Where to shop for antiques in Paris
With all its galleries, art dealers and flea markets, Paris is a dream destination for lovers of antiques. In French, there is even a verb chiner - which literally means to search for antiquities (a bit like one would say antiquing in English). If you are passionate about antiques, I hope this list will help you plan your next trip to the city of lights!
First, there are certain neighborhoods that have a higher concentration of antique stores and galleries. If you cross the Seine and head towards the left bank, you will arrive on the Quai Voltaire - which houses some of the most prestigious antique shops in Paris. The Quai Voltaire constitutes one end of the famous Carré Rive Gauche district, which is a district of the seventh and sixth arrondissements comprising rue du Bac, rue de Beaune, rue de Lille, rue Montalembert, rue des Saints-Pères, la rue de l'Université and Quai Voltaire. This district is home to 80 galleries of antiques and art dealers, all belonging to the association Carre Rive Gauche founded in 1977. The galleries extend over millennia (7000 years of objects), so there is something to find for each type of collector, be it 18th century pieces or mid-century modern furniture. An interactive map of the galleries is available on the Carre Rive Gauche website.
You will also find a high concentration of antique dealers in the Marais district, notably in the Village Saint-Paul, a complex series of small passages and courtyards housing 80 vintage stores, design galleries and antique dealers. Located between the Seine and rue Saint-Antoine, you will find arched entrances to the village of Saint-Paul on rue Saint-Paul, rue Ave Maria and in the Saint-Paul and Charlemagne gardens. Village St. Paul is open every day but Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This luxurious Parisian district, known as Le Triangle D'Or (the Golden Triangle), has always housed the biggest names in the industry, found specifically in the streets between the Palais de l'Elysée and the Champs -Elysées.
Although you can access these galleries during their normal opening hours, you may want to plan your visit there for a special event that takes place each year - the Nocturne Rive Droite. For this special evening, most of the galleries on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, avenue Matignon and the surrounding streets open their doors to present their works. Some of the most important galleries you will find in this prime location are:
Perrin (98 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, 75008). Perrin is one of the greatest specialists in 18th century French art. It is a must for international art experts, interior designers and museum curators. Perrin represents the art of French taste in various artistic events each year, namely the TEFAF in Maastricht and New York, the BRAFA art fair in Brussels and in Masterpiece London. They also collaborate closely with major institutions such as the Palace of Versailles and even the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Galerie G. Sarti (137 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008). Located in a beautiful mansion, the Galerie G. Sarti preserves exquisite Italian paintings from the 13th to the 15th century as well as furniture and other works of art, some of which have joined the collections of certain renowned European and American museums. They offer a wide program of exhibitions where both experienced collectors and amateurs are welcome.
Finally, it should be noted that you will also find galleries of modern and contemporary art in this area, such as the Galeries Bartoux-Saint Honoré, Bernheim-Jeune, Galerie Boulakia, Galerie Hopkins, Malingue, Opera Gallery and Galerie de Souzy.
One of the things everyone should do at least once in Paris is to attend a sale in one of the city's famous auction houses. It could be the famous Christie's, the Hotel Drouot, the Parisian Sotheby's, Artcuria, Piasa, the luxurious Tajan (specialized in archeology and primitive or contemporary art objects) or the Auction house Crédit Municipal de Paris (formerly Monte de Piedad where you will find mainly jewelry and silverware).
All these houses organize many different sales, generally by theme, from chinoiseries to Coco Chanel furniture. There are also other types of vintage sales, such as photography, fine wines and spirits or watches.
Participating in an auction can be quite an experience - it's like visiting a museum of decorative arts but with a dose of adrenaline, because you can enjoy the exhibition but also participate in the tender and who know, hopefully you could even take one of the pieces home with you!
Formerly called Biennale des Antiquaires, La Biennale de Paris is an art and antiques fair founded in 1962 by the Syndicat National des Antiquaires. Its 30th edition will be held from September 17 to 21 under the impressive glass ceilings of the Grand Palais.
Each year, this important meeting for all that is French luxury brings together exquisite treasures from the biggest merchants. a hundred Parisian galleries come together for the occasion, as well as antique dealers, international collectors and major jewelers.
During weekends in Paris in spring and summer, you will find several antique fairs, called flea markets throughout the city. Flea markets are markets of professional merchants selling second-hand objects but the prices will be much lower than those you would find at an antique dealer or in a gallery. A flea market in particular that we love is located on the charming market street Rue Cler in the 7th arrondissement, taking place on various Saturdays throughout the year. You can find a flea market in Paris here.
Last but not least, the Holy Grail of hunting for antiques in Paris is to the north of the city at the famous flea market Les Puces de Saint Ouen, open on Saturday and Sunday. It is the oldest and largest flea market in the world, comprising 14 markets. Five million people visit Les Puces each year, where you will find everything, including antiques from all eras, fashion and vintage furniture, pieces of modern design. The Flea market is worth a visit even if you don't collect antiques. You never know exactly what you can find here and what items you can take home, making very unique memories of your trip to Paris.