7/05/2011

Found Along the Way


Aside from the exhilaration of finding new brocantes and flea markets along the way, all three of us really value the magnificent panoramas that traveling through French country roads offers. It's great that there are such well, maintained and efficient roads in France, and not that we are trying to avoid the toll fees, but when we have time, we prefer to take the small roads. We stop along the way to admire the beauty of the fields and the interesting structures in the villages and cities.




On our way from Ile de Ré we spent a night in Honfleur and from there we left towards the Bordeaux area. Later we decided to spend the night in Bergerac. On our way, we found a small city where there are several antique shops.  It was almost closing time so we quickly pulled over and almost ran inside.  The place didn't look well organized or fancy, but it's part of the fun: digging through it all. Each of us would invariably exclaim an "ooh!" or "aah!" or a "look at this guys!." Johan found a great double-sided sign from an electric utility company, I spotted an old large dore mirror, and Martin spotted some interesting planter and two harvesters.  We also bought a Perigordian confit pot, and a very cool cast iron shield with a beautiful corona on top. The owner of the shop seemed quite excited about making a good sale just before closing and recommended a couple of other places. "You must hurry though," he warned, "as everyone will be closing soon."








We quickly loaded up our finds and followed his directions. Further down the street, we stopped at another shop that had quite a selection of finer antiques and brocante, but not a lot in our style.  We could tell they were getting ready to close, but seemed happy to see us arrive.  Among their huge collection, we did manage to find some concrete urns and a beautiful ornate base that I can use as a pedestal for a bust.  The owner was a very pleasant man who spoke Spanish. He spoke it beautifully so I asked him how he learned it and he told us his mother was Cuban and his father Argentinian.  We asked his name and with a smile in his face said, "Perfecto." Perfect!  We said our good-byes and got on the road to Bergerac hoping tho become inspired by the airs of poetry.






Johan has a lot more experience with packing the van so he's usually in charge of deciding where each piece goes so that we can fit as much as possible and to make sure each item is protected. It is not fun to get home and find out some of your precious finds have been damaged along the way.



Martin kept asking, "When are we going to see fields of sunflowers?" and we finally found some fields outside of Bergerac.  We took some photos as we drove to include some structures but also stopped so Martin could have his picture taken surrounded by sunflowers. Both Johan and I enjoy seeing Martin have his first European experience.  He is being such a trooper helping with the hauling and loading of purchases so we try to indulge him. I also enjoy sending photos of the trip to his family every time I can.



 
We decided that on our next buying trip, we will take a similar route and continue to enjoy the villages and small cities, search other brocantes, and yes, stop to smell the flowers. It's fun to be able to combine some vacation time with our buying trip. It's also fun to be sharing this with you and we appreciate all your comments.  We are glad you are enjoying our entries.



Trinidad


Next posting: The fairs of Beziers and Avignon

41 comments:

Allie said...

So much fun, to be following you on your trip. Sorry to hear that some of your items were damaged. Just say that the pieces have a little more character to them now.

Acquired Objects said...

This is so much fun Trinidad you make me feel as though I'm along with you. You guys are finding some wonderful pieces, I need to go shopping!

Ok maybe you need a soft good now so head over to my blog I'm having a one-year anniversary "giveway"!
www.acquiredobjects.blogspot.com

lvroftiques said...

As usual I'm dyin' here! Such fabulous finds! That dore mirror had my heart racing too Trinidad *winks* I'm so happy to be sharing this trip with y'all! Thank you so much for bringing us along!

Martin that's a very fetching picture of you in the sunflowers! *winks* Vanna

ang diehl said...

Your journey reads like a good book...cannot wait to stay tuned to the next chapter. Cheers...

La Brocanteuse said...

Everytime I see a post from you in my sideline, I sit up straight and savour every word...thank you for sharing and taking us along..LOVE the mirror and yes what would we do without GPS nav...before we would not turn of into little winding roads, now it is such a pleasure. and back on the highway, we even enjoy stopping at the "air" stops for coffee and snack when in a hurry. I find it interesting how each one has something at their giftshop that represents the particular area- whether it is script, lavender, or aniceseed bon bons from the area..fun to see. XO Col

Atelier de Campagne said...

Thank you all for your comments! We have been having a great time. We are now on our way to the GREAT Paris to spend the day there before we embark on our flight back to California. It's been fu sharing this with you. I still have a coule of episodes to share: one about the fairs and one about the unloading of goodies, plus martin and Johan might add a few reflections.

Cheers!

Trinidad

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Ohhh Chaps what a brilliant treasure trove of goodies!!! I am so enjoying your posts, I feel that I am there with you! The shield with the corona is DIVINE and as for that mirror...!!!!!!!! What a beautiful picture of the sunflower fields, no wonder Martin wanted a photograph. Looking forward to the next instalment! Hugs - Glenda xxx

LaPouyette said...

It feels as I was along with you, knowing the area, the landscape, the sunflower fields all over here. On your way to Bergerac you just missed our place for 1/2 hour or so.....what a pity.
Love your post, your way of traveling, with open eyes and mind, not only discovering 'goodies', also discovering and appreciating the beauty of the countryside.
Looking forward to the Avignon/Bezier part....
Greetings from Périgord,
Karin

creekside rummager said...

Love the cement base. Martin must be having a ball. Yes, Johan has a big job. My first thought was "yikes" seeing those beautiful mirrors in the trailer.

La Dolfina said...

Hi Trinidad
Wow, I'm late to the party!
I didn't know you had this blog and you were in Europe!
What a fabulous post this was. I'm going to have to go and read them all now. I'm so proud of you posting while on vacation... that's quite a feat. Bravo and please keep em coming!
Miss you!!!
xo

I'm adding you to my sidebar today my friend :)

Atelier de Campagne said...

Well hello again ladies! Terri, I'm so glad you found us! I thought you knew I was blogging. Johan started it and I picked it up. We share it. Even martin might write a bit later about his first trip to Europe.

Ido said...

Poetry to my ears! love all your finds! Am I getting my post card :( or is it too late now.
Can't wait for the next post!
XXX Ido

Ivy and Elephants said...

That mirror is fabulous! Deliver to my home, please.
Patti

Bohemian said...

I am so glad you had a wonderful balance of biz and pleasure... the trip looked absolutely amazing and what great finds you scored! Thanks for taking us along virtually to enjoy the magnificent countryside! I NEEDED to get away on the canvas of my imagination so your timing was perfect! Thank You.

Blessings from the AZ Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

dejavu said...

Thank you for sharing all your adventures.
I hope you had a great time in lovely France.
Have a good trip home and hope to hear from you soon!!!
Big hug,
Paul & Desiree

Boho Farm and Home said...

What wonderful treats! Wish I was there...all of it is so beautiful. You can see where Vincent Van Gogh got his inspiration...all those beautiful sunflowers!
xo
Caroline

Jacque Ferreira said...

Just wanted you to know I was here! I get lost in your travels, so beautiful and full of adventure. What a wonderful summer you are having ~ Jacque

flowers on my table said...

I am really enjoying following you guys on your travels. You obviously get such a buzz from your work and meeting people, and also the sights and scents around you, that is comes through the computer screen and your enthusiasm is contagious! Love it! Thanks, look forward to the next installment, love Linda x

Blooming Rose Musings said...

It has been so much fun reading all your posts about your travels and adventures. As always you really have found remarkable things. I'm looking forward to your return and next sale...Terri and I will be the first in line! See you soon!

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