Brocante is the French word for flea market. And the French love flea markets – you will find brocantes all over France, all time of year. They are just one of the many reasons why I love France and her occupants (by now you are also well aware that I love her for her food and wine). When I was living in Paris last year, going to brocantes were a weekly treat. At the beginning of each week I would research what brocantes were on within the city as well as in the surrounding suburbs, and plan the weekend around it. I found so many antiques and vintage wares, and on many occasions my arms would be so overloaded that I could barely get on the metro back to the apartment. There is no doubt I am addicted to brocantes, and now whenever French Boy and I travel back to France, we instinctively find the nearest brocante to explore, and last weekend’s sojourn was no exception. Sure I lamented over what I didn’t claim as mine (read and weep with me here), but below are a few of the treasures that I did claim. First, a set of vintage number stamps…
Then came this gorgeous terrine. And below, a set of perfectly kept French cotton napkins…
…We also found a tin box of antique wooden bowling pins that are specifically from the Jura area. They were quite a find and I will show you once I have cleaned them up and find a place for them in the boat. Also among my collection of brocante finds were some vintage doilies which I am using to make something (another show + tell to come no doubt).
I adore re-using, re-thinking, and re-styling oldwares, and finding such things in flea markets is just the best fun!
what a dream, to be in france and surrounded by many brocantes! I am certain that i too, would find myself addicted! I love vintage linens, what a lovely set these are!
November 12th, 2008 | #
lovely finds! and yes i am also a big fab of re-using, re-thinking etc etc….giving new life..it just makes sense and is so much fun…
November 12th, 2008 | #
beautiful finds, love that set of stamps. Me too I’m addicted to brocantes. I love collecting lace and doillies, last week I’ve sewn one to a bag (an army style bag if you see what I mean) and I love to wear this bag now. Re-inventing things is really a way of life 🙂
November 12th, 2008 | #
delurking to tell you how much I love your blog and would like to come live in your spare room. Is next week good for you?
November 12th, 2008 | #
vintage finds are such an inspiration for me… i love those napkins pia. i am so jealous!
November 12th, 2008 | #
Lovely finds, but where do you put it all? Do you have a second boat laden like Aladdin’s cave? Oh, how wonderful it would be.
November 13th, 2008 | #
Oh, beautiful finds! Especially the napkins. Lovely!
November 13th, 2008 | #