Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Saint-Ouen - Marché Biron




A trip to Paris is never complete without a visit to Marché aux Puces at Saint-Ouen. I love the look of winter and it had just snowed that Saturday morning leaving the tree decorated with a dusting of white. The long allée of Marché Biron with its glass-front display rooms was nearly deserted... the shopkeepers inside, their little dogs peering out from the heated interiors.

Marché Biron
Saint-Ouen
Métro Porte de Clignancourt

18 comments:

cocoa and coconut said...

Unforunately I've never been there! I shall add it to my list of Paris places to visit.

Laurent said...

This flea market kind of lost his soul being now mostly a antique shop retailers place

Cezar and Léia said...

Ahhh that RED lace is special!And these trees are huge!I think I would have lots of fun there in this marketing and looks a cool place to take pictures!
Léia :)

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Brittany -- It is worth a day's visit as there are over 2,500 dealers and it covers more than 17 acres (7 hectares)with 15 named markets, each with its own flavor.

Laurent -- You are right about Biron and there is not much I could buy (or fit in my carry-on) in this chi-chi market. But if you want to see some very high end antiques, this is the place! (I guess you survived the snow of England?)

Léia -- I came to this particular market on this trip to get photos of the lamps overhead, the tree (huge) and the market windows. It is totally different from the more "flea market" feel of other areas.

M said...

It looks so different -- hello Irma! Is this a live tree? Love the snow dusting!

Alexa said...

Great shot, Genie! Don't think I've ever seen it so empty. Laurent is right. Back in the '60s this place was a real treasure trove, where even a poor kid (comme moi) could find—and afford—something fabulous. I still love it though.

Randy said...

What lovely place to window shop and taking in that holiday feeling. Wonderful shot!

Malyss said...

Noone around? a good time to find many treasures for you alone! :)

Jack said...

Hmmmm. Don't know this place. I suppose I commit the American sin of visiting and re-visiting the usual tourist destinations in Paris.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Marie -- Yes, and so large by Paris standards! The snow was so perfect that it appeared to have been sprayed out of a can

Alexa -- It was wet, cold, and snowing that day... The prices here are about like the chocolate tree from yesterday. Marché Paul Bert, Marché Vernaisson, and others are much more reasonable... I have bought old postcards, linens, keys, and small (flat) items... nothing from Biron, but it is fun to window shop

Randy -- Merci!

Malyss -- Hummmm... not unless I can rob a bank - hah!

Jack -- Email me before you go the next time and I'll tell you some secrets...

Starman said...

I've never made it to the Marché aux Puces at Saint-Ouen.

Virginia said...

I couldn't afford anything either but love this shot!
V

Cildemer said...

Never been there! Seems a great place to visit!
I think I'll drop by during spring holidays!

***
Have a wonderful Xmas, Genie****

Ps: if you had the opportunity to take some pics of the eclipse I would love to see them;o)

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

J Bar -- Many thanks!

Starman -- Well, I've never been able to stay in Paris as long as you just did (and I'm envious)

Virginia -- It's a photographer's treasure!

Cildemer -- It's worth a visit. Check out this website which has much detail... http://www.parispuces.com/en/historique/Default.htm

Oh, I did not photograph the eclipse although I have with my daddy many times over the years. It was beautiful -- Merry Christmas, joyeaux noël!

Parisian Heart said...

What a lovely Christmas shot! I like the red ribbon at the top of the tree and the lights above the pathway You really capture Paris charm!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Parisian Heart -- I am glad that you noticed the ribbons and bows... the snow on the top one looks almost artificial. The old lights over the passage reflect the charm of a bygone era...

James said...

What a lovely place. I've never been here but thanks for the tip.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

James -- Some of the other venues are more photogenic in terms of variety and interest... You should go the next time you are in Paris