February 2017 Container: Off The Beaten Path in France

JUST IN – February 2017 – French Container!!

Please take a peek at our newest items under What’s New

WWW.CROWNANDCOLONY.COM

WHEN WE SHOP FOR ANTIQUES

When we visit Europe, in particularly France, we are not experiencing the country in the same way a typical tourist might.  We are seeing France in an “off the beaten path” kind of way.  Most visit the large Paris flea markets such as the Les Puces de St Ouen within the city limits, but we value the antique finds that are outside Paris.

The journey begins with the trains that travel outside of Paris.  Below is a France Train Map (TGV high speed train system) with all departures from downtown Paris to the rest of France.  You can see how many areas of France you can journey to with a simple hop on a train.

Before we decide on what area of France we plan to shop we decide what items we are in need of at our stores.  If we are looking for linens and French pottery we might decide on Provence.  There you can find all the colors of French living – deep greens, blues and ochre yellows.  Rush seating is typical in the Provincial area of France.

Blue and white/red and white ticking fabric and the use of burlap – all very French.

These occasional chairs covered in French burlap can be found at Crown and Colony Antiques 251-928-4808

All of these little nuances:  specific colors, how the leg on the chair may curve, the ornamentation on the piece, are all depictions of where something comes from.  As we travel the country of France we are constantly looking for unique items to bring home.  That is why we enjoy getting outside the city of Paris and looking for pieces that are indicative to a certain region.

AN INSIDERS TIP TO PROVENCE

furniture

If you want to make sure you are buying authentic Provençal antiques, look for pieces crafted in honey-toned golden walnut, pearwood, or linden; for mirrors, cherry; and for humble pieces, painted pine. Floral carvings, some with lacy ironwork, characterize pieces from Arles.

fabrics

Focus on the richly hued or printed cottons inspired by 18th-century Indian designs, that were fashioned into quilts called either boutis (plumped with cotton) or piqué (classically stitched). You may also come across old toile, originally produced in Aix-en-Provence.

Confit pots and French linens and all types of furniture from PROVENCE and other areas of France can be found at Aubergine Antiques – our French culinary shop. 251-928-0902

If you visit Avignon France (which is set in the heart of Provence), you can take a train directly from Paris – you might consider staying at one the of the two finest hotels there:  Hôtel d’Europe or the Hôtel de la Mirande.

And Olive jars from the Biot region of France can be found at RF Antiques – 251-928-8336 our French Antiques of architectural interest and for the garden. Biot is known for certain pottery and glassware.

Biot is a small town near Antibes, between Nice and Cannes, a little inland from the French Riviera. Despite its location, it is slightly off the main routes that cross the region and is much quieter than many of the towns in the area.

The village of BIOT is very pretty.  The raised position of Biot means it qualifies as a Provencal perched village and it has the fortifications and entry gate that originally helped protect the town.  These olive jars and anduze pots are found at our shop RF Antiques – specializing in antiques for the home AND garden area.

All depicting the favored colors of France.

Another great place to visit is the town of LYON, France –Grand old Lyon is France’s third-largest city!  It is about 244 miles from Paris and closer to the border of  Switzerland.  It is here you might find a beautiful walnut buffet.  The buffets below are just in from our February 3 container!

The French towns mentioned in this post are only a spattering of areas that we visit to scour for antiques!!

We travel to Europe many times during the year, and no matter where we end up there are always treasures to be found.  BUT, whether in the heart of Paris or off the beaten path, France is magical.  It unfolds itself in new ways every time we visit.

  Come and enjoy unique items from all over France by visiting our three shops in downtown Fairhope, Alabama.  We pride ourselves in offering a variety of price points for our customers.  We would love to visit with you and help you pick out something perfect for your home – see the map below for directions.

Crown and Colony Antiques 251-928-4808

Aubergine Antiques 251-928-0902

RF Antiques 251-928-8336

Au Revoir!  A La Prochaine!!