taking my time at the paris flea market

by Sharon Santoni

antique leather sofa at the flea market

I often visit the flea markets in Paris.  They are only an hour or so from my home, and I can easily pop in alone or with a client, but generally with a list of things to find and a certain sense of urgency.

Today was a different story.  We have friends here who had never been to Clignancourt, and who longed to visit and “maybe buy” … ha!  wonderful!   An opportunity to visit without having to rush around.  To stop by my favourite dealers without having to tick off a wish-list as I went.

details from stand at paris flea market

It was a beautiful day, and after we shopped we had lunch at Ma Cocotte , which has sort of become my work canteen … lucky me!   …. As  we emerged from the restaurant, we admired the piles of peonies that were being arranged around the stands in preparation for the weekend rush

peo

My friend bought a beautiful barometer, that I forgot to photograph – just shows you how ‘off-duty’  I was! –  that just thrilled her to bits, and a rather divine painting that I would happily have brought home with me.  To console myself I brought home a bag of vintage toile de jouy curtains, which I obviously do not need, but hey, I couldn’t just leave them there …. unloved and abandoned, could I?!

toile de jouy curtains draped over seat

Voila!   The sort of  Friday I just love …..  and if you would like to come shopping with me in Normandy and Paris, you may be interested to know there are just two places left on the September brocante tour.  If you would like any further information, just leave a comment below or drop me an email right HERE.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

18 comments

Suzanne June 19, 2015 - 10:05 pm

Sharon, my husband and I will be in Paris for the first time next Saturday. We arrive at 8:00 am. Our hotel is near the Eiffel Tower. Would you recommend a close flea market in that area? our whole day is free to wander, and in Sunday we start a tour. Merci, Suzanne

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Sue June 19, 2015 - 10:15 pm

oh that old worn and tattered leather sofa looks inviting, I bet it has a lot of stories it could tell…great find…sue

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Judy Parsons June 19, 2015 - 10:40 pm

I would like info about your September brocante tour.
Thank you

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Janie June 20, 2015 - 1:50 am

Is this the Judy Parsons I know?

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Susan (une femme) June 19, 2015 - 10:43 pm

Cligancourt is such a fun place to explore! Hope to get by there again next year when we visit.

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e konya June 19, 2015 - 10:47 pm

would be interested in information on the vacancy you have for the september tour…..it sounds wonderful

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Janet June 20, 2015 - 12:14 am

Hi Sharon. I love your blog and all your lovely items, it’s the only one I read. I am coming to France and staying near Fougeres at the beginning of July. Can you recommend any brocantes or shop/dealers to visit please? Thank you so much
Janet

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Pamela June 20, 2015 - 12:21 am

Hello, I would be interested in the brocante tour in September. Please contact me if there is still an opening. Thank you!

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Monica June 20, 2015 - 1:02 am

So, so beautiful! All of it………. the flowers, the words and the thought of this kind of beautiful life existing somewhere in the world.

Thank you for sharing so beautifully.

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Deborah June 20, 2015 - 1:16 am

Sharon,
I had been interested last year of your trips and thought for sure that I would be able to go this fall. Unfortunately, my daughter decided to get married on October 10, of this fall and I am not going to be able to attend although I am thrilled for her! Could you please keep me on your list for possibly next year? Thank you and sorry I cannot attend!

Sincerely,
Deborah Dearon

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Pamela June 20, 2015 - 5:03 am

It was so nice to read your blog again….love the peonies they are just beautiful, the curtains look cool. While I was reading your post I was think of sorta ways to us the curtains. The possibilities were fun to come up with….Thank you for sharing your finds.
Have a great day.
Pam

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Heather in Arles June 20, 2015 - 9:38 am

Still dreaming about that sofa…

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Marilyn Nave June 20, 2015 - 3:17 pm

I LOVE your blog! I am so jealous that you get to live out my fairytale. Thank you for opening the door to what I can only dream about.

https://nspiredtonspire.blogspot.com

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Agnes Irene June 20, 2015 - 6:41 pm

What a lovely way to spend a day! I live in a cramped NYC apartment, but I’m definitely going to the Paris flea markets the next time I’m in Paris – I’ll find something that fits. For the time being, I’m just going to buy some peonies and strew them around my apartment.
Agnes Irene

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Emm June 20, 2015 - 8:24 pm

The plates on the wall in that group-of-three look very interesting!

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carol Transou June 20, 2015 - 11:59 pm

Do you ever go to the Vanves market — open on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

We found several lovely things there – and I am told by friends living there now that

there are regular vide grenier (do I have that right?) that occur in areas of the city

regularly.

Carol – love those curtains — I wallpapered a hall in toile de jouy – nice.

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travelling June 23, 2015 - 2:41 pm

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Lou Burchell June 24, 2015 - 11:45 am

Hi
Love all your beautiful photos ,
Please send me details of your September tour if any space still available

Thank you

Lou

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