Exploring flea markets is a popular weekend activity in Paris for locals and travelers alike. The items that turn up cover the spectrum. And so flea marketing is one of those “equal opportunity” activities--likely to appeal to people of all ages (yes, even--or especially--when in Paris with teenagers), sexes, backgrounds, and hobbies. The Paris flea markets are open year round, but the inventory expands during spring and summer.

I have just moved into my new apartment in Paris. The first morning I decide to stay in, purely to enjoy the tranquillity and comfort of the new space. The apartment is filled with light and is just about as quiet as a library. I gaze here and there, taking in the neatness of the bookshelves, a Canaletto print,  and a dried posy of thyme. My gaze falls onto an enormous old copy of Baudelaire’s ‘Les Fleurs du Mal’ and then wanders to a beautiful teapot and a potted jasmine wound delicately around the balcony.

Few would argue that French is the language of love (though the Italians might take an issue with that). With Valentine's Day coming up, "amour" is in the air. It doesn't have to be merely about romantic love either, it could be love for your family member, or your best friend... Some people have taken to giving tokens of affection, so here are some French-inspired gifts that you might want to share with your loved ones.

Having lived in Paris for over two years now, I must admit that I discovered the Faubourg Saint-Antoine neighborhood of the 11th and 12th arrondissements surprisingly late. A traditionally plebian neighborhood, Faubourg Saint-Antoine houses an impressive collection of hip bars, charming bistros, as well as an extensive network of covered passages.

Unless you’re a Siberian native, the recent cold spell may have had a discouraging effect on your weekly excursion to the outdoor marché in your neighborhood. Accustomed to milder climates myself, I’ve found the Grande Epicerie in the legendary Bon Marché to be a very delicious, not to mention a warm and cozy, alternative to trotting through the Parisian snow. In fact, this epicurean paradise situated in the heart of the 7th arrondissement has lured local gourmands, tourists, and curious passerbys into its colorful interior for almost a century.

Noël, the French word for Christmas comes from the French phrase, "Les Bonnes Nouvelles" or "The Good News".  In SW France, particularly in the rural farming communities of the Gers department, where I live, the good news is a good harvest at the end of the year.

Gift giving isn’t always easy. The best gifts are the ones that show that you really thought about your ‘giftee.’  They are often the sort of gifts that the person might have not thought to get for themselves, or would feel guilty to – but it hits just the right spot. Something sentimental, unique, or just plain fun.

In the northern part of the Marais is a lovely little market tucked away with two main entrances via small passageways. It is called le Marché des Enfants Rouges and it is the oldest of the many city marchés having been constructed in 1628. If you don’t know to look for it, you just may pass it by.

Whether you’re an avid collector, or someone who can't sort the priceless antiques from the 'old junk', there is a wealth of ancient articles to be uncovered at the Paris annual antique flea market, which usually takes place November 8 - 18, but there are many other flea-shopping destinations year-round.