In case you’re in Paris on the primary Sunday of the month and questioning what to do, you’re in luck, as we all know the easiest approach to spend a Sunday in Paris: antiquing with native specialists on the largest antiques market on this planet!
Supply Sunday – the easiest way to spend Sunday in Paris
You realize earlier than you get there that you just’re near one thing particular. It begins with a murmur and builds to a energetic hum the nearer you get to the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen within the 18th arrondissement of Paris. That is no unusual market. It stretches throughout seven hectares (753,474 sq. toes) and weaves collectively greater than 3000 boutiques, stalls and showrooms that line a labyrinth of lanes and alleys. And it doesn’t matter for those who’re a seasoned collector, on the lookout for a little bit one thing to take house as a reminder of your French sojourn, or in quest of a slice of genuine Parisian life, there’s one thing to thrill everybody right here – particularly if you go to with somebody who actually is aware of their approach across the market and antiques.
One of the best ways to discover Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
One of the best ways to find this world-famous antiques market is to take a small group (2-8 individuals) guided tour with an area skilled information. Paris-born Aline Bachelier and British Susie McLaren of La Supply Excursions, who run guided vintage and way of life excursions of Paris and Provence, provide a really distinctive and unique approach to uncover the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. They’re no unusual guides. With years of expertise in consulting and dealing within the high-end vintage market, and in inside design – they like to share their experience with visitors, and their enthusiasm makes them the right hosts.
Whether or not you’re there to find this actually distinctive and genuine a part of Paris or on the lookout for treasure to take house that is an excellent day-long tour. And if there’s something particular that you just search on the market, they’ll allow you to supply the right gadgets, whether or not it’s a bit of chateau stylish, a rusty 18th century key that when opened a door to a fort lengthy gone, an high fashion frock, Belle Epoque gown jewelry, an opulent Louis XVI armchair upholstered in light silk, or a strong oak farmhouse desk that would inform tales of centuries of household meals and life.
It doesn’t matter for those who don’t communicate French, Aline will allow you to negotiate the worth and just be sure you don’t pay greater than obligatory, she may help reassure you the merchandise is real classic or vintage (not a replica), and may assist organise transport if it’s essential to ship one thing again house that received’t slot in your case.
The market is so large you possibly can spend per week right here and never see all of it, so figuring out what a part of the market fits you finest and are essentially the most fascinating is important – and nobody is aware of it higher than Aline who labored at the marketplace for greater than 30 years, “it’s my second house” she laughs. She will lead you to a stall for the right champagne coupes from the Roaring Twenties, or Artwork Deco lighting the stall holder retains at the back of his retailer!
Antiquing tour of Paris with specialists
Aline and Susie’s information of the market, antiques, and inside design is second to none, and so they have many pals and unique contacts there. You’ll be taught concerning the market, of its origins within the 19th century when rag pickers roamed the outskirts of Paris, salvaging gadgets discarded by the town’s wealthier residents. These early merchants arrange makeshift pitches past the town’s gates to keep away from taxes, making a bustling, barely chaotic gathering of products and characters. Over time, the flea market attracted vintage sellers and developed into 17 totally different specialised areas. It’s lengthy been a magnet for many who search French model from Picasso to Hemingway, and it’s a significant attraction in its personal proper, with eating places and cafés dotted alongside the lanes.
You’ll begin your full-day tour with breakfast in a café on the market, then head out to fulfill trusted sellers and vibrant characters as you wander the totally different areas. You’ll uncover the historical past of antiques and iconic French model as Aline and Susie reveal the tales of the market, of the items you see, and the individuals you meet. You’ll have a scrumptious lunch with wine (lunch and breakfast included within the tour), after which carry in your exploration within the afternoon.
The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is greater than only a procuring vacation spot, greater than an antiques market; it’s a part of the heritage of Paris and France. Whether or not you allow with a priceless vintage, a classic postcard, or a head filled with recollections, that is a rare tour of genuine Paris.
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