Second hand shops in Europe

Have you ever wanted to know what's really in those second hand shops in and around France, Belgium and Germany? 

These second hand shops are packed with furniture of all kinds! Many little trinkets, and lots of dishware.  No clothes in these shops! 

Located all over Europe, these shops are easy to find and stop in during your travels. 

Most of the shops are consignment shops. Prices are average to high depending on the item. If an item has been in the shop a long time you can sometimes ask for a discount. But this is not a flea market style establishment. The prices are set by those consigning.

You never know what you will find! 

 Always look the piece over before you buy for damage, mold or worm holes.

Some of the shops offer delivery to the Ktown area. You can also purchase an item, pay for it, and come back in a week to pick it up.

The shop keepers have the keys to cabinets at the front.  You will have to ask them for the key if you want to look inside a piece. So if it's locked, head up to the front and ask. 

You can find a wonderful piece at an affordable price in these shops! 

Some antique pieces are priced at value. If you truly love the piece - GO for it!

If you are looking for lamps, or chandeliers, ask if they work. Sometimes they have it written down if it's been tested. I have purchased 2 before. One worked great- the other didn't. Sometimes it's a hit or miss. But the shop keepers will do their best to help you!

Go during the week when its less crowded. Some shops are open Sundays from 2-6pm.


Once in a while you find some cool signs like this- but not usually. This sign was 300 euros. But it was about 4ft tall. =)

So visit the left toolbar on the blog and check out some of the second hand shops! 

Have fun! 

Paris Flea Market - Porte de Vanves

I visited the market in Paris that is just down south a bit. It's a lovely Market.  I decided to skip the large one (St. Ouen ) since it's SOOOO overpriced.  The prices here were pretty good! It's hard to buy stuff and take the metro unless you are prepared. You have to carry everything. =) But if you drive it's easy. I personally do not care for driving in Paris. It was February when I went, and cold. Dress warm! 

click here for more info: Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves

Address: Avenue Georges Lafenestre and Avenue Marc Sangnier, 14th arrondissement 
Metro: Porte de Vanves (Line 13)
Tel: +33 (0) 6 88 64 82 77
Hours: Open: Every weekend all year long, 7am to 2pm. Entry is free.

                                                   There was a little bit of everything!

A friend of mine bought some Coco Channel Buttons, and some trinkets. I purchased some linen. Another friend purchased some vintage luggage.

It's always entertaining to visit these markets! Everyone has such a great time. Vendors spend the morning chatting, or playing cards with each other.

                                             Worth the visit if you are in Paris!

Metz Flea Market

 

                                    Metz Flea Market --Held once or twice a month.

I haven't been to this market in about 5 years. When I had gone there was a 3 euro fee to get in, and it was VERY expensive.  Last month I went with a few friends, and was surprised to find that it was pretty reasonable.  Maybe it was just because it was in the winter?
Located 1 hour and 30 min from the Kaiserslautern area--it was worth the visit. I will certainly be back on occasion. It's not my favorite market, but it's indoors and makes for a fun outing with friends while getting your  "flea" fix in the winter months! Metz hosts the second largest flea market in France.

I took all these pictures with my iPhone. But you can get the idea! The halls were half empty this time.In the summer when I had attended before it was full of vendors ---My friend went again a few weeks later and saw more vendors. The food stalls were not out- so bring a snack in the winter months.  If you love the industrial look- they have great pieces here!

When I read about flea markets online I always want to know how much items in the photo are, as to get a good feel for what to expect , and cash to bring. Hardly anyone tells you what prices vendors are asking. So, I am going to share with you the prices on a few things I saw!


In the photo below: Gothic Deacon's bench was only 135 Euros! Excellent condition.
French Christmas song books - 10-40 euros depending on the condition. They were beautiful.
Newspaper printing stamps (1st photo above) 10 euros each 14 -`16 inches tall.

                                                                   Scooter - 400 euro

Dinner Menu- from Paris 1900's - 20 euros. Excellent condition

Door knobs- 10-15 euros

wooden baskets 20-30 euros each

                    Demijohns- these were 15 Liter Amber Bottles (hard to find) 20 euros each.

Almost every time I am at a market there is a vendor advertising another market! Grab those flyers or snap a photo of it with your phone, and check them out! I find some of the best little market's that way! 

Running out of cash? It's okay! There is an ATM on site. Taking the whole family? It's stroller friendly, great parking, and bathrooms.

Have a great time!