424: Talking with Sharon Santoni about the Art of Antiquing in France

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“The key is to enjoy the moment, and never stop learning along the way.” —Sharon Santoni encouragement to explore France’s many antique and vintage markets, fairs and shops

France. The history, the ambiance, the food, ahhh, and the antiques and vintage treasures.

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to France or have traveled to France and have wanted to know how to navigate the many brocantes, antique fairs and markets, a new book has been written for you. Sharon Santoni, founder of My French Country Home – the blog, the magazine, the travel tours and the seasonal boxes filled with treasures, has spent years traveling around France treasure hunting, and mostly in the wee hours of the morning. A mother of four, now a self-described empty-nester, she and her husband had their home to furnish, and so it was to the French brocantes they went to do so. Thus began an adventure and sparked a passion for French antiques.

The Art of Antiquing in France: Flea Markets, Brocantes, Antiques Shops is available for preorder now, and will be released on Tuesday April 21st in the States (already available in the UK and contentienal Europe, released in March)

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In our conversation, Sharon will share how her introduction into this wonderful world of treasures and French history began, who guided her through and welcomed her into the community of dealers that find themselves at various markets and fairs over the calendar year, and she generously shares insights of where to go, what to look for and how to connect with the dealers to learn more about what catches your eye. She will also share what the true test of a good buy is when it comes to purchasing antiques, and how to hone your eye, taste and judgment so you can feel confident with your choices.

Along with all of that, we talk about the actual experience of being at an antique fair and specifically talk about a handful and what you will discover. And if you’ve ever wanted to know how to best prepare yourself for having a successful outing, she offers her wisdom that she compares to visiting a French farmers’ market. As she did, I couldn’t help but notice how this approach works so well in living a fulfilling life. Ahhh, the French, so wise indeed in the art of everyday living. 🙂

Included in this post are a few photos you will find in the book. And speaking of the book, it is full of images of all types of antiques. Each chapter centers around a type of antique – teaching you more about it, the design periods, details of the craftsmanship to look for, as well as experts in this particular antique field and tips that they offer about how to enjoy yourself as well as find a treasure to love. As Sharon shares in this episode, this book is meant to be an introduction, and a comprehensive one without the overwhelm so that you feel prepared and thus all the more eager to visit an antique fair or brocante or antique shop the next time you venture to France. She will even share with you her recommendations for which to visit if it is your first time chiner (verb, the activity of buying antiques and bric-a-brac – she talks about the term in the introduction of our conversation).

I welcome you to tune in and listen to our conversation, and rest assured, we will conclude with a Petit Plaisir, and this time, it is a favorite of Sharon Santoni’s.

Links and other details mentioned in our conversation:

Useful Websites for finding Fairs and Markets:
- brocabrac.fr
- vide-greniers.org
Markets mentioned by Sharon:
- Puces de Vanves, 14th arrondissement
  - weekly, Saturday and Sunday
- Villeneuve les Avignon
  - weekly, Saturday
French verb — chiner
- to hunt for a bargain, antiquing, looking for vintage treasures at a brocante, flea market or fair
Learn more about French linen sheets and photos from my trip through the flax fields in 2018 with Sharon Santoni

Visit Sharon Santoni online:

Website: My French Country Home, homepage
Blog, My French Country Home
Magazine, My French Country Home
Travel Tours
- Travel Guides/Itineraries, for purchase for your next trip
My French Country Box
Boutique
Instagram: @sharonsantoni

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Buy the Book

There are three options for purchasing Sharon’s new book – The Art of Antiquing in France. See below and click through:

Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Directly from MFCH and receive a personally signed copy with a gift set, including:
- the signed book, and antique monogrammed napkin, a small note book and an MFCH tote bag, ideal for hauling home treasure from an antique market!
- Have a look at the items included in the gift set below