Marché Aux Puces or Market of the Fleas
Happy Sunday to all,
Unfortunately, I am having trouble with my iPad and will have to take it in to the Apple store soon. The home button is not working properly which means I can’t easily navigate. So, there may be an interruption in my blogging for a while. I’m attempting to make this one work so as to get the word out! So frustrating and probably a new iPad purchase is in my future. It will be arduous here, but I bought a new phone several years ago here so here we go again.
Yesterday, we ventured to an area called St. Quen which is a very long subway ride, actually to the end of Metro Line 4. It is not the greatest area and was loaded with people, litter, and lots of traffic as it sits very near the Peripherique or the ring expressway which goes all around Paris. Everything outside the ring is a suburb and everything inside is an arrondissement.
Put simply, it’s not a desirable area and one where I would not exactly feel safe, but it is where the iconic and famous flea market of Paris is located. We’ve been three or four times over our years here, and I wanted to try a new restaurant with great reviews which had opened very close by. “Ma Cocotte” was our destination for lunch, and we were not disappointed. It’s a huge restaurant with an industrial flair and delicious food. Though it’s not as close as we thought, it’s on Rue des Rosiers, the main street through the flea market. There are two of those named streets but this is considered St. Quen, not Paris. We saw sections we had never seen before, a little more upscale area then the traditional and true market.
We wandered around in the maze of small alleyways with individual stalls connected every which way by awnings, ivy and electrical cords. I was looking for linens and there were very few whereas before they were in abundance. I suppose after a while, they will all be gone as folks aren’t into table linens, antiques, chandeliers, or elegance any longer. Will the flea market eventually disappear. Perhaps.
If you have the chance to go, don’t be fooled by the unattractive abundance of vendors which surround the real flea market barking out their reduced prices on knock-off merchandise. It’s a bit off-putting and intimidating. We wore our masks for sure in this throng of people.
Our lovers for the day come from Peggy Bilbro in the Champs de Mars near the Tour Eiffel. Merci, Peggy!
Wish me luck as I try to either get my iPad working again or take a chunk out of my pocketbook for a new one!
À bientôt
L & B
August 1, 2021 @ 6:54 am
The restaurant sounds delightful and the flea market would be a fun thing to do. Whenever my mind and heart say yes yes!, my knees and feet tell me no no! Unfortunately, I don’t listen to my feet as much as I should. I’m sorry you’re having electronics problems. Surely the huge Apple store near the Opera can help you with it.
August 1, 2021 @ 7:45 am
I got my phone on Les Champs Elysées and that’s probably where I’ll go because I like their set-up and service. Have you ever had that happen?
August 1, 2021 @ 10:31 am
Hi Linda
Best of luck with your technology challenges. The flea market reminds me of the French Netflix series which has been so popular in France called Lupin and so worth watching when you have a rainy day.
Do you ever take the train from Gare St Lazare to Versailles? We used to love visiting the market there which is a jewel … as well as the Palace of course.
So enjoying your daily blog and wish we could visit you .
Much love xxx
August 1, 2021 @ 1:51 pm
Got a temporary home button installed at no charge! So I am back in business. We’ve never been to the market in Versailles but yes, to the palace. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we may see you before we have to leave.
August 1, 2021 @ 12:12 pm
I’m so sorry to hear you are struggling with your IPad, both for you and me. I so look forward to your blog with my morning coffee. Today was fun because you ventured into areas I’m not familiar with. The restaurant sounds delightful and the market very interesting. Hopefully you will be able to repair or replace your IPad very soon.
August 1, 2021 @ 1:49 pm
Good news! The Apple store just installed a temporary home button which will get me by for now and didn’t cost a penny!
August 1, 2021 @ 2:04 pm
Linda- Happy Sunday! The heat has finally broken and it’s a cool, rainy day in Huntsville. Ahhhh!
There’s no place like le Marché aux Puces! It’s exhausting but fascinating. You and Bernie are the true bon vivants!
So sorry about your home button problem with your iPad. I had the same thing happen to me a few weeks ago and found that with a trade-in on my old one the price was very affordable. Still, having to change devices is a time consuming chore. Meanwhile, we avid Linda Spalla Blog fans will wait patiently and send good wishes for a speedy fix.
Dorcas
August 1, 2021 @ 3:11 pm
Flea market reminded me a little of Israel. Sure not Paris, huh? But a nice change of pace. Your fish looked heavenly. I really liked the walleye up north. Will be home tomorrow.
August 1, 2021 @ 8:24 pm
Safe travels!
August 1, 2021 @ 3:28 pm
Why did it take me so long to put this together? Your topic is the Doors of Paris. Well Jim Morrison of the Doors (of California) died in and is buried in Paris. If you ever get close to Père Lachaise Cemetery, maybe you’d like to stop by his grave. It could be an interesting addition to your Doors of Paris competition. Could be some interesting folk hanging around. Longs like a nice leisurely day in the Market.
August 1, 2021 @ 8:24 pm
We love Père Lachaise and will try to go back while we’re him and find his grave…just for you!
August 2, 2021 @ 11:00 pm
Loved visiting the flea market when we lived in Dreux. In those days … only an hour’s drive away! Certainly an interesting place.
Thanks Linda. Really love your blogs!
Thad
August 3, 2021 @ 9:59 am
Love getting your comments.