While water attractions are plentiful think waterside bistros and canopied bridges , the real draw of the town is its antiques. Boasting the largest concentration of antique shops outside of Paris, vendors participate in a giant, open-air market every Sunday and an even bigger one semi-annually. Here she shares how she end up with one seriously enviable day job, and everything you need to know to plan your trip to this charming village!
How did the business idea for Chez Vous come about? To avoid those miles expiring, my husband and I packed up the kids and a nanny and headed to the south of France for a much needed holiday in the spring of As the daughter and granddaughter of inveterate antique collectors, I was drawn to the beautiful items offered and picked up a few pieces of my beloved Haviland Limoges and other treasures to take home.
Not often enough! We do try to go at least once a year. We know our clients and our business in a way pickers cannot. While the semi-annual events are larger, there is no need to wait for them to schedule an antiquing junket to Provence. Rustic pottery, household linens, art, curiosities and unique decorative accessories, and lavender and olive oil products.
If planning to spend a full day at the market, what would you propose as the ideal itinerary? Feel free to time-stamp! The food vendors are a must-do stop for visitors wanting the quintessential Provence experience, as the stalls are a riot of color, texture, and French bon vivance. On a more practical note, the market is also a well-priced and well-stocked food source for those renting self-catering vacation homes.
Depending on the time of year, the crowd, and how much wine is consumed, the dealers may stay just until PM, or until later in the day. When it comes to navigating the market, Karen recommends starting at one end of the riverbank and making your way down to the other. Learn a little French. Karen recommends equipping yourself with a few basics. This is our current favorite at 45 Rue Carnot.
