There are places in France that quietly become part of your life, almost without you noticing. The Chatou Antique Fair is one of those places for me.
I have been going to the Chatou Antique Fair for years. Long before I ever thought of writing a book, long before My French Country Home had grown into what it is today, Chatou was already part of my rhythm. It is a place I return to season after season, knowing that no two visits are ever the same. The fair has a way of surprising you – an unexpected object, a familiar dealer with a new treasure, a conversation that lingers long after the day is done.
As my work with MFCH evolved, it felt natural to begin bringing my tours to Chatou. This is a place where you learn by walking, by looking, and by taking your time. Together, we wander throught the stands, talk about how to ask the right questions, how to understand quality, and how to trust your instinct. I love watching that moment when someone realises they don’t need to be an expert to recognise something beautiful or meaningful.
Over time, the fair became about much more than objects – it became a place of connection. One of the great joys of the Chatou Antique Fair is the relationships I have built with dealers over the years. Many return to the same spot season after season, and our conversations have grown into genuine friendships. There is a trust here, shared history, and a mutual respect for craftsmanship and authenticity.
The Foire de Chatou has a long and fascinating history. Its roots stretch back to the medieval foire aux jambons (ham fair) held in Paris near Notre-Dame, where food producers and merchants gathered to sell their goods. Over centuries, second-hand dealers and brocanteurs joined the mix, and by the 1970’s the fair had grown so large that it moved west to Chatou. Today, it unfolds on the Île des Impressionnistes, where Monet, Renoir, and Degas once set up their easels – a setting that feels almost poetic for a fair devoted to objects rich with stories.
Walking through Chatou today is a richly layered experience. You’ll find everything from fine furniture and silver to humble, soulful objects that show the beauty of everyday life. Dealers are generous with their knowledge, expert appraisers are on hand, and international shippers quietly prepare pieces for their next journey abroad. Between aisles, visitors pause along the river, enjoying regional food specialities, and soak in the atmosphere that makes this fair so unique.
This March, Chatou feels especially meaningful to me. I am happy to share that I will be hosting a book signing for my new book, The Art of Antiquing in France, on March 13th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. To mark this moment in a place that has shaped so much of my life in France feels wonderfully full circle. I’ll be on the stand of my friends, La Galerie du Crabe, and details will be on my Instagram.
If you are visiting the fair, I would love for you to stop by, say hello, and share a moment together. Chatou has always been more about objects for me – it’s also about connection, discovery, and the quiet pleasure of returning to a place that feels like home.