French style is world famous – a blend of easy elegance and timeless sophistication, from French country to Provencal and chateau chic. Susie McLaren and Aline Bachelier, two leading experts in antiques and interior design at La Source Antiquing and lifestyle tours of France, explain what French interior style is all about and how to incorporate it into your home.
French style
French style has cast a spell around the world for centuries – but just how do they achieve such effortless, graceful interiors? “Well it’s a bit like French gastronomy, you take the most simple ingredients, or elements, and you elevate them” says Aline. “You mix and match – old and new, a bit of this and a bit of that – but you never over complicate it!”
Skilled crafts have long been revered in France, from Gothic décor and furniture making in the middle ages – intricate carvings galore, to vibrant tapestry making, French Renaissance décor, Haussmanian, art deco, art nouveau and many more styles through the ages. The French are renowned for appreciating these finer things in life and as a result, treasured objects are passed down through the centuries – it’s never been a throwaway culture.
“There is a booming market in France for antiques and vintage everything from clothes to furniture, chaise longues to armoires, chandeliers to textiles, cutlery to glassware, jewellery to ornaments, and much more” explains Susie. “There are treasures that once graced the chateaux of French nobility, and treasures that once took pride of place in a grandma’s front room. Vendors pride themselves on knowing about the provenance of an item, you may be told how a decanter was used at a chateau dinner party in the 1920s, or have a history lesson on wicker baskets – antiquing isn’t just about the items, it’s about the stories and memories that you take home with you.”
Antiquing and lifestyle tours of France
La Source runs unique tours of Paris and Provence that offer a true experience of French style. After working with antiques dealers and art galleries in the US for 3 years, Aline joined her family business Bachelier Antiquités and spent 30 years at the Paris Flea Market, and now runs antiques shops and an antique finding consultancy. Susie is an interior designer based in the UK when not in France, or travelling the world working with clients, after several years working as Buying Director at Liberty London. They have a lifetime of experience in interior design and antiques that they love to share.
“There are flea markets and antiques shops all over France, they’re a window into the past and a way to connect with culture in an authentic way as well as of course finding treasures to love” Aline enthuses.
“Modern French style is also world famous, and craftmanship thrives in France” says Aline. “Ateliers, workshops and design studios are cherished and that’s where we like to seek out items of exceptional quality, authenticity and diversity. On our tours we take guests to private viewings with some of our favourite and special curators and galeristes and to unique boutiques. And two of the very best places for interior design and antiques in France are Paris and Provence.”
Antiquing tours of Provence
Whether you’re hunting for antiques, seeking interior design inspiration, exploring the countryside, or just enjoying the food, wine and sunshine, Provence has a warmth that permeates the soul. “Its medieval hilltop villages, where time sleeps and the scent of rosemary and thyme drifts softly through narrow streets, and every corner holds a whisper of the past” says Susie. “With its sun-kissed canvas brushed with lavender and gold, where vineyards weave quietly in rows of green and olive trees twist like dancers under clear blue expansive skies, every glance reveals the art of living well.”
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is world famous for its antique stores, there are specialist collectors of all sorts from textiles to furniture and décor. “Provence is home to a thriving community of wonderful artisans and artists, inspired by the unique light and the landscape. And it’s no wonder that so many people long to experience its authenticity and joie de vivre – like artist and NY Times bestselling author Jamie Beck, one of the guest speakers on our tours who loves to share what made her fall head over heels for the area.”
Antiquing tours of Paris
Paris is home to the world’s largest antiques and second-hand market – Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen. It’s estimated there are some 2,000 stores/stalls at this market that covers 7 hectares – and there’s nowhere else quite like it! Whether you’re looking for an ancient tapestry or a 60’s glow lamp – this is the place to go to search for something special. Not far away in Port de Vanves is another fabulous flea market that, although much smaller, is a true treasure trove.
Paris is also home to some of the finest creative workshops in the world from where artists and artisans often set trends. If you really want to know about the famous French art de vivre, the art of living well, and how to incorporate French style into your home – then Paris is the place to go (especially when you know who and where!).
While La Source adventures have a focus on antiques and interior design, there’s absolutely no obligation to buy any pieces at all – you can simply enjoy the experience. However, if you get carried away at the markets, brocantes or workshops, Susie and Aline can help you to organise shipping so that every purchase finds its way safely back to your home.
You can find out more about La Source French lifestyle, antiques and interior design tours here: sourceantiquesfrance.com
The post Antiquing and lifestyle tours of France appeared first on The Good Life France.
