Brocante on Rue Bretagne

I’ve noticed signs popping up all about Paris advertising brocantes and vide-greniers (French for antique or garage sales). I always think how nice it would be to perouse, perhaps even stumble upon some amazing treasure or hard-to-find object that I’ve been passively looking for over the years. But then time runs away with me and a parade of more pressing matters. By the time I catch my breath, the venders have already packed up and moved on to the next site.

But yesterday, bundled up against the sharp cool that set in over the night, I opened the door leading to the sidewalk and found myself surrounded by old paintings, picture frames, antique dishware, forgotten postcards, furniture and a wide variety of decorative objects – right on my front porch!

Forgetting why I left my apartment in the first place, I found myself meandering from booth to booth looking at old shabby chic vases, charming wooden frames, and unsigned paintings by forgotten hands – most replicas, many for the tourist market (such as one signed Henri Dali – who I’m sure is just as fictitious as the “Van Gogh” landscapes sold along the Seine), but others meriting further investigation.

Despite enjoying the distraction, I was reminded of my obligations and had to leave empty handed. Luckily the impromptu flea market will continue through the weekend and perhaps that painting that caught my eye will still be for sale. If you are in the mood to explore the Marais, wander up to the charming Rue Bretagne where you might find the perfect je-ne-sais-quoi. You might even want to make a day of it with lunch at the Marché des Enfants Rouge! Either way, it’s the weekend and I’m off to enjoy it!

Tagged as: Markets, Paris