The 1st of May Brocante

For the last few years we have been lucky enough to be here over May day (May the 1^st) and as a result, be able to browse the merchandise being purveyed by the many stall holders at the Lion’s Club fundraiser (yes, the same Lion’s club as at home).

Today dawned with cloudless skies and we knew we were in for a treat.

We strolled from the Hambury to the market via the port, and it wasn’t long until we were in the thick of things.

It was fun to see the lions club selling sandwiches and hot dogs to raise funds, as well as hosting a ducky race in the fountain for the kids.

I found some really neat Air France menus that had reproduction prints of the old hot air balloon flights from the 1700’s (I’m sure you have seen them before) – but couldn’t really think of a good use for them. I met my champagne bucket dealer, but didn’t pick up any right now as he’s been sending me them every so often, so I don’t need the hassle of bringing them home on the plane. In usual antique dealer fashion, we found a pair of Chinese “foo dog” statues that were glazed in a real beautiful blue glaze, but he didn’t have any price on them. I couldn’t get his attention to ask – but the guy behind me did - and bought them for only 30E! I was sure they’d be more than that. The sting left quickly, though, when at the next table I spied a small period (C. 1800) portrait print of Napoleon with only a 10E price tag on it! The print is round (like a coin) and is matted and framed in a square gilt frame. I moved in for the kill. He wouldn’t do 8E, but I managed to sweet talk him into 9E. I know it is worth wayyyy more than the price I paid, so I feel like I got a real deal on it, and it’s perfect for my Napoleon collection.

Inspired by today’s find, we are contemplating going to the HUGE antique market in Nice tomorrow. We’re not actually sure if it’s on tomorrow, as this is one of those odd “holiday” things that you can’t figure out here in France. Today is May 1^st – which apparently, if it falls on a week day, is a holiday. But if it falls on the week end (such as today) it’s NOT a holiday (i.e. – you don’t get Monday off for it). The antique brocante in Nice is NOT open on holidays OR on the eve of a holiday – but you could just see them not opening tomorrow anyway. Doesn’t matter – if the weather is good we’ll get into Nice anyway.

Paul and I also have a little competition when we go to these things to find the most hideous thing that we can. Amongst the stalls with dolls missing heads (Marie Antoinette dolls?) and selling used bras (!), I found a table lamp in the shape of an upturned shell, with sea-horses, fish and coral applied therein. I say it’s hideous, but I could also see it being someone’s old beside lamp that for years and years was the last thing they saw at night when they went to sleep at night – perhaps a souvenir or a gift that brought them some sort of joy. I guess I should be less judgmental.

We had a terrific time today, even though we didn’t buy anything else, and were just pleased to be soaking up the sunshine and breathing the fresh sea.

Today was clear and sunny with a high of 27C. Yes – 27C!