T63 in Paris les Louvre de Antiquires

[traveler63]

We were sitting at the bar in the apartment sipping cafe and eating our pastries, wondering what we were going to do. So, we decided that we would go toward the Louvre and see what we could see. We hopped the metro and got off at the Carousel de Louvre metro. We walked toward the Louvre and on the left we saw a building that we had passed several times on previous trips. So, we decided that maybe that day was the day to investigate the building.



So, we went in, it was a huge building with several floors and we had no idea what we were looking at. So, we started to walk ahead on the floor that we walked into. We found that there were several floors and it was laid out like a regular department store. But, it wasn't like any department store we had ever seen. After a brief conversation with Mr. T63( btw, these are all his pictures as my point and shoot wasn't sophisticated enough to take these pictures) we came to the conclusion that this was were really wealthy people furnished their chateaus, million dollar apartments and castles. We started to explore and what we found was absolutely mind boggling.



There were furniture stores, stores with every kind of china, oil painting stores, accessory stores, chandelier stores, every kind of haute couture fine jewelry stores that specialized in every huge name in jewelry, art deco, virtually anything that you could come up with.

This is an antique "box" store.

and this is one of the boxes:


we could just imagine what might be hidden in some of the other boxes.

We continued on and found stores that had antique models, weapons, dueling pistols, swords, scabbards and other military objects d art.



We found art deco stores and one in particular had several statues mostly Erte and I ventured in and quietly asked about one particular one that caught my fancy. It was a 1920's Art Deco piece and was spectacular and only $48,000 Euros(about $70,000 US). It is the one under the chandelier in the following picture.



So, we continued on, exploring the area, which we only got through about 3 of the floors of the 4 floors. But the two, spectacular items are coming up. The first one was actually a display. It is called Les Enluminures, Moyen Age Renaissance. These are called the Book or Hours and are from., I think the 13 or 14th century. they are hand printed and illustrated and there are only 4 companies in the whole world that deal with them . One is in Chicago and they are displayed in this building, at least they were when we were in Paris. You can get more information at www.medievalbooksofhours.com. Mr. T63 took this picture and the lady was very nice, but said, we really don't like you taking pictures, which we immediately said, this is digital and we will delete immediately. She was very kind and said no problem don't, so please don't copy



The final cout de gras is this. We have never seen anything like this and we did not find out what the pricing was, but suffice it to say that this is beyond belief, at least for us.



There are no words to express what I can say about this. The picture is worth 1000 words or more. We know nothing about this. All of the previous pictures, and I have more that I did not post were taken with care, because we were quite sure that no one would give us permission to do this if we had actually entered any of these stores.

So, I hope you enjoy, and if you are in Paris, or live in Paris and haven't visited this building, I think it would be worth you time to do so. I know, we will go back.

[lola]

Fun. I like the toilette kit. Wonder what the big round gold thing is for?

[Deleted]

I haven't been in that building for years, but you captured quite a few of the magnificent items that they sell. One reason that I avoid going there is that I hate the frustration of knowing that a) either there is no way that I could afford an item or b) even if I bought something it probably would not go well with my Ikea interior.

Le Louvre des Antiquaires did indeed use to be a department store called "Les Grands Magasins du Louvre." I think I may still even have a blanket that I bought there, even though it closed in 1974.

[traveler63]

Lola- I didn't look closely but I think it is some type of small container that you could put powders, or whatever in. We used to call them butler's minders. I really don't even know exactly what this kit would be used for.

K2, I knew you would know about this and thanks for sharing. I, like you can't even think that there was anything that we could afford.

The pictures, as I said were all taken by Mr. T63 with no flash, and a 17-40mm lens, hand held and not image stablized. I think they are extraordinary. The top floor did have a small cafe/bar which was really kind of art deco in itself.

[lagatta]

I've never gone in there because I always figured I looked too scruffy and would be followed around mercilessly by security guards. Though I'm probably too old to worry about that any more.

Did you have a coffee or other drink up at their café?

[traveler63]

We had an espresso, and a sandwich which was very good. There was also some type of exhibit going on, but didn't write it down.

[lola]

The security guard thing always makes me feel guilty, even when I have no intention of shoplifting.

A saleswoman at Hermes in Paris once made me feel the least worthy ever to enter their sanctum; might have had something to do with my pronunciation of parfum, when I lost my nerve halfway through the word.

[paristraveler]

Beautiful, T63! Thanks for posting these, I love it.

[lagatta]

Lola, when DO you have the intention of shoplifting?

[traveler63]

Lola ----- actually there were no visible security guards but I would be surprised if there weren't any plain clothed. I also seem to remember that there were closed circuit cameras. Some of the "stores" were open, but a vast majority were locked, with a buzzer or there were "By Appointment Only" signs.

[bixaorellana]

Oooo ~~even the columns on the building seem to have an extra patina of wealthy and beautiful oppulence.

Don't worry, I won't be upset if the box you selected for me arrives a little late. We all know what the Christmas mails are like.

[traveler63]

Bixa------He, he he! Couldn't get the piano in the box, sorry!!!!

[fumobici]

Wow, impressive place. I'm past being self-conscious about strolling into super luxury retail spaces. I deal with similarly hoity toity businesses as a matter of course and it can of course be quite amusing subtly screwing with the security peoples' heads. They can hardly afford to feel superior, given what I expect they are paid.

There's one store there I suspect I could do some business with.

[Jazz]

Great to see these photos and hear about your day. I have been there twice, having no problems whatsoever about moving above 'my station in life'. It is a fascinating place and I have spent several hours there. I merely looked on it as a museum. Glass is a special interest of mine and I saw some remarkable pieces by Lalique and Galle. Exquisite.

Resting from the sumptuous and very expensive pieces, I had lunch on the second floor. It was very inexpensive, about 9Euro, and, delicious! Thank you for the photos, they are very hard to find!