These vintage toys may have seen better days, but they retain their charm. And no matter what language a child speaks, the appeal of these toys is universal. These photos show some of the vintage toys and a "Test your Strength" machine from a circus, all currently on offer at the 74th Foire Nationale a la Brocante et aux Jambons at Ile de Chatou. I went to the brocante for the second time on Monday, which happily was bright and sunny, in contrast with the opening day's rain. I had lunch with a friend, did a little more shopping and took additional photos. The brocante continues through Sunday, March 18th.
The laughter and joy these toys must have brought to so many, if only they could tell us the stories of their lives.
XO
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen Robisnon | 15 March 2007 at 01:16
So many goodies! That "muscle tester" made me smile. I'd be looky-looing at all the fun stuff there, till it closed. Thanks for sharing some of the joy!
Posted by: tinker | 14 March 2007 at 20:27
THAT MONKEY would definitely have my full attention:) darn cute old toys! xo
Posted by: berrie | 14 March 2007 at 17:40
Ooooh! I feel giddy! I cannot imagine how much fun the Brocante is! I wanna go s obad! I wolud be there for days..you'd have to leave me! Thank you s omuch for this little taste!
Posted by: pam aries | 14 March 2007 at 13:16
that monkey reminded me of micheal jackson for some reason; animals in people clothes wouldn't be something I would keep around my house - i always find that very disturbing; like collecting clown figurines...
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 14 March 2007 at 08:55
I love it all - but the monkey thing SCAWES ME!!!!! I know I'm going to see him if I sleep tonight, going EEE EEE EEEEE!!!
I like the elephant, but I would love to have one of those old fortune telling gypsies!!
I'm off to bed. Please no monkeys!!
Posted by: holli | 14 March 2007 at 08:52
Play is timeless! Lovely photos Tara. xx, JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 14 March 2007 at 06:41
GREEN with envy! Maybe better I'm here...as I would no doubt, have no money left there! Enjoy.
Posted by: wendy | 14 March 2007 at 05:34
Tara, Love the toys-especially the horse. It reminds me of a handcarved horse I had as a child. I rode many a mile on her!
Posted by: Flights of Fab Fashion Fancy | 14 March 2007 at 05:19
Why oh why did I spend so much time in Baghdad when I was still alive?? I'm drooling over those toys and Paris photos! Oy vey!
Posted by: Saddam | 14 March 2007 at 05:04
I always enjoy antique toys whenever I'm in an antique shop - what fun!
Posted by: Kara | 14 March 2007 at 03:04
I have a few vintage toys -
mostly tin -
tin phone-
cars etc....
lovely horse!
Posted by: sophie | 14 March 2007 at 02:04
Gorgeous vintage treasures my lovely friend.
Love and hugs and smiles across the miles!
Posted by: Jeanne | 13 March 2007 at 22:07
Not only do I love the toy horse with wheels, I love the photo of it. Great subtle colors and textures!
Posted by: Laura | 13 March 2007 at 20:27
Tar,
I think this week is Tara's Christmas!
Your inner child is showing...and she's adorable.
rel
Posted by: rel | 13 March 2007 at 20:13
That first one would have been a blast! Thanks for reminding us of our inner children. lol XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 13 March 2007 at 20:01
Rust covered or not, that last rocking horse is wonderful!!
Posted by: Heather | 13 March 2007 at 19:09
I love the truck and car. So much neat stuff. :)
Posted by: Brian | 13 March 2007 at 19:02
The horses are great, and I especially like the couple in the super-cool red car, but I almost always find monkey toys a little bit creepy. Perhaps there is a repressed memory in there...
So glad the sun came out!
Posted by: Frida | 13 March 2007 at 18:34
your photos have been so lovely but i sort of can't take it, the desire to be there and seeing with my own eyes.
Posted by: kristen | 13 March 2007 at 17:48
I can't wait to get there. Thanks for letting me know the last day.
Our youngest daughter, the one who lives in Paris has an old wooden rocking horse that is very shabby but that adds to it's charm we all love it and it is being delivered to Paris very soon when she moves from her apartment into a house. Life won't be quite the same.
Posted by: Di Overton | 13 March 2007 at 17:21
What fun I had today visiting your site and seeing your pictures! Thanks so much for sharing them!
Posted by: The Decorated House | 13 March 2007 at 16:51
thanks for sharing your sunny day and beautiful pictures! I love a good flea market, but have only been to one brocante! :-)
Posted by: Hanna | 13 March 2007 at 16:22
my favourite is the first horse (on wheels)... as you say, it has a lot of charm... it reminds me of the old merry-go-rounds ... there is a very old and authentic one in Lyon which is really gorgeous... and still works! (to all children's delight!)
Posted by: Marie-Noëlle | 13 March 2007 at 14:15