the authentic french kitchen accessory … and where to buy it!

by Sharon Santoni

 

If you come to Paris hoping to find  something truly French to take home and use every day then you need to check out the store of my friend François at the Paris Flea Market.

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Bachelier Antiquités is a reference here.  François tells me that he learnt all about antiques from his mother, who let him help her out from the age of 12.   Twenty years ago he established his store in Paris, where he specialises in anything to do with the kitchen and wine.    On two floors, it is big and beautifully presented.  I don’t know who does the dusting here, but I wouldn’t want that job!

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I never go to the flea market without stopping off to say hello, and check out his newly arrived items. I buy here for myself and for clients and I dream of the day when I can find a home for one of his fantastic old stoves – just look at these!

You never know who you’ll bump into in this store, which is a favourite haunt of France’s most well known chefs.  In particular in November when, every two years, François and his wife organise a terrine competition.  Drawing entries from around the world, the creator of the most delicious terrine sees himself honoured by world class chefs and by the flea market public!

Walking into here is like walking into a candy store.  There is copper, and wooden boards, baskets and corkscrews.  Ornate butchers blocks,  and shelf upon shelf of antique paté moulds and ceramic pitchers.  A dedicated cook’s idea of paradise!  François is a fount of knowledge.  He can talk to you about why one region of France produces green water pitchers, while another will bottle cider in ceramic.

If you have a wine afficionado in the family, then this is the place to come for a special gift.  Nothing is reproduction here, each item authentic and dated.  And if the copper looks in such condition, it is because François has each piece lovingly restored, so it can be used as well as admired.

Bachelier Antiquités is to be found in the Marché Paul Bert, at St Ouen.  And if you meet François, be sure to say hi from me – I guarantee it will make him smile!

Bachelier Antiquités

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29 comments

Nancy December 8, 2013 - 4:26 pm

Oh what wonderful pictures!! I would love some copper pots and cutting boards! The stove is just a beautiful piece of art….thanks for a lovely excursion from my kitchen table!

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Mariecapucine December 8, 2013 - 4:57 pm

Magnifique !
Merveilleux !
Super !!!
Bravo à Vous et Merci beaucoup.
Cordialement,
Mariecapucine

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Cindy December 8, 2013 - 4:58 pm

G R E A T Pictures. I loved everything, but particularly the terrines.

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May December 8, 2013 - 5:02 pm

Wonderful post!
My heart leapt when I saw that old stove.
(Link at the bottom didn’t work.)

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Sharon SANTONI December 8, 2013 - 5:23 pm

thanks May, off to fix it!

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Emm December 8, 2013 - 5:03 pm

Oh, be still my heart! All that gorgeous copper. I have a couple of older saucepans I’ve been dragging around for years, not willing to get rid of them but with nowhere to get them retinned. Clearly, I’ll have to take them back to Paris.

And the tiled stove in your fourth picture, oh my. *shuffles off to think about redecorating the kitchen*

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Cwirth December 8, 2013 - 5:05 pm

Oh to walk in that store myself…your blog is a visual vacation for the heart and soul. Someday, when my ship comes in…sigh.
(and the link at the bottom did not work for me either).

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Marika Ujvari December 8, 2013 - 5:06 pm

How are those beautiful copper pots kept from tarnishing??? What is used to shine them up?

Marika

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Sharon SANTONI December 8, 2013 - 5:24 pm

I believe its called elbow grease Marika …

x

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Karen Sternberg December 8, 2013 - 6:19 pm

I love the photos and I would love to browse away in that shop. My husband is the chef in our house and he would be in heaven. I sent him the link to this post!!
Thanks!

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Nat December 8, 2013 - 5:22 pm

I have known him and his mother for years! I bought there some of my nicest cupper moulds. His antiques cupper ustensiles are the best quality you can find. I am very pleased to read your post Sharon!

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Sharon SANTONI December 8, 2013 - 5:27 pm

Thank you Nat, I guessed some of my readers would already know François

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Colleen Taylor December 8, 2013 - 5:25 pm

What an incredible place Sharon. That stove is priceless & I see you have a new look here at the top. Very festive & oh so lovely.

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Linda Quast December 8, 2013 - 5:49 pm

Sharon,

These photos make me long to visit his shop. The copper is stunning – how I would love a pot for my kitchen. And maybe an old cutting board, as well. Next time in Paris, I will be sure to visit the shop.

Linda

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mimi December 8, 2013 - 7:08 pm

oh, i really wish i could go to this store!!! It would be so expensive to ship everything home, tho!!!

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Kelly December 8, 2013 - 7:44 pm

Oh, the stove!! Oh, the pots!! Magnifique!

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Jeanne McKay Hartmann December 8, 2013 - 9:05 pm

A must for my January Paris visit. Thanks so much for the tip, Sharon! XO

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Pamela December 8, 2013 - 11:33 pm

Many thanks for sharing this info on your friend Francois’ shop at Marche Paul Bert. Truly magical. If I had a French farmhouse would love that blue and white kitchen range. Gorgeous! Will pay them a visit anyway when we’re in Paris next June.
Have been looking for ages for a small saucepan to heat the brandy for the flambé of the Christmas pud. For pancakes/bombe Alaska, le Grand Colbert use a smallish saucepan with a split hinged lid so they can flip up one side to pour the flaming brandy or liqueur over dessert. Much safer that a full open roaring pan. Looks good too. Especially if in copper. Will also try Dehillerin. Best wishes, Pamela

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c December 9, 2013 - 1:45 am

Surprised she didn’t mention Dehillerin, where I bought all my copper, dragging it home on the plane each time I visited Paris, so many years ago. Love that store, so old and unchanged I hope. I heard about it from Julia Child, somehow on her cooking shows probably. Going on line just now, I see that it looks much the same. So comforting to know some things remain authentic, rather than morphing into a boutique! Love following you Sharon. Enjoy this month of festivities! Cynthia

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Kelly December 9, 2013 - 2:07 am

Never visited this store, however I have visited and bough copper pots from Dehillerin’s. When I return to France again will add to my visit.

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Pam December 9, 2013 - 5:59 am

Hi Sharon!!!

The 1st picture had me saying, ‘My old friend copper.’

The 2nd picture had me saying, ‘Bill!! aka hubby, If you don’t see me for a couple
of weeks, I’ll be at Sharon’s!!! ‘In France!!!’

I wanted to dive right into that picture. I use to own 285 pieces of copper. Now I think
I have it down to 30. I find it so warming to have in our house. The stove is AMAZING!!!
It’s just so gorgeous!!! I do have a sister who love anything to do with wine and she loves France!!!! So, I will be telling her about this!!!

I love learning about your friends and area and the people you meet along the way!!!

Have a great week!!!

Pam
xox

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Lucia December 9, 2013 - 8:27 am

Enjoyed looking at your friend Francois’ store and looking forward to making the pear tart! I love your blog and thank you for posting your lovely ideas and recipes.
Lucy

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Laura December 9, 2013 - 2:49 pm

I wish I had known about this place when I was in Paris last summer! Fantastic. I have quite a few copper pots, but they’re much cheaper and lighter American Revereware. They look nice all shined up, though, and they were my mother’s so I treasure them. Thanks for the lovely post.

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Kimberly Walsh December 9, 2013 - 5:28 pm

One of my favorite items is an authentic copper strainer and measuring cups from France, I am drooling over all the bright copper hanging on the walls.

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Peggy Braswell December 9, 2013 - 6:27 pm

Just sent this to a client who is in france now! thank you. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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Geoff December 9, 2013 - 8:25 pm

Thanks for sharing this Sharon. I’ll be in Paris next week so this place has been added to my “must visit” list.

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Pam Greene December 10, 2013 - 7:16 pm

love love love! Can’t wait for my next visit to Paris so I can shop at the market!
{hugs}

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Bainson December 13, 2013 - 7:38 pm

….Quelle ambiance !!! une furieuse envie de faire la cuisine pour les fêtes de fin d’année…Merci pour l’adresse…J’adore!
SORTIE D’USINE MORGNY.

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Bainson December 13, 2013 - 7:39 pm

…Un grand merci à Sharon pour cette belle découverte!!

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