Look for very high-end, exclusive period furniture and home accessories on the Left Bank. Wander the little streets between Rue du Bac and Rue du Seine that wind their way from the river to Boulevard St.-Germain - you'll find antique shops favoring European, French and some Asian pieces. Prices are seldom negotiable, but packaging and shipping are happily arranged.
Catch the Metro, destination Clingnancourt, on Saturday, Sunday or Monday to experience the grandest and most famous Parisian flea market: Puces de St.-Ouen. It boasts more than 2,000 vendors who sell everything from paintings to photographs, clocks to oil lamps, tapestries to watches. Don't let the shabby surroundings of some of the booths fool you, as the most ardent antiquers routinely come away with amazing finds.
Head to la Bourse, off the Avenue de l'Opéra, on the last Friday and Saturday of the month. This infrequent flea market in the heart of Paris offers rare small items like statuettes, perfume bottles, lighters and coins.
Browse the banks of the Seine for rare books. If you're on the Right Bank heading in the direction of the Marais, you'll discover a few merchants selling antique books.
Negotiate at the flea markets, where prices are often marked 10 to 15 percent above the proprietor's lowest selling price.
Obtain a certificate of authenticity verifying what the dealer claims a piece to be. It should be signed and dated, and clearly state the current value.
Understand Customs laws particular to your country. Duties vary depending on the length of your stay and the value of the items you're bringing in. Remember that books often carry a lower duty than other items.
