From a 1918 letter by author, cartoonist and journalist Jame Grover Thurber (1894-1961):

“…the whole of Paris is a vast university of Art, Literature and Music…it is worth anyone’s while to dally here for years. Paris is a seminar, a post graduate course in Everything.”

What do you love about Paris? For me, it’s the iconic monuments, grand architecture and cafe culture – watching the soigne chic while enjoying a cup of coffee…ooh, la, la!
But there is a special place I return to each time: The Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. It’s here at the flea markets that you’ll be greeted (or not) by the personalities and pooches that rule Les Puces. It’s here that you’ll find the extraordinary along with the ordinary. And, it’s here that you’ll learn the difference between Louis XVI and Maison Jansen. I love visiting Les Puces to learn, shop and be inspired!
A beautiful day in Paris! By the way, I wrote a post on antiquing at the Paris flea markets last year. If you are interested in an introduction, please read that post first. Don’t forget to come back 🙂

Arriving at the Puces and I’m already in love with this vintage Citroen…

…and these sunbleached pine floors in driftwood tones!

Look at this display of well-loved artist’s palettes and brushes – genius! And what an impressive collection of antique architectural plaster roundels and rosettes. Note how each one is custom mounted on a metal stand. A cluster of them in varying sizes would be terrific on a console, bookcase, etc.
What are you looking at? Moi? 🙂
ABOVE: These two were super friendly despite being camera shy. BELOW: Assisting in a game of chess.
Please don’t buy this Napoleon III armchair – it’s my favorite, right, Emmanuel? Emmanuel Renoult exhibits at Marche Paul Bert, and I always admire his good eye.
Look closely at this pair of Thonet style armchairs offered by Emmanuel. They are made entirely of metal, which is an unusual departure from the norm of bentwood.
Introducing the effervescent Monsieur Cyril! A retired finance civil servant, Cyril is now pursuing his passion for antique china. Find him and his fabulous wares at Marche Paul Bert. BELOW: Cyril’s collection of antique English pewter teapots. Aren’t those French tulips divine?
Mademoiselle and her lovely flowers to cheer up shop keepers and shoppers – tres jolie!
Bonjour! What comfy looking chairs!!
You never know what you’ll find at Les Puces. Need a Mid Century daybed? Or carved marble hands sculpted by academy students? (Coming soon to Tone on Tone.)
Or how about a giant mushroom, Tom?
And now, a little preview of some pieces coming to the shop:
Three carved gilt wood (not resin) sunburst mirrors with unusual form. The one above with convex glass is quite large. The beautiful oval one can hang horizontally or vertically. The small one, also with convex glass, features curvacious sun rays.
Speaking of mirrors, here is a handsome English bullseye mirror with unusual beading and convex glass. This is a fine model.
Now a look at some chairs starting with this French Napoleon III faux bamboo armchair with the palest honey patina – yum! It would be smashing with a down-filled cushion over the cane seat.
ABOVE: An irresistible pair of old painted French Directoire style armchairs with slightly larger porportions. BELOW: A quirky pair of French bobbin armchairs to liven up a room. Made of exotic rosewood (quite hard), these sturdy chairs have oodles of character. Notice their castors.
Gosh, I’m starving! Let’s have dinner…something French but not too pricey, okay?

At Le Souffle, we enjoyed a lovely meal of savory and sweet souffles. (I’d suggest not having souffles for the main course AND dessert – just a bit too rich.) This classic and beloved restaurant has been around since 1961.

So long, Paris ~
Loi