Antique Shopping in Paris, FRANCE
Airing Date: Apr 5th, 2004
The best place in Paris to start your antique shopping escapade is at the St-Ouen Flea Market. Considered the largest flea market ever, this place can be daunting if you don't know what you're looking for.
An antiques expert can guide you around the massive flea market without getting you lost or ripped off, and also provide useful hints. An expert might discourage you from rushing through your antique shopping experience, or encourage you to get a receipt, and the name and address of the dealer - because you never know if you'll need to contact them later.
Collectors, antique lovers and bargain-hunters from around the world head to Saint Ouen to purchase rare objects. The flea market offers a wide range of goods including furniture, paintings, jewellery, chandeliers, trinkets, porcelain, objects d'art and decorations. All have been carefully selected, authenticated or restored by highly qualified professionals.
If you're looking for something more upmarket, the very impressive Louvre des Antiquaires is a tourist destination in its own right. More than 250 top-notch antique stores are in the building, complete with exhibition halls, auction rooms, galleries, restaurants and cafes.
The Louvre des Antiquaires is one of the largest areas for antiques in Paris, and it's right in the heart of the city. One popular shop at the Louvre carries an array of canes from the 17th to 19th century. Paris was considered a very dangerous place in that era, especially after dark. There were no street lights, so a cane was a good way to defend yourself. Going prices for these canes are anything from a few hundred dollars to $25 000.
The Louvres Des Antiquaires is open every day except Monday. The Antique Market runs Friday to Sunday. If you want to hire a guide the easiest way to do it is to contact the market.
Dealers can often put you in touch with shipping companies that will deliver just about anywhere in the world, so if that special item doesn't quite fit in the suitcase, you can still transport it home.
The facts
Thai International has UK/Europe Dollar Deals to Paris starting at $2167 from the east coast and $2044 from the west coast.
Thai Airways International
Tel: 1300 651 960
Les Citadines offers accommodation right in the heart of Paris. A self-contained unit for four people starts from $292 per night, or $175 per night for a couple.
Les Citadines
Tel: 0011 33 825 333 332
French Travel Connection
Tel: 02 9966 1177
The Paris Flea Markets
Le Louvre des Antiquaires
Prices correct at 05/04/04
