The Village Saint Paul is a block of medieval buildings in the historic Marais neighbourhood in Paris, sandwiched between Rue Saint-Paul and Rue des Jardin Saint-Paul. It is a lovely tranquil space to while away a lazy weekend afternoon if you are in the vicinity, rummaging through antique and second hand stalls.
The weekly Brocante held in a series of connected courtyards, was a bit of an anti climax, but I did come upon a few gems, like this delightful sleeping beauty and the antique pull out toilet (above) that I wouldn’t have minded carting home.
The Urge To Wander 
What a cute little sleeping beauty, Madhu! 🙂
It was a lovely sunlit scene Cathy 🙂
A few years ago when I was in Canterbury in England my friend dragged me into a shop which restored old furniture, as she wanted an old cabinet French polished.
Some of the items there were beautiful but were, unfortunately, not for sale as they were only being restored. Most of the items would have fetched a lot of money as they were nice.
I saw a beautiful carved chair with a thistle carving. I asked the man if it was Scottish and he said it belonged to a man whose grandmother was Scottish from the Isle of Harris (where the tweed comes from) in the north of Scotland.
She had carved the chair during the dark winters when she was a young girl and could not go out as it was too cold, wet and windy. it was a stunning chair.
Sounds fabulous! Do you have a picture of the chair Jane?
It was a few years ago now but I remember the shop and can find out if I can trace the owner.
I was amazed how someone so young could create such a work of beauty.
Where the woman lived in the North of Scotland, it is only light about 6 hours a day in winter so she would have needed an interest to get through it.
I was interested because I am Scottish. Hopefully be an independent Scotland later this year as we are England’s last colony!
How cute is that!
Isn’t he? I regret not having picked him up.
🙂
What a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. Did you bring little piggy home? I love it.
Sadly no Angeline. I wish I had.
I’d like the sleeping pig as well, not too sure about the toilet though 🙂
Ha ha, the toilet was just a curiosity Gilly. The piglet I should have brought home 😦
Definitely conversation pieces.
Don’t you agree? I wonder what the larger Cliganacourt markets are like then! Next time 🙂
The chair is fabulous, but I’ll let you keep Sleeping Beauty 🙂 It makes a wonderful photo, Madhu.
Ha ha, the upholstery is gorgeous, I agree 🙂
Love the snoozing piggy, Madhu, but I’m not sure that I’d want someone’s second hand loo. 🙂
Yuck, no I wouldn’t have brought it home either. But piggy was rather cute 🙂
such pleasing objects Madhu … but oh to be in St Paul and see our new baby grandson … never mind they will out here in a few weeks taking a break from the winter weather 🙂
How wonderful! Are they home already? Congratulations on your new grandson Christine 🙂
Can’t be very comfy with the handles jabbing on your back… but it’s a beautiful piece of furniture nevertheless. I bet IKEA couldn’t make anything half as eye-catching 🙂 Did you adopt the piggy?
Sadly no 😦
Unusual sleeping little one. Looks at home on that pretty chair.
He looked perfectly comfortable! I got scolded by my daughter for not having picked him up 🙂
😉
lovely treasures! 🙂
Aren’t they? Thanks KZ 🙂
You have a new theme, Madhu – for a moment, I thought I was in another’s blog. This is light, airy and inviting – good choice 🙂
Sleeping Piggy – cute
Ah thanks…again Eric 🙂 Glad you approve of my new look.
All color coordinated and meant to be together. Great shot, Madhu. Thank you for sharing it. Take care. -Max-
Thanks Max. You too 🙂
The photo was skilfully captured. While quite different to this location I used to like going down to the market area in Mumbai where they “manufactured” antiques. lol
Do you mean Chor Bazaar? I have only rushed through Mumbai, most recently for the memorial of the dear girl who passed away in December. Next on my list of Indian cities to explore.
Yes Chor Bazaar. I used to like sitting around and watching what was going on in the markets too. When you get to know the locals they tell you all kind of stuff about each other and the underground news of the city. It was better than TV! lol
I love the chair too!
I do too, especially the upholstery 🙂
That pig looks pretty similar to my new little rat dog. Sort of thing we would probably find in the local rubbish bins 😀 In act, the dog was found in a rubbish bin. Flea markets are not my thing though, nor are second hand shops. Not because I don’t like them, but I just dislike shopping at all. As I frequently write. So browsing without intending to buy is even worse. I would have felt bad if I had left the pig behind though!
I am feeling bad about leaving the pig behind Roughseas. But we really aren’t shoppers ourselves and love our de-cluttered house 🙂
Hello! I wish you a happy and successful new week.
Thanks Marko. You too 🙂
And this piggy (should have) walked all the way back home. He’s adorable.
He he, he really should have! Thank you for stopping by to tell me 🙂
No, this little piggy went to market–and fell asleep! Adorable Madhu!
He he, he must have gorged on roast beef 😀 Thanks Tina.
Great picture! 🙂
Thanks Ken 🙂
My friend’s boyfriend is an antiques dealer. He regularly visits Paris for this reason. (I don’t need an excuse to go there, but this sounds like a great reason to see the City of Lights.) Love the items you found, Madhu.
The larger markets must be wonderful to explore. Next time Judy 🙂
THIS IS a wonderful find !Where did you place it in your home?
Didn’t buy it Kathryn! We are into decluttering our home and have been giving away so many of our posessions. But I did come close to breaking my no shopping rule with this 🙂
I am doing the exact same Madhu! It’s hard sometimes !
A whimsical image for the challenge – love it!
Glad you do. Thank you TRS.
My son and I explored a flea market in Paris when he was young. He found all sorts of French Army gear and wore it on the plane ride home — which resulted in him getting detained by Secuirty at the airport. Crazy.
You are joking! They detained a little boy in vintage army gear??? Should I be glad I haven’t visited the US yet? 🙂
That is very Paris …. it’s lovely how you capture the sun on the seat of the chair. The little pig looks like he enjoys laying in the sun. The chair I would love here in front of my PC. Lovely entry, Madhu. I hope things are okay in your end … because I haven’t seen you for quite a while. My warmest regards.
Yes, I have been kind of listless Viveka. But I am back now and off to catch up with you 🙂 Many thanks for staying with me in my absence.
That sleeping beauty is super cute! And so is that pull-out toilet!
Aren’t they just? I think it was also the way they were displayed. A pleasure to meet the girl next door! 😀
Hey you really are the girl next door!! Well next city, but that’s quite the same 😉
Did you buy this sleeping beauty? I know I would 😀
I didn’t Paula. I am on a no shopping vow, I should have broken it this once though 😦
😦
a gorgeous look to your website Madhu,Been a longtime since I came here.Its more beautiful than before.
Ah thank you Soumya! Wish you a great year ahead 🙂
Hi Madhu,
I remain intrigued by that pull-out toilet. How does it flush….. or does it?
Enquiringly yours
Shakti
These are from the days before plumbing was invented, so no it does not flush. I imagine chambermaids discreetly emptied them after each use 🙂
The pull out is fabulous, just the thing for the household that has everything ‘butt’. The sleeping pig, love this one.
Ha ha, perfect pun. I had never seen a concealed one before 🙂
I love the pull-out toilet. Classic! – if a little grim…
Yes. my thoughts exactly Kate 🙂 Pity the people entrusted with emptying them… eeww!
Lovely, lovely sleeping beauty!
Yes, I thought so too 🙂
The chair is the perfect idyll for this little sleeping beauty, and in such sunshine!
Yes, it was a beautiful scene begging to be captured Patti 🙂
Gorgeous.
Thank you 🙂
Thats a beauty!
It is! Thanks Ana 🙂
I love that cute piggy! I would have had to buy him. Margie
Flea markets are like the icing on the cake of a beautiful city!
What a beauty Mr. Pig is! I would have been ecstatic to have found that flea market! Absolutely, my kind of fun! I used to see similar boudoir toilets at antiques shows in the US too. I always thought one would be a charming anachronism for a modern bedroom. Imagine the surprise a guest would experience on opening it! Chuckle… Great finds, Madhu!
My thoughts exactly 😀 I still regret not having picked up little piggy. Always a pleasure to see you here George.
I love flea markets and buying something that has its very own history
Love that chair and loving your new design 🙂
I love anitque shops. I am a browser. I never buy anything. I used to but now I’m into minimalism, The less is more theory. BUT … I can apprecaite the the anitque and vintage world because of their history. Nice post ….
What a stunning find Madhu! I love that piggy. Great post and share. 😀
I love that little piggy, too, Madhu! 🙂
These are always the best kinds of places to find when traveling- markets and interesting things that make you feel like the place is yours, that you know something about it other people don’t. Great post
Is wonderful that pig! I think the touch must be very special!