Vanves Flea Market
The first time I went to Paris, I just had to go to the huge and famous Puces Saint-Ouen flea market at the Porte de Clignacort Metro station. That is where Flea Markets of France
This time, I wanted something with more of a neighborhood flea market
The Vanves flea market is accessible by Metro and is just a short walk from the Porte de Vanves station. It is located on Line 13, Southwest of the center of Paris. I round the corner and this is what I see.
My heart skips a beat, for the thrill of uncovering a treasure is upon me. I look down the sidewalk and it appears endless. *Joy* *Rapture*
I found these lovely old letter stamps
This cute little fabric elephant, seemingly tied to some wrought iron candlesticks, in case he was thinking of making a clean get-away!
Proof that you can find anything at a flea market. The butterflies are a maybe, but a definite NO on the bugs. Eewww.
I spent quite a bit of time at this booth. The vendors name is Julia and the name of her business is Missy.
She has lovely old French fabric
And buttons galore! More buttons than the eyes can process at one time..
She also had lots of great old French containers. I love the color of these. I think they were used to hold bandages. What would you use them for?
Or what about these? If memory serves me correctly, these were little French compacts filled with powder. I love that French green and silver tag.
Honestly, I was stopped many times while trying to take pictures. There were many lovely things to take photos of, but some of the vendors were not happy with me or my camera. Julia on the other hand was quite gracious. She let me snap all the shots I wanted after I asked nicely. I also know that Catherine Deneuve comes to this flea market, so I inquired with Julia. She told me that she was in fact there a few weeks back, and that she was seen crying. Oh, how sad. Maybe we will have a happy sighting of the French beauty.
I know you have heard of Vichy
This is my favorite shot. This is what a flea market means to me. It epitomizes everything I love about flea markets. First, I love the van, pulled right up to the sidewalk, doors open, displaying it’s vendors wears. Ties, pictures, boxes of buried treasure. But my favorite item is of course, the chandelier. Isn’t it beautiful, shining brightly amongst all the clutter? Perfect for your Paris Apartment
I happened to hear some American ladies in front of me, conversing with their American friend who now lives in Paris. She was offering a lesson about French flea markets. She told them, “While everything is lovely in Paris, you will not score any deals here. For that, you must go to the South of France.” I am not sure I agree but I am sure my friend Corey knows a thing or two about that!
Porte de Vanves
Open Saturday & Sunday
avenue Marc Sangnier & avenue George Lafenestre
Metro: Porte de Vanves (line 13)
06 88 64 82 77
http://pucesdevanves.typepad.com/
Missy
visit them at the Porte de Vanves or
06 81 56 51 46
03 25 40 43 15
missy.france@club-internet.fr
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December 15th, 2007
Dear Robin,
Thank you for taking me to the flea with you. What fun it would be to stroll around and treasure hunt with you. Maybe one of these days we will!!
Nothing like the thrill of the hunt, especially in France!!
Hope your holidays are going well!
xox
Constance
December 15th, 2007
Constance,
I could think of nothing more fun thatn for us to go to the flea market!! Maybe once Spring comes, we can meet in NYC and go to a few there!! And I hope your Holidays are going well too
December 16th, 2007
You definitely make my heart ache for France.
I enjoy your blog
Merci !
December 16th, 2007
Country French Antiques~ Welcome! You are too sweet
I must head over you check out your blog!
December 16th, 2007
Robin,
Thanks for the beautiful pics…and I got your card!!! Merci beaucoup! You should check out my blog for pics of our new puppy coming home with us after our Paris trip!!!
Angie
December 16th, 2007
I want to go to France!!! Love the post. Thank you for giving us a beautiful pictures.
December 16th, 2007
What fun photos…and what a fun time.
I tagged you with a Christmas Meme. Have fun.
December 16th, 2007
That big flying bug is scary.
December 16th, 2007
Angie~ You are welcome! Oh no…i can never resist a cute puppy! Be right over!
Anytim..that’s what I am here for!!
Anne~ Join the club
Jeni~ Oh la la! More Christmas fun!! Be right over
Maryann~ No kidding! Chris was having a ball, but I wanted no part of it. Eeek!!
December 16th, 2007
Hi Robin,
Glad to be a part of this great post! Your fave pic is mine too…but i disagree with the women you overheard. vanves is THE place for bargains, home of the 1 euro treasures!
December 16th, 2007
oh, thank you, thank you
for this quick trip to paris!
i could have *so* done
all my holiday shopping right here
from your photos!
i feel the same way
about the smaller neighborhood flea markets
being the best.
catherine deneuve crying?
oh,
someone must have bought
the very thing she came back for…
always buy it when you first see it, catherine,
always!
December 16th, 2007
Claudia~
I had to pinch myself!! Is it really you???? Love, love, love your book…and the whole concept!! I loved Vanves…and found quite a few treasures there worth buying…good deals to be had!! Thanks for the nice comments and please come back soon!!!
SomePinkFlowers~ Hahahahaha!!! I am rolling on the floor about that Catherine Deneuve crack!!! I agree though…if you love it, buy it when you see it…you’ll kick yourself if you don’t!!!
December 18th, 2007
Guess what ?? I’ve never been to Vanves …And Corey is telling to go . With these wonderful pictures , I want to go now ..
December 18th, 2007
Melanie~
Yes, yes, yes!!! Do go…and bring me with you
December 19th, 2007
Vanves is one of my favorite markets, and on eof the stands that you took photos of is my favorite!
The taxidermy is wonderful too!
Great post!
December 19th, 2007
Corey~
Oh that is too funny that one is your favorite!!! I am so glad you like Vanves
December 22nd, 2007
This is my favourite Paris flea market, for reasons you’ve described. xo
December 24th, 2007
Oh how fun! That elephant though…Italians would think it’s bad luck since the trunk is down, but maybe all those colors make up for it
April 16th, 2008
Oh, that really looks wonderful. i want to go!!!!!!