Looking For Old Lace In Paris

Old Lace, one of the stand at February's needlework fair, Aiguille en Fete — Old Lace, one of the stand at February’s needlework fair, Aiguille en Fete

A reader asking where to find old lace in Paris is timely. The annual needlework fair, l’Aiguille en fête, has stands with old lace, old patterns, old old everything related to needlework. The needlework fair takes place between the second and third week of February. One stand at l’Aiguille en fête to look for is Quand nos grands-mères coussaient.

Ultramod comes the closest to selling vintage ribbons, buttons and decorations. Another suggestion is to visit the “Brocantes” or “Marchés aux puces” – flea markets and second hand shows.

Vintage needlework

Visit l’Officel des spectacles for a complete list of current Paris second-hand markets.

For a listing of brocantes held the first Thursday of each month, visit “Some Time Ago“. They have a calendar for the current year.

Framed lace from Calais de la Maison "Solstiss" the wedding dress of Kate Middleton — Lace from Calais de la Maison “Solstiss” the wedding dress of Kate Middleton at Aiguille en Fete

Vide-Greniers (stuff in French attics)

Marchés aux puces at Saint-Ouen – Porte de Clignancourt

Tombées du camion (things that fell off the truck)
Addresses of their stores
For store hours click on Boutiques
17 rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris
Metro: Abbesses or Blanche

44/47 Passage des Panoramas 75002 Paris
Metro: Grands-Boulevards

Puces de Saint-Ouen, Marché Vernaison, Allée 3, stand 107
Metro: Porte de Clignancourt