49 Comments

Although I’m not a big flea market fan, it was great to read this and understand more about how a true aficionado approaches them. It seems that the right frame of mind is just as important as having small bills! Loved the observation about pulling out a large bill after you’ve bargained down to a Euro!

A friend sent this article about a couple whose move to France wasn’t as successful as yours. I couldn’t help thinking that they should have read a few of your books first! Would love to hear your thoughts in another post sometime but if not, enjoy the read.

https://www.cnn.com/travel/us-couple-dream-life-france-became-nightmare/index.html

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I did read that. The short answer is that moving abroad isn't for everyone. You basically have to start from zero and if you don't speak the language (which I didn't) things are going to be a lot more challenging. They were also beaten down by the paperwork and bureaucracy, which is a major hassle, but something you don't realize is soooo onerous if you live somewhere where it isn't so substantial or you don't have to deal with it. (People immigrating to the U.S. do, but France is known for it's bureaucracy.)

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Oct 20Liked by David Lebovitz

Making a trip to our local Emmaüs this week to get some cups & bowls so we have enough for the guests that will be arriving soon. Such a treasure hunt every time we go!

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yes, it can be really good for stocking up on misc glassware and plates, and so forth!

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Oct 19Liked by David Lebovitz

I really enjoyed reading this💞

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Oct 17Liked by David Lebovitz

One of my favorite things about traveling are the items I find to bring back with me. Thank you for taking us along on your journeys and shopping trips. While I hope to use these tips at some point, barring more travel myself, at least I got to go with you!

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Oct 15Liked by David Lebovitz

Ohhh…the LeCreuset piece! What a find. That would be my favorite kind of souvenir. Maybe on my next trip? Fun write up…thanks for the in depth article and pictures.

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Oct 13Liked by David Lebovitz

I loved this article! There is nothing more exciting than the thrill of the hunt. Years ago, it was antique quilts and baskets for me.

What a collection I amassed. Happy hunting👍

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Oct 13Liked by David Lebovitz

Funny, 2 dozen boxes of Trojains!

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Oct 13Liked by David Lebovitz

The scoop looks a bit like a child's foot with out toes. Enjoy visiting the markets through you

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Oct 12Liked by David Lebovitz

This was the PERFECT post for me, as brocante shopping is one of my very favorite thing to do in France! There’s nothing more exhilarating than the thrill of the hunt.

Thank you for sharing your expertise.

I’ll be back in Paris in early December!

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there are some amazing brocantes, especially out in the countryside - but there are some finds to be had in Paris too!

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Oct 12Liked by David Lebovitz

A delightful informative post David - thank you. I too am now hankering after that charming mustard pot...and the blue jug sitting in what looks like a pissoir...ahhhh...:)

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😍

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I love the French brocantes and vide-greniers! Your description of trying to read the signs on the roundabouts really made me chuckle because it's so spot-on. 😂 We have a house in the Bordeaux countryside and I always try to visit the vide-greniers in the area. Loving coming home with some small treasures like a plate, some glasses, a knife or a poster.

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Oct 12Liked by David Lebovitz

Ah, such happy memories. We would just drive around and stop when we saw a sign. That was long ago but I got a few things that I still use at home in the USA. Thanks for the memories, David.

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Fabulous, as always! I live for brocantes and vides-grenier when in France. And I never set foot in Paris without a Saturday or Sunday at the Marche aux Puces at Vanves. Do people still do private apartment sales?

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I've never seen an apartment sale in Paris. I thought it was illegal? Romain was really surprised when he saw people having sidewalk sales in New York City and garage sales in San Francisco. How do you find out about private apartment sales?

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Usually by private announcement, and if you make the grade you get the digicode. I think I might have sold you a few items when I left Paris in 2009! I did the sale via special blog (it was those early blog days).

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So sad you couldn't fit those yellow slat chairs in somehow. They're awesome. I look forward to seeing some of your "dishes" photographed in your "dishes"!

An aside, do you know which items you can bake in? I'm thinking of the drool-worthy cassole. (Although I would buy just to have it.)

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Love vicarious shopping through you. I am in the move stuff out not in phase!😎

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