Artist Marin Montagut has always collected objects imbued with a poetic soul that sparks the imagination. In his travels across France, he has met remarkable dealers and passionate amateurs and in his book: Extraordinary Collections – French Interiors, Flea Markets, Ateliers, he takes us into the magical world of their extraordinary collections. In this extract, it’s the incredible Paris flea markets that are highlighted as the perfect hunting ground for treasure seekers and showcase the art of collecting – French style…
Established on the outskirts of Paris, Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen flea and antique market is the oldest and largest of its kind in the world. In the early twentieth century, curious people began flocking to what had become a fashionable area frequented by artists and writers. Colette came here In search of crystal paperweights to expand her collection. Yves Tanguy, Alberto Giacometti, and André Breton were frequent visitors to the markets where, according to Breton, you don’t find objects, they find you.
Gradually, new markets mushroomed up on the site, each one drawing a different king of customer. The Paul Bert Serpette, Vernaison, and Dauphine markets, villages in themselves are home to charming stalls of antiques and designer objects. Bargain hunters head here in search of rare finds, or simply to wander through this enormous outdoor museum that also offers food and drink. Here, in places whose soul and poetry remain intact, collectors will always find something to stoke their enthusiasm. There is something for everyone and every budget, from the most valuable of objects to those traded for a handful of coins.
Take a stroll around and you’ll encounter statues from antiquity to the present day, furniture from every era, carpets and tapestries, collections of paintings, and myriad frames-from the very simple, to finely sculpted or gilded marvels.
Linger at stalls to admire the wealth of textiles: bright or faded silks, wall hangings, and precious passementeries, some of them recovered from the sale of a luxury hotel.
One of the traders will let you in on a secret of the best chefs: they buy their equipment here, where they know they’re sure to find kitchen utensils that are not available anywhere else. For some customers, the sight of the stacked shelves will conjure up childhood memories of time spent with grandparents: enameled coffee pots, cups and bowls in faience adorned with folksy designs, and a whole wall of coffee grinders. You can even find old-fashioned porcelain, wood, or Bakelite switches to replace modern electrical accessories.
Marin Montagut is a French illustrator and designer; his Parisian boutique is dedicated to whimsical decorative objects. He is the author of Timeless Paris: Ateliers, Emporiums, Savoir Faire and co-author with Ines de la Fressange of Maison: Parisian Chic at Home. He has collaborated with brands including the Café de Flore, the Comédie-Française, Château de Versailles, Pierre Frey, and the Ritz Paris. Pierre Musellec is a lifestyle photographer; his work appeared in Timeless Paris and the magazines Faire and Milk.
Extraordinary Collections is published by Flammarion (ISBN 978-2-08-042198-2)
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