Flea Market Finds: Porte de Vanves.

Looking for bargains. Head out on Saturday or Sunday morning to the weekly flea market at Portes de Vanves. Right around the corner from the metro stop, it spans two streets. I arrived early either hoping for a bargain or to beat the crowds. Albeit, I am not an ardent flea market shopper, but I am curious. Crowds were light early in the morning. Scanning the first table, I noticed items as diverse as cigarette lighters, pens, pocketknives, watches and rosary beads. Buttons and pillboxes were also proudly featured. The French fascination with postcards was apparent: they were stacked, boxed, displayed in books and old wash bins. Book titles included “Les Plantes de Monde” and “Le Elephant de Mer,” loosely translated as “Plants of the World” and “Elephant of the Sea.” Not enough to intrigue me to open them. Lots of empty picture frames, some very interesting, to display your art treasures. Some jewelry, not always moderately priced. I looked at a ring priced at 590e. That one was protected behind glass. Another table included an affiche, “20e au choix,” meaning you had your choice of any item for only 20e. Unfortunately, old keys didn’t interest me. While I didn’t buy I’ve heard that bargaining is expected, and bring lots of cash, credit cards aren’t accepted.

Open Sat and Sun 7 am to 1 pm.
Metro: Portes de Vanves [14e].

Paris Passages.

Discovering the covered passages located along the Right Bank is a wonderful way to spend a morning. Part of the fun is finding them. While they are all marked, they can appear inconspicuous until you enter. These covered shopping arcades (couverts) hail from the 19th century when they offered an environment protected from the streets (apparently there were no sewers at the time.) There are less than two dozen remaining today, located primarily in the 2nd and 9th arondissements. Most are within easy walking distance of the Palais Royal. They are definitely a varied lot. I found Galerie Vivienne to be the most stunning with lots of upscale shops and Passage Jouffrey to the most fun with a wonderful pastry shop, which I plan to become acquainted. Passage Choiseul has an Asian vibe. The entrances are fantastic, inside and out. I loved the way the light illuminated the decorative doorways and the contrast between dark and light. I also loved entering each one and being wonderfully surprised by what was inside. Definitely worth a trip back in time!