There are two ways to hunt for antiques in Paris. The first is to go to the flea markets , on the outskirts of Paris. There you will find antique dealers with busy windows like garage sales. This is where you can discover some dusty nuggets. The second is to discover the different covered passages of Paris . Antique dealers have taken up residence there for centuries, a bit like galleries. It will be easier to find art objects, paintings and old collections there.
THE WORLD OF ANTIQUE DEALERS IN PARIS
The sale of antique objects dates back to the 19th century. Paris could take on the face of opulence or poverty.
As a city of art, merchants found a great place to do business. At the same time, second-hand goods are very popular: Paris is seeing the birth of the professions of ragpickers and second-hand dealers.
The latter offer their merchandise in markets called “flea markets” because there we sometimes find infested clothing. Today, this is where we find good deals. The Saint-Ouen flea markets are the most famous (metro Porte de Clignancourt in the 18th arrondissement).
Sometimes, we discover a piece which, once appraised, turns out to be a gem. And which will probably be on sale in the covered passages of Paris.
THE COVERED PASSAGES OF THE MOST FAMOUS ANTIQUE DEALERS IN PARIS
If only for the walk, Parisian covered passages are an integral part of the history of the capital.
- Passage Verdeau in the 9th arrondissement: just 5 minutes walk from the Drouot auction house , Passage Verdeau has been popular since its opening in 1846 by art dealers and collectors. In fact, it is very easy to have a piece found in the passage appraised at Maison Drouot . This proximity is a real asset. Today, there are rare and old books, photographs, collectibles…
- The Vivienne Gallery : an emblematic passage in the 2nd arrondissement, listed as a historic monument of Paris . With its magnificent dome and its splendid glass roof, the invitation is tempting. In the alley, you will discover luxury decoration and furniture boutiques and also two art galleries : Blase, an offbeat artist, offers paintings in his image. The Vivienne Art Gallery offers paintings , sculptures , photographs and designer furniture . Note the presence of very good restaurateurs, in case of rain…
- The Passage des Panoramas , 2nd arrondissement: the oldest in the capital, it has attracted onlookers since 1799. Today, the passage specializes in philately . Of course, a few antique shops complete the offer.
- The Vero-Dodat gallery in the 10th arrondissement: until 2004, the passage was very busy thanks to the presence of Robert Capia’s antique shop. A specialist in old dolls and automatons, he was one of the local curiosities. At the time, he was surrounded by many antique dealers but today, notably, we find Éric Philippe , who runs a designer furniture store . Its particularity is to present only one or two pieces of furniture to highlight them. And it works. His neighbour ? Christian Louboutin, art lover of another kind.
THE ANTIQUE EXPERTS OF PARIS
To obtain an estimate of an ancient art object in Paris, or any other discovery that you wish to have appraised, there are several solutions.
THE NATIONAL CHAMBER OF SPECIALIZED EXPERTS
The specificity of the room is to operate by specialties. Its mission is to assess and estimate. Thus, everywhere in France, you can find a specialist in furniture, period watches and clocks, lithography, weapons and armor, rare books… Each art object has its specialist. Certainly, large auction houses can also appraise and value a painting, an engraving, jewelry received from an inheritance, a collector’s car, wines and spirits. They also propose to coordinate at the international level, just like the CNES whose radius of action is Paris and the region. You can get there via the nearby Passage Verdeau, in the 9th arrondissement. The room also offers exhibitions.
ART EXPERTISE PARIS
This organization covers the entire territory and even offers auctions. Its Paris subsidiary aims to appraise Asian objects of art (paintings, vases, etc.), engravings, art deco furniture, antique furniture, posters and photos, obviously paintings, including orientalist ones, and sculptures. …The entire spectrum of ancient art is on offer. You can send your photos directly by email and the expertise can begin.
THE TROCAZ HOUSE: ANTIQUES FROM PARIS
A free estimate within 24 hours, here is the promise of this house founded in 1920. Bronzes, lighting, coins, toys, tableware, and much more: all objects of interest to the Trocaz house for purchase . The experts are available by email, telephone, and can come to any department, to your home.
They are driven by the excitement of the treasure hunt.
The house also offers a clearance solution : arms come to remove the objects, eyes sort the worthless objects from the objects to be appraised, solutions for purchasing or selling are then offered to you. And this throughout France.
OTHER PLACES TO FIND EXPERTS
Every year the antiques fair is held during which the unboxings take place. Experts roam here looking for rare pieces for their clients or to sell directly. You can go there and ask for recommendations.
SOME TIPS FOR CHOOSING AN ANTIQUES EXPERT
The work is pleasant, but serious and very rigorous. To become an expert, you have to follow training during which you have to rub shoulders with museum curators, art dealers, and attend hours of conferences, walk miles of exhibitions, and travel.
Of course, reputation is everything. Being part of the CNES or the CEDEA (European confederation of art experts) is a very good signal. Nothing prevents you from having your old works of art or paintings appraised by several experts.
THE SERVICES OF THE ANTIQUES EXPERT
Your choice can also be made based on the services offered:
- Authentication and evaluation.
- Restoration and conservation of antiquities.
- Consultation for buying and selling.
- Clearing and sorting objects.
Do you hunt or have some treasures in Paris? In the popular excitement of the flea markets or in the hushed elegance of the covered passages, you will find what you are looking for, that’s a certainty. As an informed collector or simply curious, you will enjoy discussing with Parisian antique dealers, the vectors of French history. All these ancient and diverse objects are sometimes told much better than in museums.
