Marche aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves, Paris in the 14th arrondissement
One of my many reasons for wanting to go to France and Paris, in particular, was to attend a few of the french flea markets or "marche aux puces". Hunting for broken and old jewelry bits, snippets of lace and trim, graphic post cards, beaded evening purses was a true french style delight. Here are some snaps and quips from my "Puces de Vanves" adventure.
Flea Market Etiquette - the most important piece of flea market advice I received before heading to France was "Greet the vendor with a cheerful Bonjour! BEFORE touching anything on their table". This not only sets the overall tone for your visit but may even guarantee a better price for the "touriste". They can smell you a mile away. You have an aura about you and you are just sooooo different.
The Puces de Vanves is akin to one big yard sale. The street sidewalks are lined on both sides with oodles of vendor booths (a booth can be anything from a blanket on the ground to ornate off-springs on the side of a van). Some more organized than others, some trashy, some elegantly and artfully displayed. All friendly and jovial. I even made a success of haggling in French with the vendors. Aside - someone is always serving food. My favourite french snack food - crepe chocolat and pain au chocolat - the dirty truth is that the chocolate is Nutella spread.
France is a country of dog lovers. Dogs are everywhere and in every size, shape and colour. The most common breed in Paris appeared to be the perky Yorkshire Terrier but, on the other hand, the labrador retriever was also well represented. Here's an alert "ami des hommes" at his master's table just waiting for adoration and, with that face, he's always guaranteed to receive it.
Booths start closing up about 1 or 2 p.m. This is a good time to make your final pass as, just like our flea markets at home, vendors are more willing to lower the prices to grab those last few sales. I picked up several vintage brooches at 2 euros below the posted price and a bundle of really old french post cards at a much better lot price, and, with each in its own cellophane sleeve.
My most surprising discovery, perhaps of the entire 3 weeks in France, was finding a piece of Blue Mountain Pottery tucked in amidst more elegant pieces of flea market fare. BMP is an iconic representation of Canadiana. Made between 1947 and 2004 in a small factory in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada.
My mind immediately started racing to confect the tale that chronicled this world traveller's journey from northern Ontario to the streets of Paris. How do you think it got there?
French Market "Busker" on Rue Edgar Quinet
Two streets over from our small apartment in the 14th arrondissement we were graced with a Wednesday and Saturday morning market. Food, crafts, clothing, shoes, artwork galore were presented in typical french fashion. (I'll be doing a separate posting on the market shortly. It's a micro-world in and of itself. ) But, most notable was the entertainment. There was always a performer of some sort to amaze and delight. This picturesque fellow was treating us to an aria accompanied by his mini-music grinder.
Enough for now. I have so many more pictures and stories to share with you. I'll be peppering the blog over the next few months with them. Stay tuned and start considering a trip to France, not just Paris. France is sooooo much more than just Paris and I'll show you why......eventually.
SOYEZ JOYEUX!
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