＃002 Trip to buy antiques in southern France Vidogrenier edition

Adding old things to your interior will add emotion to your life. Elaborate decorations and textures that can only be found in old-fashioned items, and the beauty that only things that have been cherished for a long time can possess I would like to introduce the interior that incorporates old and beautiful things to the customers of the brand Juliet. I went on an antique buying trip to the south of France.

For brand Juliet, this is the first full-scale antique purchase. Staying at Maison d'Hôtes near Avignon, I've taken the truck to various markets in Avignon, Montpellier, Aix-en-Provence, and other small villages, collecting nice things.

The French antique market has a large-scale fair called "Exposition" where professionals gather, "Antique", a market for professionals, "Blocante" and "Vide Grenier" (closet A variety of markets are held, ranging from a casual flea market-like Japanese flea market. Since the first day was Sunday, I went to "Vide Grenier" in a small village near Avignon to improve my skills.

Drive from the inn to Vide Grenier, a small village with an old castle. A beautiful village where medieval buildings and streets remain intact!

The market stretches for about 2 kilometers along the river that surrounds the old town. There are also shops that are run by families, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Even if they find something they like, I see them worrying, "Well, this looks like something new...". After all, the French seem to find value in old things. There are many people who like antiques in Japan, but they are a little special. I was made to realize that France is rooted in a very ordinary life.

(Left) Plump pottery typical of southern France and old prints. A fashionable madam with a good sense was exhibiting.

I don't have a lot of furniture because I bring it from home by car, but the furniture I occasionally see is very bargain. Compared to Paris and L'Isle-sur-Sorgue, it's a few tenths! Until recently, many of them were used at home, so even if the paint or surface is damaged, they are well made and can be used without repairing them.

I found a lot of wonderful things such as flower bases and cups and saucers! Walking with me is Mr. and Mrs. Okamoto, who helped me on my trip to buy antiques. Two people with outstanding sense who run a brokerage shop and interior design company called "Bolt" in Matsuyama, Ehime.

A French family couldn't help but help us as we climbed the stone steps with a lot of luggage. On weekends when Vid Grenier is there, he always visits for a walk. For French people, flea markets are so common that they can be called a hobby.

The French way of spending their holidays is to stroll through the flea market in the morning and have brunch or lunch. We also brunch French style. Whenever I go to France, I always go out to eat and have tea. Why is it that you don't care if it's a little cold or hot? Because it's not as humid and windy as Japan? Is it because the streets are beautiful?

A church across from the cafe. It is said that they have been watching over the village since the Middle Ages. The service just started as we passed by the church. When I listened to the hymns that leaked out, a wonderful madam invited me in. It's a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

On my way back to Maison d'Hôte, I got information that a brocante was being held in a town, so I headed straight to the next town! There are beautiful roadside trees along the highway. At this point, it's still 10:00 in the morning. Morning is the best time to buy. I leave the inn at 5:00 in the morning and am enthusiastically shopping.

Brocante is a slightly larger town with many tourists. It was a more sophisticated atmosphere than Vide Grenier in the village I visited in the morning. Most of the vendors are professionals, but sometimes descendants of aristocrats come to the store to earn pocket money, so there are some bargains here and there!

Some dealers specialize in volleys (shrouds).

Finish the first day early and go to the inn. Maison Dot, who was indebted to me, has the appearance of a rural house in the south of France. I felt that the flow of time was completely different in the idyllic atmosphere. There are cows and horses on the property, and in the morning you will be awakened by the crowing of chickens. There are also cute cats and big dogs like cows running around.

From here, we go out in all directions by truck every day.

A cafe I found while walking around the village near Maison D'hôte. It's a small village where the main shopping street ends in about 10 meters, but there are plenty of cafes and the interior is stylish and modern. For French people, cafes are indispensable. Afternoon cafes on holidays are mostly social gathering places for fathers. There are groups of old men happily chatting while munching on sweets and parfaits that look very sweet.

A boulangerie showcase where I stopped by to buy baguettes. Classic cakes such as religieuse, tart phrase, eclair, and choux are lined up! It looks delicious~, but I already ate sweets at the cafe today...

Such a large amount of raw olives! It's unique to Southern France. I tried to make something similar to salt pickles according to the recipe you taught me, but... it was astringent. I wonder if it fits the snacks of alcohol? Madam who kindly taught me the olive recipe. When he found out we were tourists, he gave us a potted basil plant as a souvenir. Deep emotion!

You can get delicious ingredients and even get a bonus of herbs. Feel like humming! fun

Pot-au-feu dinner with ingredients bought in town. Warm soup that is easy on the stomach is a standard dish made in France. If you have a delicious baguette, you will be very satisfied. All of the vegetables and meat are rich and sweet, and the pot-au-feu is only made with herbs, but it tastes several times better than it does in Japan! ! I have the illusion that my cooking has improved (laughs). France is an agricultural country, so basically everything is organic. Feeling very happy with the mellow aroma of the warm, body-friendly dishes. On the day I just arrived in France, I always make something handy in my room and take it easy. Prepare for hard work from the next day!