What's Happening this Weekend?

What's Going On This Weekend?
29 March, 2013
As always there are the brochantes. A brochante is a flea market, not to be confused with the more appreciated Vide Greniere, which seem to be more popular in rural areas. A brochante features mostly professional traders, selling anything from handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, antiques, furniture and trinkets. While I appreciate the brochante, I like to discover real treasures, the things from the attic, so to speak. Previously privately held personal items and treasures.

My favorite brochante in Paris, however, is the one held at Porte Vavnes, down in the 14th and easily accessible by M13. Once arriving at the corner, just following the people with their little rolly carts! It goes on every weekend of the year, rain or shine.

This is an enchanting Marche au Puce, or brochante, as the traders are still professional, but their overheads are lower, hence the prices are much more negotiable. Don't be afraid to bargain and haggle, it's tradition! Offer a fair price and be firm, confident and polite! Keep a look out for the sellers with crates and boxes lined up filled with glorious junk. For a euro you can get a sweet dish or teapot, or random bit of housewares or kitchen gear.

This weekend there is a professional Brochante at Pont Alexandre along the Siene. It will have the professional market traders with fine, more upscale goodies, but since it's been a long, cold winter (with no end in sight, oh my!!) the traders should have plenty of fresh stock, so it's a great opportunity.

I suggest a little walk along the Seine over to La Dauphine at 237 Boulevard Saint Germain - 75007 afterwards for a lovely cheeseburger or pasta. While not an imaginative menu, the service is great, it's very relaxing and offers a respite from the usual tourists. Get a cold beer and a burger & frites and relax!