Papillon in Paris

As I usually gravitate to nature and all things animal, butterfly specimens beautifully mounted and  framed, were in abundance at the Paris flea and antique markets.  This white beauty was at least 6 inches across. 

Fruits de Paris

The Antiques and Ham Fair in Paris had these beautiful candied and dried fruits just sitting out in baskets. Didn't try them but they looked wonderful. I came upon these meringues while window shopping in St. Germain des Pres. I cannot get meringues like these anywhere I know of, but I've always wanted to try a Pavlova. A new trend in restaurants is to 'deconstruct' food, (originally called playing with your food?). Methinks an Eton Mess is just a deconstructed Pavlova. I think I would rather have the Pavlova for the aesthetics with a sprinkling of these various fruits to gild the lily.

Antiques and Ham Fair in Paris

What do you imagine this could be?

Well, it was the largest brioche in the world, I think. At least 2 and a half feet across and 6 inches high, they pulled off chunks of it and sold it by weight.

The toys were great at this fair; very old and unique. The prices were also great - as in very high.

I loved the Guignol puppet stage and the little metal table.

Old wall coverings.

Great chair.

Paris Antique and Ham Fair Pics

Just a few more random photos from the antique show. By the time I started shopping, I forgot about all the things I was going to look for while I was there. So, just pics of my ogling everything.

The Paris Antiques and Ham Fair

While at the Jambone Antiques Fair this spring, my heart quickened as I hurried over to this beautiful miniature staircase. I've always wanted one; love all things old and architectural. That is until I saw the price. 2000euros or about $3000. USD! I didn't even look at the price of this next one as I couldn't have gotten it home anyway. But, it was a fine staircase too.

Just a few more things I spied. I did make a couple of purchases which I will have to photograph soon. Loved the faux bois table and fairy aierie. There were lots of things to die for - that is die when you saw the prices. Paris was extremely expensive. The dollar was valued around 63cents and the euro was fluctuating around 1.45. I don't know how anyone affords to go there right now, much less live there. I'm still smarting over the little staircase. I spent 400euros that day on two purchases. Guess what they were?