How to Shop for Antiques in Paris

Expect to find everything from Louis XIV chairs in Paris' antique shops to turn-of-the-century bronze figurines in the infamous Marche aux Puces (the flea markets). Know what you want before you begin to shop, and understand the period to ensure you're paying a fair price and not getting duped by fakes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comfortable Shoes
• Detailed Local Maps
• Pocket Calculators

1. Look for very high-end, exclusive period furniture and home accessories on the Left Bank. Wander the little streets between Rue du Bac and Rue du Seine that wind their way from the river to Boulevard St.-Germain - you'll find antique shops favoring European, French and some Asian pieces. Prices are seldom negotiable, but packaging and shipping are happily arranged.

2. Catch the Metro, destination Clingnancourt, on Saturday, Sunday or Monday to experience the grandest and most famous Parisian flea market: Puces de St.-Ouen. It boasts more than 2,000 vendors who sell everything from paintings to photographs, clocks to oil lamps, tapestries to watches. Don't let the shabby surroundings of some of the booths fool you, as the most ardent antiquers routinely come away with amazing finds.

3. Head to la Bourse, off the Avenue de l'Opéra, on the last Friday and Saturday of the month. This infrequent flea market in the heart of Paris offers rare small items like statuettes, perfume bottles, lighters and coins.

4. Browse the banks of the Seine for rare books. If you're on the Right Bank heading in the direction of the Marais, you'll discover a few merchants selling antique books.

5. Negotiate at the flea markets, where prices are often marked 10 to 15 percent above the proprietor's lowest selling price.

6. Obtain a certificate of authenticity verifying what the dealer claims a piece to be. It should be signed and dated, and clearly state the current value.

7. Understand Customs laws particular to your country. Duties vary depending on the length of your stay and the value of the items you're bringing in. Remember that books often carry a lower duty than other items.

Tips & Warnings

• Antique shopping in any of the flea markets can be exhausting. Wear comfortable shoes, and choose companions who know the ropes, not those who wish they were at Euro Disney or the Eiffel Tower.
• Look for the yellow La Poste signs when you would like to mail a package home. The post office offers sturdy cardboard boxes for a small fee. For large or voluminous purchases, air freight is your best and most economical option.
• Understand the exchange rate, and beware of quotes in French francs and charges in euros. Keep a pocket calculator handy so you can get an idea of a price in your native currency.
• Pack all delicate and precious items in well-cushioned hard suitcases, as duffel bags could spell disaster. You can substitute sweaters and socks for bubble wrap.
• Fakes can pop up just about anywhere. Quiz the proprietors about period pieces, and look for distinguishing marks like stamps and signatures.

[mawparis]

on 9/4/2009 My general advice for coming to shop in Paris.
If you come to Paris, It is best to try to see all the markets, there are 13 markets with 2,500 dealers in St. Ouen market, and there is also the porte de Vanves which is also good to see but more like a US fleamarket with low end small objects, depending what style you are looking for.

If you are coming for a buying trip then you can not miss the dealers near the Drout Auction area, the St Paul market, the Swiss Village, the small dealers scattered throughout the different areas in Paris and of course the higher end areas like the Left Bank Dealers and the right bank dealers.

For me, the best markets in the St. Ouen flea market is Paul Bert and Serpette. these 400 dealers have the best taste and a very good selection of home furnishings that is more the tendance of US interior designers.

Marche Biron has two alleys one covered sec...

[AntiquesNut]

on 9/8/2008 I agree with mawparis, This is a silly article for some reason it was posted as advice. I go to Paris in the off season to find bargains. Check out my website if you get a chance. EuropeAntiqueTrip.com

[mawparis]

on 1/11/2008 You need to find someone who really knows how to shop for Antiques in Paris to write this article, there is a lot of misinformation in this article. Paris is the source of Antiques for dealers and collectors from around the world, but you need to know where to look. If you are going to spend more than 1000 Euros, you need a professional buyer to guide you otherwise you will make mistakes. Contact [e-mail] if you want some real advice.