France Part III: Antiquing

Thank you for joining me on my adventure to France.  I've saved the best for last: antiquing! Each day, just after breakfast, we would all pile in to the vans, and head off on our antiquing adventures. The most common type of antique market in France is the "brocante", or flea market, and you can find a listing of weekly markets online.  Though common, no two were the same.  The atmosphere, the environment, the people, the inventory... the depth and variation was enchanting.  The common denominator, though, was the energy, a palpable buzz that invigorated.  It was as if this was a sport to the French, and part of their common culture.  Here is an assortment of brocantes we visited, along with a few antique store/warehouse visits.

Here are the chairs I purchased for our Hawaiian bungalow project.

This curved sofa caught my eye.  I just loved the scale and shape.  Definitely filing this away in my inspiration files for a future project.

The proprietor of this well curated and almost theatrical antique warehouse  is a friend of Kathryn's and he was very hospitable.  It was a very hot day, so, with his vintage record player crackling in the background, he passed around cold Heinekens. This is where I procured the beautiful daybed for the Hawaiian bungalow project that I shared the other day.

Towards the end of the week, Kathryn turned things on their heads, coordinating a number of dealers to come to her house and display on her front lawn.  How many times can you say that you antiqued on the front lawn in a bathing suit? To say we all had a ball is an understatement!

I spied this adorable doll stroller for my girls, and brought it home in my carry-on.  When toys are strewn around our house daily, pieces like this makes it bearable.

If you follow me on instagram, you will recognize this sweet couple I brought back and hung in our dining room.

I even picked up this gorgeous hat mold to display my ever growing (much to my husband's dismay) hat collection.

Quite honestly, I wish I could have spent more time in France just going to the markets.  Of course, it was all wonderful, and the trip has me thirsting for more. I am super motivated to research another sourcing trip abroad, and maybe then I'll bring my husband.  One of the most exciting parts of my job is sourcing and placing one of a kind pieces for our clients.  It's what keeps me going everyday, and I love it even more when it brings me to places like this.

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