A universally favored destination for antiques, Paris is renowned the world over for its vast assortment of treasures. “It’s where my love of antiquing first blossomed,” Odom shares.
For Isabelle Dubern-Mallevays, co-founder of Invisible Collection, it’s impossible to not spend hours at Les Puces, the iconic flea market. “Ask your taxi driver to drop you off at the beginning of the Rue des Rosiers, where you will see the Vernaison Market, which is the real old flea market,” she says. “The best place here is run by Madame Giovannoni, who sells the most beautiful table linens at the best prices.” Dubern-Mallevays also points to Marché Dauphine, Marché Biron, and Marche Paul Bert as must-visit markets for antique lovers.
If you’re in search of furniture, experts also say the Paul Bert Serpette market as a must. “It is one of Kelly Wearstler’s favorites for a reason and is only open on weekends, so make sure to check the hours,” Salon 21 Founder and CEO Alex Bass says. “My dream is to buy a house and fill it with everything from this market.”
Aside from the heavy hitters, Paris also has other unique spots for unearthing treasures. “Everyone knows Montmartre has amazing antiques, but I recently discovered—and now frequent—a few smaller and lesser-known flea markets in and around Paris that I adore,” interior designer Jake Arnold says, adding that these types of spots are great for sourcing more affordable yet stunning small decorative accents.
Milan and Rome, Italy
As a country responsible for design movements that include the Renaissance and the Baroque periods, it’s not hard to see why some of Italy’s most prominent cities—Milan and Rome—would be coveted destinations for antiquing. “Being a major fashion capital, the antique and vintage shopping scene is very prevalent due to its history and is closely associated with that creative spirit that also drives the art form of fashion forward,” Baker says of Milan. For Solis, Rome is her preferred city for sourcing rare and higher-end antiques. “These are exquisite pieces that are truly of another time,” she says.
Round Top, Texas
Referred to as a “bi-yearly must” by Solis, the Round Top Antiques Fair in Texas is an energetic event with over 50 years of history. Despite the town of Round Top having a population of less than 100, over 100,000 antique hunters flood in twice a year for a chance to unearth treasures stashed in barns, tents, and hayfields. Mark your calendars: the fair usually occurs in September or October and April or May. There’s also usually a smaller weekend version of the fair each winter fair in January.
Istanbul, Türkiye
The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul.Photo: Getty Images
