Apr 20, 2012
At the brocante
I have noticed, in the period that daylight savings is in operation, big bright banners start to crop up just about everywhere. Brocante! Vide grenier! Salons d’antiquaires! (Garage sale! Empty the basket! Antique salon!)
Held usually over a weekend at a specific location, these pop up markets have some pretty interesting things to sell. However, because I am just that wee bit lazy, I haven’t specifically went to one for the purpose of browsing. Besides, I am not a natural shopper – I wouldn’t know if I hit a bargain or have overpaid for something that used to belong to someone else.
That’s not to say if I pass by one which happened to be held near where I live, or on my way to the market or elsewhere, I wouldn’t slow down just to take a peek at the mix bag of offerings by home entrepreneurs who would like to do away with some clutters in their homes in exchange for cash. There are always so much colours, so much characters, and (un)fortunately often also arrive with some serious price tags.
The photos on this post were my curious exploration of a brocante on Boulevard Jourdan not so long ago. They were right on my doorstep and since it was such a sunny day, it seemed like a shame to not at least stop by for a look, before I proceeded to the Parc Montsouris for a spot to picnic and to read.
I was particularly drawn to the elegant bronze dancers and truth be told, if I have a place of my own, I would love to have these to give the place some character. They exude a certain oriental exoticness that’s quite mesmerising. Luckily, the price tags jolted me out from the daydream before any real damage was done ;)
These markets should not be confused with the flea market. While bargaining is not unusual, many things have exceptional values and could easily cost in the tune of hundreds of euros. I had not realised that the first time I came across a brocante and was rather shock to see the prices on display, all the while thinking to myself, isn’t a market like this supposed to be bargain hunting ground?
Well, lesson learned, and now I’m coming to appreciate the value of the sentimental objects at a good brocante. Especially on a good sunny day because everything looks fabulous under the brilliant natural light.