An expert guide to antiques hunting in Paris

I was born in Paris in 1983. I spent my childhood in the south of France, not far from Cannes, bathed in sun and sea. My parents loved art and auctions, and as I was an only child, they dragged me everywhere with them. Every room in the house was very busy, maximalist, with ethnic inspirations from north Africa, where my father came from – and I had always been very close to him. 

It left an indelible mark on me, which is why a lot of these inspirations can be found in my work today. I studied architecture and interiors at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture Paris-Malaquais, and set up my own practice, Pravda Arkitect, in 2008, while I was still a student – it all first started in the Marais. In 2022 I opened my furniture gallery on Rue de Lille. Paris is one of my favourite cities, as even though it keeps evolving (especially now with the Olympics), you always get the same feeling as you would 10 or 20 years ago: the crossover of romanticism, history and culture. I love wandering around the 6th arrondissement, a district full of mythical restaurants and cafés that I rediscover on my weekends. There are also those wonderful moments in the 16th district where I walk my dogs and have some time with my children. But, of course, who could be in Paris without exploring its vintage, art and design galleries?

One of the most cherished places is Galerie Vauclair. I’ve known Laurence and Denis Vauclair for years and we’ve become friends. I’ve respected them ever since I met them at their booth at the Paul Bert Serpette flea market in Saint-Ouen (where they have a second shop); their knowledge of 19th- and 20th-century furniture is beyond limits. They truly are the masters of rattan furniture, furniture from the second half of the 19th century, Napoleon III-style ceramics and slips. 

One can find beautiful pieces by Perriand, Prouvé, Jeanneret and Le Corbusier

Talmaris is the ultimate address for tableware lovers. The shop gathers the finest selection of silverware, glasses, dishes and ceramics from makers all around the world. It is a confidential address, where you need to book an appointment to discover their wonderful finds. The shop isn’t far from my office in Paris, so whenever I’m in the neighbourhood, and I’ve given them enough notice, I’ll pop by and find some treasures.

LMG is a tiny antiques gallery. Besides being the neighbour of my own gallery at 3 Rue de Lille, Laurent, the owner, has very fine taste. I go there quite often to find beautiful ceramic lamps or outdoor medallion chairs.

Galerie Italienne is one of the most beloved galleries in Paris for its selection of contemporary art pieces. I fell in love with the artworks of Ugo Schildge and his imaginary world and the dreamlike realm of Gommaar Gilliams. One should follow the gallery’s news and exhibitions throughout the year; the layout and soul they put in are noteworthy.

Laffanour Galerie Downtown, meanwhile, is the gallery of a true collector. One can discover the most beautiful pieces from the fathers and mothers of design such as Perriand, Prouvé, Jeanneret and Le Corbusier, but also more niche exhibitions. I encourage people to discover François Laffanour’s space as what he has established can only train one’s eye and expand the knowledge on design.