Monday, March 29, 2010

Paris flea markets

As I said before, shopping the flea markets in Paris was one of my favorite things we did while on vacation. In many ways they weren't  THAT different from american flea markets, but they all had beautiful french treasures and french ambiance that you don't find back here.
There are two main flea markets that are open year round on the weekends; puces de vanves, and puces st. ouen. Puces st ouen is actually a flea market district which has seven different sections. The sections range from  old garage like storage units lining a crazy maze to indoor mall-like set ups.  Tres fun!
Puces de vanves is simply one long street with vendors on both sides who each set up under their individual tents.  Much more american in my opinion.
Trying to communicate with some vendors did get a little frustrating, but for the most part everyone was very nice and helpful. The euro to dollar conversion definitely hurt.
I made it a point not to bring my camera to the markets since I had read that they can get very busy and pickpocketing is not unheard of. I did snap a few pics of the Puces st ouen.

Ive started to unpack and find places for all of my new treasures. One of the most fun vendors we came across sold vintage ribbons and trips.  I was in heaven. Unfortunate it was one of the most crowded booths we went too, and also one of the booths where communication was a bit of a problem. It didnt stop me though, i picked up a few meters of each. Im already wishing I had sucked it up and gone back for more. Next trip maybe.... ?

2 comments:

Kathy Barrick said...

I'm ready to go back!!! LYTTTTTT!!!

Arlaina said...

Ooooh I am sooo jealous. There are two things on this earth that i love, paris and flea markets. the fact that you got to go to a flea market IN paris is soooooo amazing. sry im just a crazy 16yr. old girl who is OBSESSED with paris and thought i would just tell you how lucky you are that u got to go there. :)


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