Those of you who have been to Paris, will know this view well. Where is your padlock? The Pont de l'Archevêché or the Pont des Arts? Did your love last? Mine did. I still love Paris.
This trip was a market session, however if my feet aren't too sore to walk, I always take in some sights. There are certain views it is impossible to tire of, the one from Sacré-Cœur and indeed of the basilica itself, underneath the centre of the Eiffel Tower, and the vista from Shakespear & Co towards the Notre Dame.
For sightseers and magpies alike, winter is a great time to visit. Queues for the Musée d'Orsay aside, it just isn't as busy and who wouldn't want more of this city to themselves?
Porte de Clignancourt or to use its' official title Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is at the end of line 4 on the Metro. It feels a way out, but it is worth it, I promise. Saturday mornings, for me, before lunch as all the dealers start to open is the perfect time. I skip the new stalls with the blaring music (must be getting old!) trainers and t-shirts, and head straight down to The Flea's (Les Puces). Marché Vernaison, Marché Paul Bert, and Marché Dauphine will be
everything you need - however every alley that veers off Rue des Rosiers will have another market specialising in various things, and you cannot visit
them all in one day. Save some for next time!
Some tiny, some large, most spill out and expand filling their pavements and creating a fantastic winding maze of goodies. From 60's kitchenalia, to Louis XVI polished cabinates, Agatha costume jewellery to silver powder compacts, glasses, art, toys, and clothes there is something everyone will want, but budget and your baggage allowance (unless you want to ship it of course) will be your constraint. This is the perfect place to buy that 1980's limited edition Chanel 2.55 however it will cost you. Lots. To be honest, most things in Paris will cost you lots. But always ask for the best price, most dealers are quite flexible (within reason - this isn't Patpong and these items do have value) so set in your mind what you would pay for a thing like this at home, and stick to it. Unless it is a one of a kind, never to be seen again, irreplaceable desireable it is not worth it. Also the fact I have to haul it round all day, and home on the Eurostar (so much easier than flying) really is the best deterent! It does however mean I buy lots of little things (because I can carry more of them!) and this is why it is my number one stop for vintage costume and antique jewellery, collectibles and handbag sized paraphanelia in the French Capital.
I also like to to grab European style fixtures such at Light Switches for rennovations at home, a great way to bring a touch of Paris home (but always get a registerd electrician to make sure it will work for you). Thé, café and
sucre pots in mottled glazes are a great continental addition to any kitchen. Just make sure they are well wrapped - there is a shipping shop so you can buy extra bubble wrap which is handy.
A couple of the items I bought here this time, I will have to save for part two of this blog, as they were bought as gifts, and I would like to hand them over before divulging them so stay tuned!
Leave children, pets and men somewhere you can find them (watching football/eating & drinking/record searching - or all of the above), keep low denomination money in two purses (and secure out of site) it looks better when negotiating to only have so much in your purse, you wont get much of a reduction if vendors can see a wedge of Euros, and you can always play the 'but this is all I have left...' card!. Take a light, large waterproof bag to squash lots in ( my Longchamp Le Pliage is perfect) and wear the most comfortable shoes money can buy (worn in prior to the trip of course).Now, you will be ready for a cocktail or three.
Le Train Bleu at the Gare de Lyon is perfect Paris. From commuters on their way south, to people fine dining, you will get an extensive list of fabulous (costly) cocktails (worth every penny) and get to absorb the beautiful surroundings, guilding, frescos and antiques gallore. Gain inspiration here for the boudoir of your dreams (in that château in the Loire), which in fact is where you will be heading(not literally), and very soon. I defy anyone who trawls Les Puces all day, once relaxed over a couple of eye wateringly expensive and delectable cocktails, to be fit for anything other than a night of uninterrupted slumber. After all, it's Sunday tomorrow and there are more markets to discover!
