The Flea Markets of France [Paperback]

Sandy Price (Author), Emily Laxer (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 10, 2009

A visit to a flea market can be the highlight of a trip to France: a lively encounter with everyday French culture, an exciting way to spend a few hours, and a chance to pick up a unique souvenir or add to a collection. The Flea Markets of France is the indispensable tool for getting the most out of your visit, whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced shopper. Conversational and comprehensive, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about exploring markets all over France. Descriptions of more than thirty markets and their specialties, as well as practical advice on visiting them, is augmented by notes on regional items, tips on bargaining and collecting, a glossary of relevant French phrases, and a useful rating system which gives an overview of each market.
 
Much more than a simple listing of French flea markets, Sandy Price’s warm suggestions of things to do nearby, places to eat, food specialties of the area, and local amenities are complemented by bits of history and cultural observations. Armed with this comprehensive guide, visitors to France will feel they are in good, reliable hands.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This attractive little book is a great resource for anyone who enjoys the thrill of the hunt. Laxer covers flea markets in every region of France (including Paris), rating them for their value, visual appeal and nearby amenities. She also explains what collectibles to look for at each venue and offers suggestions on neighborhood cafes, restaurants, bakeries and museums." --France Magazine

"...wherever you set out from, you will want to follow her lead if you are a flea-market fanatic." --House & Garden (London)

"Whether you're searching for a simple souvenir or a serious collectible, flea markets are a way to connect with real life in Gallic culture. Sandy Price, author of The Flea Markets of France, helps bargain hunters land that perfect piece." --National Geographic Traveler

"Little Bookroom, part of the tweedy New York Review of Books, publishes whimsical guidebooks to the civilized pleasures of Western culture capitals. The Flea Markets of France is the latest addition to the series, and undoubtedly one of the best. From Rouen to Paris to Avignon, Sandy Price lays out the fundamentals of those congregations for lovers of castoffs and forgotten treasures—glazed ceramic vases, rustic farmhouse furniture, Art Nouveau patio sets. The book has all the details you need to plan your own flea market Tour de France, including schedules, locations, notes about prices and offerings, tips on restaurants for a restorative repast, and other sites to visit nearby. The book is as satisfying a find as anything you'll discover amid the dusty heaps." --Ralph Lauren Magazine

About the Author

Sandy Price is an attorney living in Canada. She has lived and traveled extensively in France.

Originally from Toronto, Emily Laxer has spent several years in France. During her early childhood, she lived with her family in a small village in Provence, where she went to the local one-room school. As a teenager, she returned to Menton in the C™te d’Azur. She attended college in Montreal, and most recently began a PhD in sociology at the University of Toronto.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Little Bookroom (March 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892145596
• ISBN-13: 978-1892145598
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #152,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great find, June 15, 2009

By 

Roger (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Flea Markets of France (Paperback)

We were just about to leave for a trip to Provence and the Riviera when we stumbled upon this book, just out by that really interesting niche publisher, Little Bookroom. What a great find--engaging text and stunning photographs as well as really useful information. We loved the markets and the restaurants and cafes recommended. A valuable tool for your travels to France or a great and appealing read if you can't get away just yet.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous idea, May 22, 2009

By 

World Traveler "BDF" (SEATTLE, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Flea Markets of France (Paperback)

An unusual approach to traveling in France! I cannot wait to take this book when I go to France this fall.
This book describes regional flea markets (all over France!)by providing advice on what to find where on what days -- as well as how to bargain without insulting the vendors.
Local color, including restaurants and cafe's, are also included. The photos whet the appetite. The format is small enough to stick in a purse (or man-bag.)
In sum, the book should help any traveler join the locals in the national past-time of hunting for the bargain, or in my case, the perfect souvenir or gift from France. Great for armchair traveling or trip planning as well - (that is how I have used it so far.)

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gem of a book!, June 15, 2009

By 

Liz (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Flea Markets of France (Paperback)

Both stylish and informative, this high-quality book provides a very useful guide to the French flea markets. The focus is the regular markets which take place either on a weekly or monthly basis (the guide does not address the many once-a-year markets which are less relevant to the traveller or holiday maker). It is small enough to be tucked into a handbag or rucksack, yet pretty enough to be displayed on a coffee table at home. The gorgeous photographs and lively descriptions reflect the colourful and fascinating markets and the people who work there. The author obviously has a true passion for her subject! For a well-researched, well-written and charming guide to "off the beaten path" France, look no further.