know of anything else you would recommend. If you like it, I know I would! x Sharon
Hello Loi, thank for sharing these gorgeos images with us- so inspiring. Of course I love all you share! Thank you for dropping by my blg, it is much appreciated- best wishes from South Africa- Colette
Hi Loi I feel like I am on this holiday it is so inspiring and what amazing French beauty, I see several pieces I want shipped right tomy home 🙂
Thank you for your beautiful visit and comment on your say home,
Have a beautiful week.
Looking forward to what's next in your postings.
Xx
Doré
Truly a fabulous post, dear Loi! With the most sensible tips for "shopping"!
Have not been in Paris at the antique markets for years and miss it.
So, your post is just right for me, right for a kind of "armchair" traveling :)!
Thanks!
xxxkarin
Loi,
I cannot wait to head out to shop in a few weeks when we arrive in Paris.. it is our first trip shipping large pieces back so it should be a great adventure! We have also scheduled to visit the Muse de Orsay, which I cannot figure out why have not been before, but I loved the sneak peek here! Wishing you a wonderful week! I wish I had commented sooner, when this came into my in box!
all the best!
Christina
I fly through the markets as you do….so luscious and breathtaking, isn't it? Thanks for sharing your photos…
I've never been to Paris but for sure I will go there and will not try to miss this place! Thanks for the tips Loi, everything you've shown in the photos were excuisite items!
Sofa beds London will do the trick if you live in a studio or a small apartment that calls for space saving furniture.