A corner of my Napoleon III coffret de curiosités, Paris. Every item - with the exception of the framed cross-stitch, a gift from an eight-year-old Palestinian girl at the Bequaa Refugee Camp in Jordan - was sourced at French brocantes, flea markets and antique shops.
If you're in Paris, the eagerly-anticipated 81st Foire Nationale aux Antiquites a la Brocante et aux Jambons - or popularly known as the brocante and ham fair - begins Friday, Sept. 24th at Chatou. It's my favourite of the Paris-based brocantes for beautiful, quality and unusual treasures at reasonable prices.
Be sure and visit my friends Blandine Bavoux at 72 Allee Nouvelle; Gunnar Pettersson at 1 Avenue Pele and Michel LeRuez at 24 Popincourt, for wonderful, diverse selections. Blandine has fun, colourful, retro kitchen collectibles. Gunnar specialises in beautiful objets d'art, photo frames and curiosities. Antique art from the Himalayas is Michel's focus. And dozens of other dealers from all over France offer unique antiques and collectibles for the most discerning buyers.
The brocante is open from 10 a.m to 7 p.m. daily through Sunday, October 3rd. From Paris, take the RER A 1 to Chatou Croissy, then follow the signs to the Ile des Impressionnistes, Chatou. Tickets are available at the gate.
I'll be at Chatou Thursday, taking photos during a special showing for press and antiques dealers. Check back on Friday for the first of a series of photos from the brocante.
Helen, I agree. You never know what you might find. This time I found a spectacular set of Art Nouveau mercantile scales.
You are lucky to live in Normandy - such a beautiful place!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 September 2010 at 20:02
I love this place. I live in Normandy and go if I can twice a year. I really get a special feeling when I walk through the gates: like, anything is possible!
Posted by: Helen | 25 September 2010 at 19:51
Interesting treasures. Warmly, Karen
Posted by: Karen Wallace | 24 September 2010 at 15:37
Fond memories of one year ago. What a treat it was to attend. Have fun!
Posted by: Marilyn | 23 September 2010 at 17:41
Oh, so wish I could be there ... your photos are going to make me weak with envy, I know.
Posted by: Karen | 23 September 2010 at 10:22
Ooh, Tara, I can hardly wait for the photos of all the treasures!
Posted by: Mary H. | 23 September 2010 at 01:31
wow, what treasures!
Posted by: Marilyn | 22 September 2010 at 22:33
I know how much you like Chatou . Can't wait to see pictures
Posted by: le petit cabinet de curiosites | 22 September 2010 at 21:25
That crown just perfect and I need to find one myself. Actually several, one for each chore I dislike.
Posted by: Tracy L Cartmell | 22 September 2010 at 20:04
Thanx for this Tara..I forwarded to my sister in law who is in Paris now...I know for sure she will go
Posted by: Gypsy Purple-Chamara | 22 September 2010 at 19:48