Oooh, this is the part where I get to tell you about the amazing antique shop we stumbled upon! I had not heard nor read about it anywhere in my research, online or otherwise. So finding it was completely serendipitous.
It's like this shop was meant for me to find!
Welcome to l'Objet qui Parle...
The shop was so well curated and you could easily see it was the singular vision of the owner. He had an amazing collection of taxidermy, botanical prints and specimens, religious relics, oil paintings, gorgeous chandeliers and antique china. And his shop was so small and packed that he had to stand outside on the sidewalk...no sales counter here.
Why bother anyway, it leaves more room for inventory!
I spent a lot of time peeking into every little nook and cranny. Didn't want to miss a thing! I studied his shop like I was cramming for my mid term finals. My affection was obvious and he allowed me to take photos...so glad he did (many don't). In the shot above I loved the chalkware cow and the small landscape prints wrapped in copper frames. Can you spot them?
His mirror selection was amazing and he had them wrapped all around the store. My sister collects sunburst mirrors and has a wall of them in her home. They make for a beautiful gallery. And don't you love the vintage cannisters, cafe au lait bowls and mis-matched sets of china?
Hello amazing gray cabinet...will you squeeze into my luggage please? And I don't mind if everything in it comes along too.
I found his prices to be similar to those at the flea markets. I bought a gorgeous antique oil painting and a shadow box butterfly specimen. Will show you those later, promise.
I'm positive the owner scours the best flea markets in and around Paris. He doesn't even open his shop until 1pm. Probably to ensure plenty of time for treasure hunting. And he also doesn't have a website. But if you're going to Paris and love antique shops, I would not miss this one.
The next time I'm in Paris...I'm heading here first!
l'Objet que Parle
86 rue des Martyrs
Paris, 75018
Open Mon-Sat 1pm to 7:30pm
