The Truth About Shipping Antiques from France: Stop Packing Treasures Like Sneakers

It’s astonishing how often otherwise thoughtful travelers suggest stuffing antique finds into a suitcase as a practical shipping solution. Even more surprising is how many influencers and self-proclaimed experts continue to promote this idea. If you're genuinely shopping, not just browsing, this is advice best left behind.

Packing fragile, weighty, and often irregularly shaped objects into hand luggage or checked bags is a recipe for heartbreak. Vintage ceramics, painted wood, gilt frames, and delicate glassware were never designed to withstand turbulence, conveyor belts, or overhead compartments. Breakage is not a rare occurrence. It is highly likely.

And let’s be honest. Are you really going to pass up a charming 19th-century nightstand because it’s two inches larger than your suitcase? That is not considered planning. That is letting baggage restrictions dictate your taste.

Postal services in France are limited by strict parcel dimensions, and it is common to see buyers rushing through town to find boxes, bubble wrap, and tape, only to spend hours in line at La Poste. That is not the memory anyone wants to take home from a weekend in Provence.

A broken piece is more than just an inconvenience. It is a complete loss of time, money, and potential. These are one-of-a-kind objects. Once they are damaged, they cannot be replaced.

Plan properly and shop with peace of mind. Work with a professional shipper who specializes in fine art and antiques, such as Chez Pluie. Our team understands the unique materials, shapes, and vulnerabilities of antique pieces. We handle packing, documentation, customs, and international delivery with precision and experience. Should anything go wrong, your shipment is fully insured and traceable.

Yes, shipping costs can sometimes exceed the price of the object itself, particularly for low-value items. That is part of the equation. If you don't have the budget to ship, you don't have the budget to shop. But the real value lies in the piece arriving intact. When you compare the total cost to similar antiques purchased back home, you are well ahead. Better quality, better provenance, and better stories.

Practical Advice for Serious Antique Shoppers

• Arrange your shipper before you start shopping. Do not waste valuable holiday time scrambling for materials or courier options. One email or call in advance can save hours later.

• In Paris, Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen (Paris flea market) is open Saturdays and Sundays year-round with some merchants open on Mondays. Plan for an early start and bring comfortable shoes.

• In L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the flea market is open Friday through Sunday (there's also a street brocante on Sundays), and during peak season (June and July), merchants open Thursday through Monday.

• Be ready to buy. The best pieces move quickly, and seasoned dealers recognize their value. If you hesitate, someone else will take it home.

• Download the shipping quoting app. Make sure that have the shipping app downloaded onto your phone and that you've had a couple of practice runs so that you know how to use it before you start shopping. See below.
• Keep a record of all of your purchases. Make sure you have the name, phone number and address of the merchants you buy from. A good trick is to take a photo of their business card with the piece that you purchase so that you don't lose track. This will enable our team to collect your pieces swiftly. 
• Leave the goods with the merchant. The best thing about our shipping service is that you don't need to haul anything back to your hotel. Pay the merchant for the goods and LEAVE THEM THERE. Our team will collect them on their next collection rounds. This applies to permanent stands only not itinerant street brocantes and markets. 
  

With a shipping plan in place, your buying trip becomes an investment rather than a gamble. Leave the logistics to professionals and focus on finding the pieces that bring joy and character into your home.

Understanding transport costs used to be a challenging and time-consuming process. However, it’s now quick, transparent, and hassle-free with our complimentary transport quoting app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

This essential app is a must-have for serious buyers exploring antique markets, providing instant transport pricing for any item. With this powerful tool, shoppers can make fully informed purchase decisions on the spot, ensuring clarity and confidence when buying antiques. 

For reliable, stress-free shipping with an impeccable track record, trust Chez Pluie to deliver your French treasures safely to your door.

Contact us for more information.