Les Invalides seen from the Eiffel Tower
This five night six-day tour is an exploration of our favorite antique markets ( brocantes) and neighborhoods. The Bastille Brocante is one of the largest in the country, and vendors come from France and beyond. Our expertise in vintage jewelry, clothing, and art deco furniture and our rapport with dealers and with shippers makes for the best possible prices and also makes shopping and shipping fun and interesting. We enjoy good food, conversation, and, of course, good wine. Our flexibility allows us to accommodate your special interests - so come with us on this adventure. Wednesday May 7 Depart USA for Charles de Gaulle Airport. Some of our previous “antiquers” suggest an earlier arrival, a day or two if it fits your schedule, so you get the “feel” of the city—and if jet lag is a problem, an earlier arrival helps. We can contact the hotel and ask for extra nights for you. Notify us early because the hotel is always fully booked.
Thursday May 8 Arrive Paris and check into the hotel. We will meet you at the hotel and walk to the brocante---a short walk from the hotel. Or, if you prefer, we could go to the Money Changer or stroll around the Marais to get a “feel” for the area. Evening free.
At the Bastille Brocante (May 2004)
Friday May 9 All day at the brocante. Dinner at Le Dome du Marais, very good food in a beautiful setting.
Saturday May 10 All day at Clignancourt (Marche aux Puces), the fabulous and eclectic market that stretches for miles. Lunch in a neighborhood restaurant, again to soak up the “feel” of a different area of Paris. Evening free.
At lunch
Sunday May 11 Leave early in the AM for the free-flowing market at Vanves, full of the most unexpected merchandise. In the afternoon, we return to the brocante or visit small neighborhood markets. Evening free.
Monday May 12 Return to Clignancourt or the brocante. It really depends on whether or not you want to shop more. If you have merchandise to send, it has to be done on Monday. We can discuss this when we are all together. Evening free.
The Seine
If there is something special you would like to do or see, alone or with one of us, please let us know. For example, one of our “antiquers,” spent time at Sacre Coeur and also took a boat trip on the Seine; another visited the Antiquaire de Louvre. Two themes of our adventure are flexibility and fun -- and, of course, buying antiques.