How to Find Antiques in Paris

Paris isn't just about romance. It's also a Mecca of sorts for antique lovers who scour the city for unique and priceless finds. It pays to do your homework before you wander through the stalls at one of Paris' well-known flea markets or raise your paddle at an auction house. Here are some tips to make your antique shopping a memorable experience.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Visit the Saint Ouen Flea Market

1. Choose the Saint Ouen Flea Market is the world's largest flea market, located right in Paris. You will find 17 acres of shopping heaven with 2,500 dealers. Take the Metro (4 train) to Clignancourt to find the flea market. When you exit the Metro, make sure you walk past the initial booths and then turn left at the Rue de Rosiers.

2. Visit the Hippodrome de Longchamp, open only twice a year with 250 exhibitors.

3. Visit the flea market early for the best deals and the fewest crowds. Getting there as early as 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. isn't out of the question to score some fabulous antiques.

4. Get ready to get taxed in Paris. Ask retailers for a detaxe form to possibly get a refund on the whopping 18.6% tax you will pay in Paris. Present the form to the customs agent when you're leaving the country, and you can expect to see a refund in about six weeks.

5. Watch your pocketbook when visiting the open air markets. Pickpockets are common in these areas.

Visit Paris Antique Shops

6. Stop in at the Louvre des Antiquaires (called the Louvre of Antique Dealers), located across the street from the Louvre Museum and the Ministry of Culture. You will find three floors of exceptional antiques for collectors or dealers.

7. Go to a public antiques auction at the famous Hotel Druout, located at the IXth arrondissement of Paris. With 16 auction rooms, there's bound to be something that you'll love.

8. Be aware that antique books in Paris can be pricey, but you can find valuable first editions of books at the bookstalls near the Seine River, known as les bouquinistes.

Resources

• Find out about flea markets at the Discover France website.
• Paris Info is a good website for finding antique sites.
• CNN did a story on shopping the Paris flea markets.
• Virtual Tourist allows tourists to comment on Paris.
• Find out about the Hotel Druout at France Hotel Guide.

[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...