How Do You Shop For Antiques In Paris?
Expect to find everything from Louis XIV chairs in Paris’ antique shops to turn-of-the-century bronze figurines in the infamous Marche aux Puces (the flea markets). Know what you want before you begin to shop, and understand the period to ensure you’re paying a fair price and not getting duped by fakes. Look for very high-end, exclusive period furniture and home accessories on the Left Bank. Wander the little streets between Rue du Bac and Rue du Seine that wind their way from the river to Boulevard St.-Germain – you’ll find antique shops favoring European, French and some Asian pieces. Prices are seldom negotiable, but packaging and shipping are happily arranged. Catch the Metro, destination Clingnancourt, on Saturday, Sunday or Monday to experience the grandest and most famous Parisian flea market: Puces de St.-Ouen. It boasts more than 2,000 vendors who sell everything from paintings to photographs, clocks to oil lamps, tapestries to watches. Don’t let the shabby surroundings of som
