French versionFor antique lovers, winter is the ideal time to go treasure hunting in Paris.
Indeed, the city offers many locations to fulfill this quest: flea markets, auction houses, and the many small antique shops in areas such as Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, the Marais …
The flea market in Saint-Ouen – which includes 15 different markets – remains the “attic of the world”, holding an incredible variety of beautiful pieces from all eras.
Art Deco style is still going strong, with stands presenting magnificent and sometimes monumental pieces. Large shops can be found when entering rue des Rosiers, the antique flea market’s main street. The elegant lines of the furniture associated with the beautiful polish of the precious woods stand out and make you want to caress the pieces. For those loving gilded furniture, the Saint-Ouen flea market is paradise found: armchairs, desks, tables, chandeliers… anything you have ever wanted to create a house of gold!
New spaces dedicated to retro furniture – one of the latest trends in decorating – have sprouted all over the flea market.In an area that looks like a village with a coffee shop around a paved courtyard, is L’Eclaireur. The gallery presents the most incredible contemporary pieces, so beautiful and different that you will immediately feel like redecorating your entire home.
Another great location for your Paris treasure hunt is the Drouot auction house in the 9th arrondissement. There, with some luck, you will manage to acquire the piece you have been dreaming of at a very good price. You can go from one room to the next, checking out on different auctions at the same time. All pieces can be previewed prior to auction.
A car service with a knowledgeable chauffeur will be a great addition to help you make the best of your hunt, carrying your treasures, lending you an umbrella and showing you the best places to shop.