Flea Market Tours
Hidden in the labyrinth alleys of Paris’ oldest flea-market are treasure troves of vintage lace, linen, passementerie, golden threads and gossamer lingerie. Rebecca has been captivated by this flea market for years and enjoys nothing better than sharing her favourite finds with fellow textile lovers!
The Flea Market Tour costs €120 per person and these guided walking tours take place on Saturday mornings, beginning at 10am and finishing at 1pm - leaving you with plenty of time in the afternoon to to explore and return to any, or all, of the markets to pick up those treasures!
Nothing says La Vie en Rose like a delightful Saturday morning in the picturesque surrounds of Marché Vernaison. The winding alleys are strung with trailing ivy, antiques overflow on the narrow passages and the cheerful sounds of jazz manouche fill the air. While it’s a pleasure to lose yourself in the romantic atmosphere of days gone by, it’s a real joy to discover the hidden treasure troves of vintage textiles during your walking tour. Join Rebecca as she guides you through this charming labyrinth and introduces you to friendly experts along the way.
Twinkling Treasures & Heirloom Trousseaus
The tour begins at Daniel & Lili, where rows and rows of wooden boxes are stacked on long tables, each one filled with antique beads, sequins, buttons, rhinestones and gems. The glistening treasures are sold by the cup-full and this little gem is a favourite amongst embroiderers, jewellers and the magpies amongst us!
Embroidered Embellishments
After this excitement we continue to Quand Nos Grands-Mères Cousaient, stepping back in time to when generations of women sewed and embroidered their trousseaus in France. Delicately embroidered handkerchiefs, collars and blouses whisper stories of patient needlework and hours of dedication. The display cases are filled with tiny tin boxes perfect for needles and pins. The vintage embroidery patterns, silk and cotton threads, wooden spools and button cards long to be added to your collection.
Dinner at the Ritz & Lace Lingerie
If you want to add elegance and Parisienne chic to your wardrobe Marcel & Jeannette is the place to be. A well kept secret amongst fashion designers and stylists looking for inspiration, this cosy boutique specialises in French luxury clothing, accessories and costume jewellery from the 18th century to the 1950s.
Reflets de Paris specialises in the most beautiful and intricate French lace lingeries. You will be forgiven for thinking it was made by fairy godmothers! Silk camisoles, negligées and slips are edged with gorgeous Chantilly, Guipure and Alençon lace. The exquisite pieces are a pleasure to admire and you may be tempted to purchase a little lace fancy to add to your cherished treasures.
Summer in Provence
Les Puces Laure is an emporium of French linen nightgowns, cotton shift dresses and cheerful Provençal fabrics that conjure images of lavender fields and summer in the South of France. Laure has a beautiful collection of vintage Pierre Frey, Boussac and Braquenier printed fabrics, the gorgeous motifs and colours influenced by 18th century Indian block prints.
Vintage Table Linens
Customers travel from all over the world to visit Madame Giovannoni and purchase the finest French table linens. For over 30 years Madame Giovannini has sourced the perfect napkins, table runners and tablecloths so that her loyal customers can bring that famous French Joie de Vivre to their homes.
Et Voilà! The walking tour ends just in time for lunch and there are several lovely bistros in the neighbourhood. When you book a Flea Market Tour Rebecca will send you a complimentary copy of The Paris Restaurant List: A Textile Lover’s Guide to Bistros, Brasseries and Bouillons. Bon Appétit!
The Flea Market Tour has been the highlight of many a trip to Paris! Rebecca loves introducing this gorgeous world of colour, texture and heritage to fellow textile enthusiasts and sharing lots of fascinating stories along the way! S’il vous plaît, click the button below to read a few reviews.
