Last September I was able to realize a dream I had: flying to Paris to source antiques at the famed flea markets! I was fortunate to have a Parisian best friend to guide me as well as a weekly flea market guide I was following. So let's get into my adventures!
The first Sunday I had in Paris I went to a once-yearly flea market at St. Sulpice, which is an absolutely dreamy and dramatic town square in front of the St. Sulpice cathedral. The Da Vinvi Code was shot here! I found this sale on the French version of EstateSales.Net, which is called Bric-a-brac. You can only find this site on French Google. I was super, super excited for this particular sale because it's a once yearly market (which in my mind seems extra special!) and because it was a brocanter's sale- meaning the vender's are professional antique dealers. Brocante= flea market, btw!
Upon arrival at 8:15 am I was bewildered by just how chaotic the scene was, people rushing in all directions to examine inventory the dealers were just pulling out of boxes. It was a madhouse and there were clearly loads of other dealers their sourcing for their own businesses. I found a dreamy vendor right away with the most lovely collection, perfectly curated. I asked if I could film her booth and she was so perplexed by the question. I told her it was for Instagram and she begrudgingly agreed. I don't think there are man TikTokers at these markets! The arrangement was closely priced to Rose Bowl or Santa Monica flea markets, maybe a little higher. This wasn't a bargain's paradise, however it was highly curated which is a joy to experience! I ended up picking up a 19th c. bamboo mirror (very common there!) and a purse with pugs on it for my grandma. She LOVED it!
After that market, I consulted with Bric-A-Brac which directed me 10 minutes away to a weekly full-street market, St. Placide. This is a "Vide Grenier" market, meaning the venders are everyday people selling goods rather than professional dealers. This means the prices are much better. I had a ton of success at this market and ended up with bags and bags of goods, including antique jewelry caskets, Parisian picture frames, brooches, and postcards. It was a dream!
After that market, I consulted with Bric-A-Brac which directed me 10 minutes away to a weekly full-street market, St. Placide. This is a "Vide Grenier" market, meaning the venders are everyday people selling goods rather than professional dealers. This means the prices are much better. I had a ton of success at this market and ended up with bags and bags of goods, including antique jewelry caskets, Parisian picture frames, brooches, and postcards. It was a dream!
I also visited the world famous Paris flea market...that will be covered in another post!