We’d look for any excuse to book a flight to France, map out a route, and spend a few days scouring flea markets, brocantes, and vides greniers (the French version of a garage sale) for vintage finds. The next best thing? A few small vintage shops, with wares hand-sourced from antiques shops and stalls throughout France, and easily browsable from your couch. Unlike bigger online platforms like eBay and Etsy, these are more curated shops run (and sourced) by individuals and couples, with small selections that frequently sell out (and get replenished). It’s a version of a flea market where the digging has been done for you (no kitschy bric-a-brac included); all your need to do is go online. Here are six shops we like.
1. Nomibis
Above: Based in Reims, France, Nomibis is the project of Fabienne Nominé and her companion Pascal Bisson, who first opened a brick and mortar shop in the city before discovering that they could sell things more efficiently on Instagram. Now, they photograph their found “antiques and eccentricities” in their own house in Reims, then post them on their feed (@nomibis) and on their website. There are no prices listed; reach out to the shopkeepers directly to sort a price. Shown here: a Marble Top Table, styled in their kitchen.
Above: French finds in an unlikely spot: a tiny island off the rocky Maine coast. There, Sharon and Paul Mrozinski of Marston House Vinalhaven display wares sourced during their winters in France: “textiles, silverware, baskets, ephemera, and tons of ironstone,” reports Justine, who traveled to the shop last summer. Can’t go in person? You can find their collections online. Photograph by Justine Hand for Remodelista.
Above: Another favorite in Reims: Brice Bérard Antiques and Les Pénates Reims, with mirrors, furniture, and vintage lighting sourced by partners Brice Bérard and designer Annabelle Brun. (“We buy on a love-at-first-sight basis,” says Brun.) The couple recently combined their talents to remodel a pair of shoppable guest houses, fitted with their antique finds, in the city, which will open this spring. A new website is in the works; until then, the wares are shoppable via the couple’s two Instagram feeds: @briceberardantiques and @les_penates_reims.
Above: We’re longtime fans of Elsie Green, the Bay Area-based emporium of French finds, sourced from founder Laurie Furber’s travels through the French countryside. Look for bentwood chairs, stoneware crocks, and rough-hewn cutting boards.
Above: The cleverly named Super Marché is a collaboration between Elsie Green and design blogger (and longtime Remodelista friend) Victoria Smith of SF Girl by Bay. Shown here: a vintage Formica Coffee Table; shop here for antique furniture and mirrors.
6. Madame de la Maison
Above: Madame de la Maison is the one-woman project of Ajiri Aki, who formerly worked in fashion in New York and at the Met’s Costume Institute before studying decorative arts and moving to Paris. Now, she takes day trips to flea markets in the countrysideto sleuth the best in classic china, glassware, and more, then offers them for sale (and for rent). Shown here: a vintage Floral Scalloped Haviland Plate, currently available.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation