Paris Chatou Antique Fair
Updated: 3 days ago
Chatou Paris Antique Fair, is the number one date in my antiquing diary, it is antique heaven! A feast for the eyes and nourishment for your vintage soul!
Read on for details of this very special bi-annual antique fair that is held just outside Paris and dates of the next events.
The venue has always had a connection with artistic beauty as it is fittingly set on an island in the Seine, called the Île des Impressionistes, it was beloved of the Impressionist painters, particularly Renoir and Claude Monet. There they held boating parties and picnics, themes often reflected in their art.
Fast forward to the 21st century and a space surrounded by the River Seine is turned into a fairground for 10 days. At current count 268 dealers are setting up their stalls there for this autumn's event.
At the previous fair, there were many talented dealers, artists in their own right. Having so many in one space was truly inspiring. There were brocante treasures from a range of eras from stylish Mid Century Modern to precious antiques dating back as far as the 1600s.
I think one's eye tends to pass over the stalls that are not in keeping with one's own style, to those that are, and there were many that were my style. The majority of the dealers had set out their wares very artistically, making it a wonderful experience whether you bought a container load of treasures or just a few pieces.
I defy any antique lover to come away empty handed.
Where did I linger? The first place that caught my eye was a stall full of terre de fer, French ironstone. The seller had clearly collected for many months to bring such a delightfully comprehensive selection.
Wandering along the alleyways, searching for that special gem in the tents and the marquees, I found a shop selling Aubusson patterns, one of which definately came home with me. There was another stall full of art and artist's palettes, another with fabrics, furniture, jewellery, ruffled paged books, religious reliquaries and even a harp! Most however had the usual and beloved eclectic mix, reflecting the owner's style.
The stall holders I spoke to were, on the whole, knowledgeable and some were leading experts in their niche.
Sounds expensive? Some stalls were very expensive but their treasures were very rare and beautiful, many reasonably priced for the time , effort and cost of sourcing the treasures. Others were just expensive for the less exceptional quality and the prices are rising.
However, you have to appreciate that the costs of having a stall here for 10 days are very high (and don't forget the high taxes that French sellers have to pay).
The most beautiful antiques were truly exceptional. Luckily, many stall holders took cards so I added to my personal collection as well as purchasing treasures for my Quintessentially French online brocante.
Despite accepting cards, most sellers prefer cash, so it's worth bringing a ready supply, as well as bags and packing materials.
The details you need to know:
When is the next event? Autumn 2026 - 25th September to the 4th October between 10am and 7pm
Spring 2027 5th to the 14th March
Do I need to book a tour? No really, just turn up and buy a ticket and wander round. It's not that big, most of the stall holders speak English and there are shipping experts on site.
Entry is 10€ and its open from 10am to 6pm
Getting there: You can drive, parking is limited close by, however there is a park and ride with a shuttle bus or you can take the RER A from Paris centre to Rueil-Malmaison and there's a sweet road train that takes you to the venue or of course you can take a taxi.
It's a good idea to download the Bonjour RATP app for planning your journey as it has live updates.
And there's one important bit I haven't told you about, there are pop up restaurants in the fair, from sit down 3 courses with wine to an oyster bar and sandwich stalls, it just makes the whole thing so much more ... civilised! The French stall holders often bring supplies and set out tables in front of their stalls, enjoying a glass of wine and the conviviality of the event. La Belle vie française!
And finally ... bring some 50c pieces for the loos!
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