It was a glorious September Saturday, perfect for seeking out "haute brocante" at the Paris Flea Market and discovering sublime inspiration. Our guide, Danielle, from The Antiques Diva (what a great find!) picked us up at our apartment in the 4th Arrondissment.......

......and whisked us to the adventure that awaited at the "M.A.P.", the Marche aux Puces at Saint Ouen, the largest antiques market in the world and the 4th tourist attraction in France.

A map of the Paris Flea Market - the Marche aux Puces Saint Ouen

Covering a little over 17 acres, it's filled with upscale antiques, furniture & lighting, fantastic items for the kitchen - and even taxidermy.

I was focused on finding on what I call "Franco/Italian" items.....

.....and mirrors....

... as well as Copper!! (As always!)

Basking in the atmosphere of les Puces, I was just moseying along when I wandered into one of the coolest places I've ever been - ever - Bachelier Antiquites. Oh, what a place! They specialize in "Antiquites de la cuisine et du vin" (Kitchen and wine antiques) and their very photogenic storefront has been featured in many films and commercials. It was heaven for me!

3rd generation running Bachelier Antiquities in the Paul Bert Serpette market

As enthralled as I was surrounded by all of the "cuisinier" accesories, my husband was having fun, too. I found him deep in conversation, chatting (even though he hardly speaks any French!) with the matriarch of the family, Francoise-Anne Bachelier. She then autographed a copy of her cookbook, Toques de terrines, and gave it to me! Très sympathique!

&nbs… — Bob with Francoise-Anne Bachelier

Lunch was delicious - no surprize - at an outdoor cafe (this is still Paris, after all) in the Paul Bert Serpette market where the people watching, and eavesdropping, was almost as entertaining as the shopping.

It was such a fun day - I can't wait to return! Who wants to join me?

A day at the Paris Flea Market, Marche aux Puces....

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