1 - The best destinations : the Paris-Saint-Ouen flea market and the international shows in France (South, West, North...). :

The Paris Saint-Ouen Flea Market (based at Porte de Clignancourt) is the biggest in Europe with up to 180 000 visitors every week end, 11 miles of alleys and 13 markets  !

There are 2500 antique dealers who sell 80 % of their goods to other dealers. 70 % of the antiques are bought by foreigners.

People coming to buy might want to be escorted throughout this huge, but so pleasant, maze.

Jean-Pierre Navailles, antique dealer for 25 years, has created a special service meant to help you enjoy your " antiques hunting " in the Saint-Ouen Flea Market. His customers are antique dealers, designers but more simply, lovers of French antiques.

Jean-Pierre offers a " Service à la Carte " :

• trip and accomodation :

He can help you plan your trip in advance, recommanding the best time in the year for you to come, according to the French antique fairs calendar. He may book any type of hotel you wish, either inside Paris or in the countryside. (e.g. www.hotels-unis.com)

• antiques buying :

He may pick you up at the airport in his own private car, take you to your hotel and the following day, he will accompany you, in his car, to the Flea Market or to an antique show.

There, he will know the antique dealers who especially sell what you are looking for, he will make sure that what you want to buy is not a forgery, then he will negotiate the best export prices which is the hardest part of his job but the most rewarding for you, especially if you are an antique dealer. He also may take the repair-needing furniture to a cabinet-maker.

• transportation :

He knows the best shippers who will take good care of your purchases, crating them very well and assuming all the customs formalities at the best price. (e.g. www.transports-mari.com)

As an expert in French antiques, Jean-Pierre will immediately know where he can find the items you usually buy, either for collecting or selling. Once you have met him and explain what you want to find, he will be able to assist you in buying even if your are back in your own country. He can show you his selection through the internet and once you have agreed, he may start filling a container just before your next trip.

Paris Saint Ouen Flea Market : www.antikita.com