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The phrase " antique buying trip " conjures images of dreamy days browsing flea markets with a baguette in hand ... armoire, and chandelier shopping, followed by a fromage dejeuner with a pale pink Provençal rosé .
While the reality is a little less glamorous. I won't lie; sourcing is the best part of our business, especially in France, where 'dealing' is a way of life. Buying trips are always a heady mix - equal parts inspiration and exhaustion.😊
FYI - never stand between a dealer and their lunch :)
One thing that never changes on buying trips is the early start (not ideal when travelling with kids). In the days of dial-up internet and no iPhones, the world of antiques was our daughters only entertainment and distraction - along with quite a few chocolate chaud and pain au chocolates. Not such a bad thing on reflection … But antique shopping can be very tiring for four year olds.
Winter trips were the most challenging, but seeing Paris under snow was the compensation - always an extraordinary experience. I took the snowy Paris rooftop image from the top floor of the Pompidou Centre. Over time, we were able to plan our buying trips around the European summer!🙂
The mecca for antique dealers is France, and there is no bigger antique market than the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, also known as Les Puce or Clignancourt. Depending on your love of markets and vintage shopping, this labyrinth of alleyways maybe your idea of heaven or hell. With 15 separate markets and more than 100,000 visitors on weekends, it pays to do your homework before you arrive. But be warned, prices are eye-watering ... & that's before you factor in taxes & shipping to the other side of the world.
On all buying trips you need timeand an incredibly good set of eyes focused on finding the gems amongst acres of junk and often poorly made pieces. It’s all part of the journey, and we love the challenge of bringing home the booty - even if it is a little exhausting!
Buying trips are a unique kind of travel.Our schedule is pretty packed, but finding cool stuff makes it worthwhile. With each buying trip we become a little more French in our approach, a little lunch with a glass of something, regardless of time or place...
There is no rule book when it comes to buying antiques or being a dealer, but French dealers are a constant inspiration for that work-life balance!
https://pucesdevanves.com/
https://www.pucesdeparissaintouen.com/les-puces/
https://www.lespuces-portedemontreuil.com/
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