An antique dealer entertains shoppers with his guitar skills Sunday morning on Avenue Marc Sangnier at the Puce de Vanves. Susan of Soozphotoz and her daughter Sara and I spent the morning shopping and chatting and shopping and chatting. No, I can't show you my purchases, which are for friends I'll be seeing during my travels in May.
A curious keyboard on wheels on Avenue Georges Lafenestre. The flea market at Vanves is open every Saturday and Sunday morning. Plan on arriving early for the best choice.
A group of cane-bottomed bistro chairs.
Vintage Barbies, complete with original box. Susan and I remember the Barbies in the yellow-and-white lace dress and strapless striped one from childhood.
After walking right by the market and getting lost for an hour, we finally (with the help of a friendly passerby who overheard me saying unkind things to my unhelpful map) found it and had a lovely time. I think I completely exhausted my hubby who had no idea it would be so big. Good thing we didn't try the larger market. I found a few things tiny enough to buy and fit in the luggage, other lovelies I had to settle for photos of them. I saw the same guy playing the keyboard on wheels.
Posted by: Laume | 08 May 2008 at 03:52
Oh I so love fleamarkets. Here in NZ you have garage sales and school fairs instead.
Next year I am in Holland with Queens birthday and than the whole of Holland will be one flee market.
Posted by: marja | 02 May 2008 at 05:01
Oh, that looks like a fun place to roam on the weekends, Tara! I remember the middle Barbie with the red suit and faux fur collar. By the time my sister and I got her secondhand she looked like she had gone through the ringer (washing machine). She became our Vixen Barbie.
Posted by: susanna | 02 May 2008 at 02:22
I had the yellow and white number, too! These are fabulous photos, but the Barbies do bring back so many memories!
Posted by: Jeanie | 01 May 2008 at 23:46
The first Barbie I remember buying for myself was like the one on the far left with a side braid and flower-power dress. I'm only a little freaked out to see it in a "vintage" collection!
Posted by: Laura Benedict | 01 May 2008 at 21:32
I just looked again. I really like that yellow and white dress. I want one!!
Posted by: rochambeau | 01 May 2008 at 19:46
I remember that yellow and white dress too!
Love all the Bab's
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 01 May 2008 at 19:45
Looks like a great day out. I remember when Barbie dolls didn't have curvy figures :(
Posted by: Di Overton | 01 May 2008 at 18:26
hey Tara!
this place looks amazing.
we are coming to Paris next weekend (arrive Thursday night of the 8th and leave again Monday 12th).
i love second-hand stores and would love some tips on some of the top places you'd recommend we visit.
we'd also love to catch up with you if you are around?
leonie
Posted by: leonie | 01 May 2008 at 17:00
I do love the Barbie's! Dressing them was my favorite thing to do-my Barbie's were the fashion plates of the neighborhood :)
Looks like a wonderful day - say Hi to Susan for me!
Posted by: Becca | 01 May 2008 at 16:47
I can just picture myself strolling along here, love your new banner too....where is that pic taken?
x..x
Tara responds:
The photo of trotters in training was taken on a beach at Normandy, France.
Posted by: stephanie | 01 May 2008 at 16:14
Ah Vanves! It's my favorite one! Not too pricey but not too junky. (Well, you can't really be too junky can you? By that I mean no discount auto parts :) )
My girlfriends and I would run away from home in Clermont twice a year to shop those tables. What wonderful treasures!
Thank you Tara!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | 30 April 2008 at 22:47
What terrific Barbie's. What memories!!
Posted by: annieelf | 30 April 2008 at 20:31
I want to comment on the Barbie's too. I played with Barbie Dolls for hours on end and I am of the age where I recognize those particular Barbie faces. (not the dresses. My Barbies never had such frocks.)
I have even have a book of poems about Barbies. If I can get my hands on it, I will send you my favorite.
Posted by: kim | 30 April 2008 at 18:48
These pictures are so sweet. I love the Barbies and the chairs. I would love to have one of those chairs..sigh... Now Tara, you were being a tease with your purchases. I love the stuff you buy.
Posted by: Yoli | 30 April 2008 at 18:25
I'm glad that you got away with taking photos! (Do what we do, just take them! ;D)
The Barbies are adorable. They are very well dressed young ladies!!
xo
Posted by: Gillian | 30 April 2008 at 16:22
Your photos of this market bring back memories. Unfortunately, it was February and raining buckets when I was there. Still found some great things, however.
Posted by: Eileen | 30 April 2008 at 15:29
I loved Vanves. Great shopping!! Must say though I got scolded a few times for taking pictures. One vendor was downright rude about it!
Glad you found a few treasures!
Posted by: My Melange | 30 April 2008 at 14:13