Antiquing (September 12-17, 2005)

Antiquing

A week of antiquing in Ile de France is like a dream come true. The charming country lanes are dotted with everything from the “quaint and handsome” to fun antique stores. It is as if there is a “find” around this bend, or that corner of the road. All of these are in beautiful uncrowded lush settings. Each country store has something totally different and all are treasures. We can’t help but feel as if we are taking a bit of French life and its soul when we acquire them, and we most certainly are acquiring a piece of French history. There is such a dazzling assortment of everything “wantable”! It makes us lick our lips with joy, so totally tasty is it all! Only the French with their “Je ne sais quoi”, would know how to display each piece in such an endearing way. We can’t help but go home with lots of ideas on how to best use our new “treasures”. The antique markets of Chatou and Maison Lafette are lively and fun in September and here are some additional suggestions to further enrich your stay.

An excursion to the Osmotheque Le Conservatoire International des perfumes in Versailles. It has a wonderful display of perfumes that are still in existence, with some that have disappeared.

An interesting stop at the chateau and park de St. Jean de Beauregard. It is a furnished chateau still inhabited with outbuildings, a garden, stables and a pigeon loft. They are excellent examples of the way life was in the 17th century.

One day is set aside for a Paris escape in antiquing at the renowned Marche de Puce and the famed Paul Obert Market. In the afternoon a visit is planned, as well, to St. Paul where the fun and intimate antique stores are tucked around the various levels of clustered courtyards.

Visit some of the following villages well known for their antique shops and collections

*Chantilly
*Jossigny
*Moret-Sur-Loing
*Provins
*Saint-Denis
*Auvers-sur-Oise
*L’Isle Adam
*Yvelines
*Bougival
*Chatou
*Houdan
*Jouy-En-Josas
*Maisons-LaFitte
*Montfort-L’Amaury
*Poissy
*Rambouillet
*Saint-Germain-En-Laye
*Versailles

In just one week you will have a treasure trove of the best French antique addresses. You will know where to go and you will feel “oh” so comfortable shopping the “Parisian Stores” and those of Ile de France. Later in reflection, the invaluable sources, will not only give you a wealth of addresses to draw from, but many fond memories of the first day’s antiquing in Ile de France.

The final evening is reserved for the Au Revoir cocktail.