There is a lovely park near our apartment and on the weekends, they have a book market in the old horse stables.  It's a great way to spend part of the day. 

Most all of the books are written in french.  I search threw the many titles, the vast majority are unfamiliar to me.  I enjoy picking up the dusty, crackled books, gently opening the gardening books, looking at the illustrations.  I love the different colors that age has developed over time on the leather covers.....

I especially like the old primary readers and lessons for children.  I wonder how many little hands have held them, eager to learn. 

The idea of old books nestled together on a small table purely for the design element makes me smile.......

If you are in Paris and want to visit this market.  It is located in Parc George Brassens in the horse stables at 87 rue brancion, 75015.  It is called the Marche aux livres and is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am until 6pm..

The kids and I decided to check out a different outdoor market.  I remember reading that Ina Garten ("Barefoot Contessa") goes to this market when she stays in her Paris apartment nearby.  

It's a stones throw from our apartment.  If you would like to check it out;  hop on the #12 train and exit at Rennes.  Walk up the stairs out of the subway and you are in the middle of the market. 

It has what you would expect; beautiful fruit, vegetables, interspersed with spices, nuts, and rotisserie chicken.

I grabbed a 1/2 kilo of strawberries, handed them to the kids who followed behind me with red stained fingers and lips, devouring the sweet berries.  

I quickly noticed how quiet this market was; I felt like I was in a library.  I love our market on Convention in the 15th.  It is very lively, large, and has a little of everything.  The more markets I go to the more I am impressed with our own.   

This market is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 8am until 2pm. 

The Marche aux Fleurs is a market for the true gardener.  It is full of potted flowers to hang on your French balcony. 

It is located in the 4th Arrondissemont and is a cinch to get to.  Take the #4 metro to Cite' and you will spill out onto a beautiful garden in the heart of the city.  Stall after stall of potted plants stand at attention, plumping their petals waiting to be adopted and cared for by you. 

The metro sign gives you a hint of what is in store with it's red tulip shaped lights pointing to the sign.

I arrived when it opened at 10am and savored the quiet, winding my way around plants so healthy and strong.  They looked happy and well cared for.

There are a couple of stalls devoted strictly to seeds.  You can find anything you desire whether it be plant, vegetable or herb seeds. 

This market does not only sell flowers, of course not; beautiful lanterns, garden decor, baskets, bird cages, wind chimes, candelabras and much more sit next to these flowers, vying for a little attention. 

I will let you relax and have a seat in this small piece of paradise.  We can continue our little tour tomorrow. 

Have a wonderful day and don't forget to stop and smell the roses along the way.

I know there are a ton of creative people and crafters reading this so the next few shots are for you.........

Don't you just love the selection of colors?  They make me want to learn how to knit.  This table was very busy with ladies rummaging through the yarn, I had to elbow my way in to snap pictures.  (I am sure they loved that).

There was another table with an array of thread.  A potpourri of color.  This table also had wooden boxes full to the brim with clasps, zippers, needles, pins.......

As I was looking through these spools of thread, my nose perked up and my feet walked on there own to the next table.  A beautiful arrangement of citrus, rose, lavender and fig soaps were whispering to me........

It would be a shame not to include photographs of the flowers that dot the market.  Some vendors have just a few buckets full of roses and tulips.  Others have large fragrant and colorful stands to tempt..

Honestly, these markets are a virtual "smorgasbord", full of just about everything you need to make a house a home   You can by furniture, rugs, jewelry, gloves, socks, underwear, bras, slips, shirts, pants, coats,  pillows, luggage.........  Shall I continue?  I think you get the point.

Hands down,  the best thing about these markets would have to be the gorgeous, fresh and delicious food.  Take a look at these carrots; it looks like they were pulled from the sandy soil this morning...........

Yes, these wonderful markets have more than food but it is difficult not to snap pictures of the mouthwatering morsels.  I was tempted to grab a handful of these olives when no one was looking. 

I was surprised that these brussel sprouts looked so appealing to me  (I am not a fan of the brussel sprout but will have to try these French beauties).

The markets are "chock full" of all kinds of goodies.  Do you need a scarf?  Look at all these delicious colors.......

How about a red hat?  Oh, if only I could look so sheek in this hat.......

How about a pair of shoes to finish off your new look?  (I hope you have tiny feet because the shoes run very small).

Let's head into the kitchen now.  Do you need some pots and pans?  They've got them, although most of the lids are sold seperately.  I don't get it either.  Expect to spend a "wad" on kitchen supplies. 

We can't forget a lovely tablecloth.  I have noticed that the bright yellows and blues that we equate to French style are being replaced by creamy whites, taupes and greys. 

Since we are working in the kitchen, let's grab something to eat.......

I'll let you digest this and we will continue our little tour tomorrow.  Until then, have a wonderful day......

We woke to bright blue sky and sunshine this morning.  I had the bright idea of bringing the entire family with me to the local flea.  The kids grabbed their scooters, Dan carted "Les Wheels" (in case I found something that I couldn't live without) and I fattened my wallet with small bills.

The kids haven't ridden on their scooters for a few months and their balance was questionable.  The streets were busy, everyone enjoying the sunshine.  My kids darted through pedestrian traffic, almost nailing little old ladies doing their weekend shopping.  

Max fell off his with a loud bang and landed spread eagle in front of a lady who was brought to a screeching halt, her arms full of groceries, she shook her head so fast I thought it might unscrew, a loud "tsk, tsk" was heard.  I smiled shyly "pardon", she snarled at me, I grabbed Max by the arm and pulled him up giggling to myself.  He dusted himself off and he was cruising the sidewalks once again. 

After about 10 blocks of "near misses", we folded the little scooters and Dan carried them as we pushed our way through the flea market. 

As a rule, I am not one who loves garage sales and flea markets.  However, I thoroughly enjoyed browsing the stalls, slowly looking at what appealed to me.  I don't know very much about antiques but I have read that you should buy what pleases your eye, no one elses.  Try not to get sucked into the latest "it thing". 

I loved looking through all of the old French books.........   

I was incredibly drawn to the small grey pieces of furniture.  They looked Scandinavian, very understated with clean lines.  

Looking at these again, I want to go back and buy them.  Although, I did not ask about the price, I found the prices at this flea to be very high.

I loved these little crowns too..........

Can you see the  theme?  I am really loving this grey.  It has a hint of blue but it feels very warm. 



I did find the perfect desk for me to write..............

Along with the sweetest little typewriter..........

Our day at "the flea" ended over lunch with my family telling me that in the future "You can go by yourself, that was sooooooo boring!"   Works for me!  I might have to get into this flea market thing.........

Rule number one at the market:  Don't touch.  Tell the vendor what you would like and how many and they will choose the best for you. 

If you don't speak the language, point and use your fingers.  Ha.  I have learned my numbers and try and learn the name of the fruit or vegetable that I want but they still look at me funny so I usually smile and point and use my fingers.  Often times, I give them the money, and I am wrong.  So........I extend my arm, open my hand and let them take the coins for me.   Ah, humility.

I love the way the French merchandise their food.  Don't you just want to take these little baskets of goodness home and set them on your kitchen counter?  I love all the baskets and crates, the slate boards and the chalk "curly q" writing. 

I just loved watching this little man.  I named him "Jacque".  He shuffled along with his cart from vendor to vendor.  He was very serious about his shopping.  He dressed for the market, a turtleneck underneath a suit.  You've got to appreciate that. 

I would have loved to share an espresso with him and hear a little about his life  We each have a story, I wanted to know his.   

 We are very fortunate because we have a large open air market a few blocks from our apartment.  It is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.  They begin setting up around 8am.  It is fun to walk to school and watch all of the vendors setting up their tables, stringing their lights and unloading all of their merchandise from their cars.   They disassemble around 1pm. 

Today was the first time I had nowhere to go and nothing to do so I grabbed my camera and walked the markets.  I hope you enjoy. 

I haven't had a chance to buy this vendors fish and seafood but it must be divine because there is always a long line in front of his stand.

This is just "the tip of the iceberg" as far as pictures and items sold at our open air market.  I will be posting more pictures this week. 

The energy at the market today was intoxicating; butchers were yelling out their specials and French men were flirting with the American girl who had a camera hanging around her neck; "take my picture", "you charming lady", "can I elp you"?  The French woman were very unimpressed as I stopped right in the middle of the sidewalk to take pictures of a carrot or a shiny strawberry.    Tsk, tsk, under their breath.

We live in a true middle class neighborhood and you do not see many tourists toting cameras.  I think this may be "my thing", it seemed to garner a lot of help and attention and it gave me a lift.