A sunny Saturday afternoon and Expat husband and I are off to the St.Ouen flea market on our little Italian vespa. Weekend traffic in Paris can be terrible.
You really don't need to be looking for any specific object - in fact it is probably better you don't - because you'll either return empty handed or with all kinds of trinkets you didn't even knew you needed. However, it is a fantastic place to shoot photos... again and again and again...
The business of collecting (scrap metal, antique jewellery, furniture, old books) has been part of Paris life for ever. At night, rag-and-bone men biffins, or crocheteurs travelled through the capital in search of their loot. Driven out of the city at the end of the 19th century by the new authorities anxious to clean up the capital, these rag-and bone men set up camp and hovel between the fortifications and the first houses built in the village of Saint-Ouen. Little by little, it wasn't long before open-air cafés and dance halls appeared, along with numerous stalls where the people of Paris would come by on a Sunday to stroll and perhaps stop for a small glass of white wine.
In 2001, the entire marketplace was classified as Zone de Protection du Patrimoine Architectural Urbain et Paysager (urban architectural landscape heritage protection zone ) for its very unusual atmosphere. There are more than 2000 boutiques spread out into 16 markets and spilling over into several surrounding streets.
Les Puces is known as one of the largest Flea Market in the world.
So, let's start with a real Neapolitan coffee!
An eclectic mix
Caught my eye
I have always had my eye on these kind of 1970s champagne glasses.
My husband informs me his Mamma has plenty of these in the cellar in Napoli.
It's all in the presentation
Seems like a scene out of a French movie
Made me smile big time
Thanks to little brothers and car-mad sons you recognise the models
Loved the colour composition
Blast from the past!
We could do with a big miroir louis xv in our entrance, couldn't we?!?
This painting hit home... literally!
Thinking of my knitting Mexican friend
Expat hubby does not believe I started skiing with these bindings.
If ever we acquire a chambre de bonne... this could become its direct access!
Caught my husband's eye!
Impressive "stand"
I'll have the pair to take home please.
Funky dining room chairs... to bad that don't come in pink!
Please can we have a rest?
These round mirrors might fit our entrance better?
Someone got lost!
Aperitivo time!
My absolute favourite fairy tale when I was a little girl.
I love kitch!
One day... when we live in the country?!?
Paris or Las Vegas?
Gotta love those old-fashion globes
Wondering what's behind those walls?
A touch of pink and an amazing smell.
Clutter that someone will be interested in buying.
No one home?
Someone emptied their attic.
Where to start?
Feeling artistic!
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