On this street of "happiness" in Bercy Village, Paris...
...crystal chandeliers hang from poles in the courtyard, rain or shine.
And the historic Place des Vins de France conceals wondrous delights.
But the Antiquites Brocante currently underway in a big overheated tent is a bit of a disappointment, frankly. No photos allowed. And most of the items are for collectors of specific things, i.e. art from a certain period or 19th-century seals. I stayed only an hour, but did find one treasure: a 19th-century gold gilt and mesh petite hanging lantern from a French church. Some of the faux jewels are missing, but that adds to the charm, n'est pas?
The brocante continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through January 25th. Take Paris Metro line 14 to Cour Saint-Emilion and walk across the street, past the stone buildings, shops and cafes to the big white tent. Tickets are available at the door.
Scroll down to read an additional post today.
At least I found the lantern. And as you said, I have quite a lot of things already!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 12:03
Isn't it awful when you visit a fair and it is a let down? Poor you!
Posted by: Di Overton | 21 January 2009 at 11:17
Yes and you can imagine after indulging in fine wine (as wine warehouses here originally stored much of France's wine), they'd be feeling very merry. :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 19 January 2009 at 12:03
The street of happiness?! I love that!
Posted by: Christina | 19 January 2009 at 02:10
Merci bien, dear Leau!|xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 18 January 2009 at 03:05
Hola preciosa! Si, si! Some dealers refuse photos, as they're afraid their items will be copied and cheap knockoffs be made in China and sold for peanuts. And yes, I can imagine. :) xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 18 January 2009 at 03:03
Hey sugar, I am sooo with everyone on the chandelier!! But best is the way you took the picture. Looking up, don't we all need to do that! Loved them all and Jordana's pics are great too. smooches
Posted by: Leau | 18 January 2009 at 02:47
Miss Tara,
Hellllooo mi amiga bella!! What treasures, what visual feasts!!!
No photos allowed at the borcante?? But why? I find things like that so strange...
You know what I want from these photos right??? xoxoxoox ;) :)
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 18 January 2009 at 02:32
Hello Val, thanks for the lovely compliments! I'd be happy if you came back to visit, anytime. Merci bien!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 18 January 2009 at 02:10
It IS quite something, isn't it? I have to go back and explore that area further. Who knows what else might be there, if outdoor chandeliers are the norm?
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 18 January 2009 at 02:09
It's a bit over the top, but in a good way. And you can't beat the history. Emailing you...:) xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 18 January 2009 at 02:08
Hi Tara, I was taking a stroll around the internet and I came upon your blog. The photos above are truly lovely. I've been rather sweet on Provence and Lambesc in particular, although I doubt I will ever be able to visit. I hope you don't mind if I visit your site again, it's very unique.
Posted by: Val | 17 January 2009 at 23:38
The lantern!!!!
(Clutching heart....)
Oh dear I think I love it.
I have to know what you paid for something like that! (email me!)
xxoo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 17 January 2009 at 22:55
That second photo makes me so happy. Now I am asking myself how I can rearrange my life to live in a place that leaves up crystal chandeliers all the time.
Posted by: Relyn | 17 January 2009 at 22:49
Isn't that chandelier the best??!! I still can't figure out how they (there were a few at Place des Vins) survive intact, from assault by the elements.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 17 January 2009 at 21:38
Elizabeth, thank you! It was another cold, gray day in Paris, with a few minutes of sunshine.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 17 January 2009 at 21:37
I love those stone walls and that outdoor chandelier--how decadent! Oohlala. xoxo
Posted by: Rosa | 17 January 2009 at 21:16
How the top two photos echo one another.
So lovely
Posted by: elizabeth | 17 January 2009 at 21:10
Well Pam, your room is waiting, anytime! :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 17 January 2009 at 19:59
Isn't the outdoor chandelier wonderful??!! (Although I wonder how it survives the storms). The lantern is small, about eight inches deep and five inches wide, extending from long chains.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 17 January 2009 at 19:59
I agree - perfection looks too new, somehow. When I go into someone's house and everything is matchy-matchy and perfectly symmetrical, I think the owner's personality is hiding.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 17 January 2009 at 19:57
More French eye candy! The chandelier is so cool hanging outside.. A touch of magic.I am still dreaming of Paris....
Posted by: pam aries | 17 January 2009 at 19:51
Thank you for bringing some happiness to my morning!
I covet that chandelier, it would look very nice on my back porch.
The lantern is beautiful. How big is it?
Posted by: dutchbaby | 17 January 2009 at 19:26
I like things that are not perfect. Remninds us that they are old and makes us wonder whos hands have touched it!
Posted by: My Melange | 17 January 2009 at 18:58