buying french antiques

by Sharon Santoni

china and glass displayed on white shelves

Our antique and brocante fair season will soon be under way again, and I am excited about the treasure that I haven’t even seen yet, but am sure to find, and about all the wonderful clients that I shall be hosting this year, be they returning clients who have now become friends, or first time buyers, looking for antiques on the September tour.

vintage suitcases with french flag

This spring I’ll be shopping with returning clients.  Several of my professional buyers book their dates from one year to the next, each have their own favourite fairs that we shall go to, and each will arrive with a mile-long wish list for their outlet back home on the other side of the world.

chateau at the end of path through field

And then of course I have my September group tour, I can hardly believe that this will be the fifth edition!    Every year I love meeting new clients from all sides of the globe, coming together to spend six days hunting down brocante treasure and enjoying this gorgeous part of France.

white folding chairs around french blue metal garden table

Besides the shopping, it is also the camaraderie in the group that is fun.   The friendships that are born between people who have never met before, the jokes we share, the meals we enjoy while we are out and about at fairs or on the road driving from one dealer to the next.

antique wicker bottle carriers

The antique dealers here in Normandy and Paris know me well.  They greet us with an open door and warm smile and they always aim to give us the best prices because they know that I come back … often!

If you would like to come shopping here with me you would be most welcome to join the September tour, which runs this year from Wednesday 21st to Monday 26th.   There are still spaces available and the itinerary will include big fairs, small fairs, tiny hidden antique stores, great food, great wine and accommodation in an 18th century château.

charming french country garden

If you already have a group together, friends or family, and would like me to put together a tailor made itinerary just for you, then get in touch.  I do this every year and it’s always fun.  We can shop shop shop, or mix up brocante buying with visiting gardens, or a cookery lesson or visit  the landing beaches.   There are so many options.   If you would like more information about my tours just leave a comment below or email me HERE and I shall get straight back to you.

I hope that 2016 is the year that we get to meet, and I can show you this gorgeous corner of France and help you find something special to take home and treasure.

PS.  These wonderful pictures are by Joel of Studio EMP who tagged along last year while his wife Jeni did some serious shopping for Found Rentals!

48 comments

Bev Cook February 8, 2016 - 3:42 pm

What are the dates of your September tour?

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Cynthia February 8, 2016 - 7:02 pm

Id love to know as well please

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Anne Sommerskov February 8, 2016 - 3:46 pm

Would very much like more info on the September tour 🙂

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Helen Robinson February 9, 2016 - 8:12 am

Hi Sharon,
Could you tell me how much the tour costs please?
I would very much like to come.
Kind regards
Helen

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Liz Chase February 11, 2016 - 5:59 pm

Please send me info about the September dates.

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Sharon Santoni February 8, 2016 - 3:46 pm

Oops! Thank you for that question Bev, the tour starts on Wednesday 21st and ends on Monday 26th September.

I’ll correct that omission in the blog post straight away 🙂

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Christine Dickinson February 8, 2016 - 4:24 pm

Hi I am interested in your brocante tour.What is the cost?Do you offer a mini version?3 days?Also curious about your rental.Planning a trip with my husband Paris/South of France/Italy this August/September would like some info on your rental.Thank you do much!-Christine

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Justine February 8, 2016 - 4:25 pm

Please may I have details of your September tour.
Many thanks.

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Madeline February 8, 2016 - 4:33 pm

My daughter and I fondly reminisce about our September 2014 tour with you and the great “finds” we purchased. We still hear, from time to time, from our tour mates.
Oh how we dream of returning and doing it all again.
Ours was truly a wonderful Mother/Daughter experience.
Tell Fred hello. We loved staying in her Gardeners Cottage at the Chateau.
We really miss you and France,
Madeline in Texas

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Sharon Santoni February 8, 2016 - 4:40 pm

Hi Madeline, thank you for your lovely comment, it was a pleasure to host you and Susan, can you believe that was almost two years ago?!
I loved the way your group really came together, and have all kept in touch ever since
with love from Normandy to Texas

Sharon

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Susan Anderson February 11, 2016 - 11:02 pm

It was a trip of a lifetime (not to be cliche) and something I’ll always remember. What fun we had! Thanks, Mom for introducing me to Sharon’s blog! A special thanks to Sharon for letting me come along 🙂
Susan in Boston

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Monica February 8, 2016 - 4:55 pm

I am interested and would like to know the cost of the tour. It will be just me, Monica, coming. Thank you!

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Judee Dufresne February 8, 2016 - 5:09 pm

Just to read and dream about this and to know you are there offering this is a treasure to me. It is elegance waiting!!!

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Our French Oasis February 8, 2016 - 5:38 pm

I just loved reading this, on a very very windy winter’s day. It reminded me that Spring is just around the corner, another month and brocante fairs will once again become a weekend adventure, signs will start to be posted on roads advertising upcoming dates. Oh I can’t wait for Spring in France!

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Tina White February 8, 2016 - 5:42 pm

Can you please send details about the chateau and costs of the trip, I assume that flights and transfers would be an additional cost?
Many thanks

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Anne Woods February 8, 2016 - 5:58 pm

A friend and I are interested in a 2017 trip (we’ll both be turning 65 that year!). You probably don’t have dates yet but could you give an idea of the price of such a tour with you? Merci bien.

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Pam February 9, 2016 - 2:51 pm

I am interested in knowing the details. Merci! Also curious of the cost in renting our your cottage. Thank you

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Brenda Oehmig February 8, 2016 - 6:22 pm

Could you please send me the cost of your September your and the relevant information.
Thank you…this is my dream.

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Sandra Walsh February 8, 2016 - 6:59 pm

Date and Cost of 2016 tour?
Cost of accommodations?
Plane, etc will be paid personally

I would be interested in more information for the 2016 tours.
Thank you very much. Sandra

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Sharon February 8, 2016 - 7:00 pm

I would like information on your September tour.
Thank you!

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Lin Cargo February 8, 2016 - 7:18 pm

Would like further 2016 information, including costs, along with 2017 dates if you have them.

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Jeanie February 8, 2016 - 8:00 pm

How wonderful you offer these amazing opportunities, Sharon. I do hope to join you one day…

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Teena Winter February 8, 2016 - 9:20 pm

Yes another person interested! could you send me the cost of the Sept tour. We are planning to visit you next year 2017 so if you have dates for that and costs that would be very helpful. Thanks Sharon
Teena

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francetaste February 8, 2016 - 9:32 pm

Is it difficult to get shipments through customs? I have too many antiques–we just bought an extensively furnished 17th century apartment in Carcassonne that we’re renovating– and friends/family in the U.S. would love them. But I’m put off by the paperwork.

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Sharon February 9, 2016 - 7:14 am

You simply work with a good shipper who will need an inventor everything you want to ship. They deal with the paperwork and you pay the bill and the custom duties!

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Wendy February 8, 2016 - 11:22 pm

Could you send further details of the September tour please.

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JaneEllen February 9, 2016 - 12:13 am

Wow, looks like you will be quite busy for some time to come. How exciting for you to meet more people and have them join your tours. Wish I could be one of them, should I put it on my bucket list? Unless we win the lottery or ? don’t see it happening but never hurts to dream and wish does it? The photos you shared are exquisite, love the yellow fields most of all. How dreamy they are.
Hope you have wonderful week

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Nancy Brantley February 9, 2016 - 3:13 am

Would love to know the cost for me and my husband for your September tour. We have never been due to expense so I am looking forward to your response. Thank you

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Karen Armenta February 9, 2016 - 5:44 am

Hello Sharon,
My sister and I would love to join you and your group for either your 2016 or 2017 tours.
Would appreciate details such as prices, itineraries etc..
I will be in Normandy on May 31st ,2016,but only for one day as my husband and I are on a Cruise. Are there any flea markets that you know of that I might be able to catch while there?
Otherwise, of course I will want to return in September for what sounds fabulous!
Sincere regards,
Karen

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Michele February 9, 2016 - 12:39 pm

This would be a dream come true! Details would be much appreciated. Bonne journée!

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Pamela Collins February 9, 2016 - 1:40 pm

I would love to know the details of the September tour. It sounds wonderful!
Thank you,
Pamela

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Meg Veno February 9, 2016 - 1:47 pm

Hello Sharon! Would love to get pricing on your Sept tour for 2 people that has been on my radar screen for a couple of years! Hopefully there is room for this year! We would be buying for our business back in the states. Can you also give info on how we secure the tour once we receive the pricing? Would love to move forward on this as soon as possible!
Thank you Sharon!!

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Karena February 9, 2016 - 4:45 pm

Sharon, I can see that your group for antique shopping will be expanding, with so much interest! This is a trip that is definitely at the top of my list!,

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botanic bleu February 9, 2016 - 8:12 pm

Sharon,
One day… a dream to shop brocante with you in beautiful France… Perhaps 2017… could you send details about the September tour?

Judith

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Hilary Tipper February 9, 2016 - 11:32 pm

On a totally different note, whatever happened to the rest of the story you posted on 20th December. I keep hoping to see what happened. Best wishes. x

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Christine Moore February 10, 2016 - 7:54 am

Hello Sharon,
I’ll be in France during the time of your September tour and would appreciate it if you would please send me all the pertinent details.
Many thanks!

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Maggie Johnson February 10, 2016 - 9:06 am

I would love details of dates and costs for the September tour. Thanks!

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beverly February 10, 2016 - 7:13 pm

I also would like to know the costs — the transportation needed to get to your “part of the world”, etc.

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Alexandra Praturlon Gorman February 10, 2016 - 8:32 pm

I am about to buy a beautiful French Manor House in the Loire and would adore being part of your tour. Merci xox

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Beth Williams February 11, 2016 - 12:31 am

not a comment on today’s posting, but I just reread last summer’s story–so much fun. I am anxious/greedy to know what Sophie is up to and do hope that there will be another story this coming summer.

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Janet February 12, 2016 - 3:19 pm

Hello Sharon. Would you be so kind as to forward me information regarding your tours. Thank you and have a good day.

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Daniela February 12, 2016 - 9:35 pm

Dear Sharon,
I would love to get more information and details about your September 2016 event.
Best,
Daniela

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Jan Bell February 14, 2016 - 4:09 pm

Hi Sharon,
My daughters and I have a “plan” to come to France and your tour would fill that dream. I would need to know more than the dates; accommodation prices, tour fees, what is the best place to fly into from the States, etc. We will either plan to come 2016 or 17. Thank you for your time and we look so forward to this experience!

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Serena Lansburg February 15, 2016 - 12:02 pm

Dear Sharon,

Please send me details regarding your upcoming tours. My husband is taking me to Paris and Provence on April 5-15 2016! This trip is a gift for my 50th birthday. Any recommendations? Love love your blog!!!

Thank you,
Serena

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Susan Sands February 19, 2016 - 6:34 am

Hi Sharon,
I found your blog through your beautiful instagram account -thank you for sharing such beautiful images!
My daughter and her husband are in Bourges for three months (for his work) and we are coming to visit and will be in Paris from March 10-March 15. The Chatou Fair will be going on and I think it sounds like a wonderful fair to visit! Do you have any recommendations for shopping there? Do you lead shopping trips at this fair?
I would appreciate any advice you have to share. Thank you!

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Deborah Lindsay February 19, 2016 - 10:23 pm

My bags are packed for September!

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Tami Docherty February 25, 2016 - 3:15 pm

Sharon,

Please send me details of your September tour,, Do husbands attend at times?

We are planning a trip to France, possibly this September, more likely 2017…

I love your blog, and enjoy all your beautiful pictures. I’ve never been to France, and I am already in love with it…. Merci…

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Alex Dergalis July 17, 2016 - 7:35 pm

Interested in coming in sept please contact me

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