Bonjour, my friends! Early summer in Paris has started out surprisingly hot and muggy. As I get overheated easily, I’ve been occupying the midday hours with new photoshoots for licensing clients. Since the flea markets reopened on May 19th, we’ve made a number of visits to them, sourcing props and fun items for the apartment. We’ve also made regular visits to the food markets (which stayed open through the lockdown – they are essential to the Parisian lifestyle) for the abundant flowers that are sold there throughout the year. Each major market has usually two or three excellent flower sellers. I have a partial list in my book Paris in Bloom but our favorites include Marché Avenue President Wilson, Marché Bastille, Marché Maubert and the new-to-us (near our apartment) Marché Raspail. It was there that I found these glorious garden roses and strait-from-the-farm peonies.
Coral Sunset peonies add just the right amount of drama to a vintage cast iron urn. I found the urn for a great price at a street brocante/vide grenier (flea market and garage sale) that was half a block outside our door last weekend, running up the length of Blvd. Raspail. Fortunately, the vendor was close to our front door as I carried it back myself! I’ve been searching for good urns and the prices in shops are very expensive but this one was quite reasonable. Needs a good scrub and some touch ups but it’s watertight and solid. These pop-up flea markets take place all over the city at different weekends. You’ll find professional vendors but also plenty of vide grenier (literally “empty the attic”) stands with vintage clothes, books, records, china and all manner of interesting items.
At the same market, I found this vintage china urn, just the right size for a dozen very fragrant garden roses.
At Les Puces de Vanves in the 14th arrondissement, I found these two china pieces. Serious collectors would note their flaws (fading gilt, for example) but for me, they are perfect. Each is two-sided and utterly charming. When not being used in photoshoots, they sit on the dining room mantel.
At the granddaddy of flea markets, the famous Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, I found these sweet hand-painted prints. Generally, these type of prints are taken from old books and can be picked up for very little money.
And lastly, this small painted table (Italian, 1940s) is one of a pair I picked up from the same antiques vendor who sold us our chandeliers. I love that all these pieces are romantic and elegant but also not overly fussy or serious. They add a touch of glitter and color to our all white apartment.
Until next time, dear friends!
À bientôt!
With love,
Very lovely (items, flowers and photos)!
Thank you, David! Glad you approve!
I’m jealous!
💕
Your eyes only see beauty. Thank you for sharing your artistry.
Thank you so much, Ellen! It’s my pleasure and I appreciate you stopping by. G
Beautiful ! I miss flea markets. It is so much fun. Especially the “vide greniers” I used to do them all the time with my mom. You can find some really good deals and I just love “fouiller partout pour trouver le petit truc qui ressemble à rien mais une fois bien nettoyé est une vraie trouvaille!!”
Much love !
Hello, Valerie!
Yes, the hunt is all part of the fun, isn’t it?
It’s been pretty hot here so haven’t ventured out but this weekend looks cooler so will be back for more adventures!
Love to you, too.
G
Utterly gorgeous finds, magically captured … and the joyful blooms so readily available are an essential part of what I miss of Europe, Paris especially.
I do love Australia but aah Paris, she’s a breathtaking beauty.
Your talent for photography and passion feeds my soul xx
Hi Johanna! That’s so kind of you, thank you! I’ve never been to Australia but it does look such a fabulous place. And I’m very happy that you’ve gotten to experience those wonderful aspects of Europe and Paris. Until you can return here, I’ll do my best to share some special moments. xxx
The flea market finds and flowers are beautiful and wonderful finds. Also, wishing you a lovely summer!
Thank you so much, Veronica! I’m glad you enjoyed the flea market finds. And I wish you a beautiful summer as well! G
Ditto, I’m jealous but thanks so much for sharing. I love the photos, just beautiful. Love the table
Merci, encore, Pat!
My best,
Georgianna
So happy to share in your Parisian adventures, and as always, the beauty and charm of your photos. You really were a little beacon of joy over this past year, so mercy, for your posts and the downloads!
Hi Sandy,
I’m so happy to hear that, thank you. And it’s my pleasure, indeed!
All my best,
Georgianna