Vintage Textile Tours
Hidden in the labyrinth alleys of Paris’ oldest flea-market are treasure troves of vintage lace, linen, passementerie, golden threads and gossamer lingerie. Rebecca has been captivated by this flea market for years and enjoys nothing better than sharing her favourite finds with fellow textile lovers!
The Vintage Textile Tour costs €150 per person and these guided walking tours take place on Saturday or Sunday mornings (depending on Rebecca’s availability), beginning at 10am and finishing at 1pm - leaving you with plenty of time in the afternoon to to explore and return to any, or all, of the markets to pick up those treasures!
Nothing says La Vie en Rose like a delightful Saturday morning in the picturesque surrounds of Marché Vernaison. The winding alleys are strung with trailing ivy, antiques overflow on the narrow passages and the cheerful sounds of jazz manouche fill the air. While it’s a pleasure to lose yourself in the romantic atmosphere of days gone by, it’s a real joy to discover the hidden treasure troves of vintage textiles during your walking tour. Join Rebecca as she guides you through this charming labyrinth and introduces you to friendly experts along the way.
Vintage Haute Couture Fashion & Twinkling Treasures
The Vintage Textile Tour begins in the romantic surrounds of Marché Paul Bert where we discover the beauty and craft of vintage Haute Couture fashions at the legendary Les Merveilles du Babelou. Rebecca will describe the artisans that made each exquisite gown; seamstresses, embroiderers, feather-workers, flower-makers and weavers. A world of savoir-faire is revealed in each meticulous stitch and embellishment.
We continue to Marché Vernaison and Daniel & Lili, where rows and rows of wooden boxes are stacked on long tables, each one filled with antique beads, sequins, buttons, rhinestones and gems. The glistening treasures are sold by the cup-full and this little gem is a favourite amongst embroiderers, jewellers and the magpies amongst us!
We take moment to enjoy vintage fashion illustrations, jewellery designs and engraved plates at Fanny Chaudet. These miniature works of art make for beautiful souvenirs to take home and remind you of your trip to Paris
Fantastic Fans and Vintage Textile Heaven
After this excitement we visit Laetitia, an expert in antique fans and exquisite sewing notions. Destined for museums and private collections, we enjoy an exclusive viewing of these miniature heirlooms.
At Reflets de Paris, we step back in time to when generations of women sewed and embroidered their trousseaus in France. Delicately embroidered handkerchiefs, collars and blouses whisper stories of patient needlework and hours of dedication. You will be forgiven for thinking the beautiful and intricate French lace lingeries was made by fairy godmothers! Silk camisoles, negligées and slips are edged with gorgeous Chantilly, Guipure and Alençon lace. The exquisite pieces are a pleasure to admire and you may be tempted to purchase a little lace fancy to add to your cherished treasures.
And for the finest French table linens there’s napkins, table runners, tablecloths, monogrammed sheets and embroidered pillows.
Dinner at the Ritz & Summer in Provence
If you want to add elegance and Parisienne chic to your wardrobe Marcel & Jeannette is the place to be. A well kept secret amongst fashion designers and stylists looking for inspiration, this cosy boutique specialises in historical French luxury clothing, accessories and costume jewellery from the 18th century to the 1950s.
Les Puces Laure is an emporium of French linen nightgowns, cotton shift dresses and cheerful Provençal fabrics that conjure images of lavender fields and summer in the South of France. Laure has a beautiful collection of vintage Pierre Frey, Boussac and Braquenier printed fabrics, the gorgeous motifs and colours influenced by 18th century Indian block prints.
The display cases are filled with tiny tin boxes perfect for needles and pins. The vintage embroidery patterns, silk and cotton threads, wooden spools and button cards long to be added to your collection.
Et Voilà! The walking tour ends just in time for lunch and there are several lovely bistros in the neighbourhood. When you book a Vintage Textile Tour Rebecca will send you a complimentary copy of The Paris Restaurant List: A Textile Lover’s Guide to Bistros, Brasseries and Bouillons. Bon Appétit!
The Vintage Textile Tour has been the highlight of many a trip to Paris! Rebecca loves introducing this gorgeous world of colour, texture and heritage to fellow textile enthusiasts and sharing lots of fascinating stories along the way! S’il vous plaît, click the button below to read a few reviews.
