Customer Reviews

Bit by the Fleas

5 star:		(4)
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This is a wonderful guide, with clear maps and smart buying tips for the Flea-Market Junkie and Occasional Peruser alike.
I don't even particularly enjoy Les Puces, but at my home in Paris I have a copy of this guide for guests. When visitors come to stay, I put a stack of reading material on their bedside table (French magazines, books about Parisian history, guidebooks, etc.) and "Bit by the Fleas" is always one of the favourites. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Anyone who cares about French antiques knows that there are many good deals to be unearthed at the marche aux Puces, but the place was always somewhat intimidating to me because it's known to be an "insider's" market. It's hard to know where to go and who to trust. I was delighted to come across this book because it demystifies the process very effectively and is written in a no-nonsense, discerning and user-friendly manner. It is not designed as a comprehensive guide to the Puces but rather as a "short list" of the stands that the authors have found to be most worthwhile (be it in terms of selection, quality, price and/or reliability). It's a bit like having a Zagat's guide to the Puces. I also liked the format, which is compact and practical to carry around Paris, as well as the design and graphics, which are tasteful and up-scale. As a result, I've also found it to be a very appropriate gift for friends who share my interest in French antiques.

I've been to the Marchee aux Puces many times in Paris and wish I'd had this book with me before! The photos are gorgeous and helped identify different parts of the huge market and types of furniture. I've enjoyed reading through it over and over since my return. It's so interesting and there's so much to learn. Not just what to buy and where, but how to ship it home and how to recognize value or ... non-value. This book is a real treasure for those serious about antiques or just browsing the market for interesting finds.

Stuart Hough saved me thousands of hours of research with his incredibly efficient reviews. I was able to save a ton of time at le marche des Puces by carrying this handy pocketguide with me while touring - and saved some money by knowing who to talk to and how to approach them. It is written with both style and efficiency - if you are into antiques, this is a MUST READ.