Marseille- Vintage

Marseille is a pretty quirky town. It's an old French city in many of the ways Paris is, but is a little grittier and by the seaside. There is a heavy North African influence, and many areas are covered with graffiti. Most people say that Marseille is dangerous and to avoid it. I would beg to differ. It is filled with character and charm, and the museums and the vintage shopping are great!

My first stop in Marseille was a little bit of a bust. After having so much success at the flea markets in Paris, I decided to try my luck at the Marché Au Puces in Marseille.

I find that the accuracy of Internet research is always a little dodgy, so while the Marché Au Puces, is open on week days, the antique section is not. If you want to check this out, I would suggest making the trek on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

I took the train to Bougainville, which is the  end of the line. Once you get off, it's probably a 30 minute walk through a pretty deserted area. If you go, I would suggest that you behave in a way that doesn't make you look like a tourist. Ke… — I took the train to Bougainville, which is the end of the line. Once you get off, it's probably a 30 minute walk through a pretty deserted area. If you go, I would suggest that you behave in a way that doesn't make you look like a tourist. Keep your cell phone away, and just use common sense.

There also appears to be a bus you can get from the train station. I didn't do this.

The flea market is basically located in a few huge buildings in the middle of a parking lot. It feels a lot like the French version of a strip mall.

This is the part of the market where you will find meat, vegetables, and spices.

This is kind of like a French dollar store mixed with a grocery store.

If you need beautiful watermelon or tomatoes, this is your spot. Sadly, I did not need any.

In Marseille, what goes down, must come back up. I walked most of this city, but beware- it is technically a part of the Alps. There are many extremely steep hills, and avoid going down when you can.

Most of the vintage shops are all located within a few blocks of each other, in a hilly section of the 6th arrondisment, near the Notre Dame du Mont metro stop.

I started at Lilou Vintage. I had heard good things about this shop, and it was my favorite of the day.

Lilou Vintage is a small shop, and it is one of the few places in Marseille that you can find clothing from the 1950s and 1960s. For the most part, everything is decent quality. This isn't designer vintage, and the prices reflect that. You can find … — Lilou Vintage is a small shop, and it is one of the few places in Marseille that you can find clothing from the 1950s and 1960s. For the most part, everything is decent quality. This isn't designer vintage, and the prices reflect that. You can find great things regardless.

The selection veers casual. This is a beach town after all.

The shop is split into two sides, with a rack of clothing on either side and one in the middle. Some of the fancier dresses are hung from the ceiling, so don't be afraid to ask to try one on.

Jewelry and accessories are on the left, and at the back.

I really loved this organza dress with navy and cream embroidery from the 60s. Unfortunately this place is cash only, and I didn't have enough cash with me. Though, I'm pretty sure it was like 75 euro.

And here is what I bought!

I couldn't resist this maxi dress from the 70s. The floral print is so cute!

The tie strap really sold me. And it was under 50 euro!

I haven't ever seen a cotton crochet top like this before. I like how the texture is so different all over and it has the cute short sleeve and sheer yoke. This set me back 28 euro.

And lastly, these crochet necklaces at 3 euro a pop, or 10 euro for 4 were a steal. They also came in cream.

Next up was Marcel and Simone. This store has a very wide variety and a lot of product.

For me, this store was a little too 80s and 90s based. There was some older clothing, but nothing really earlier than the 70s.

When I arrived at Space Vintage, I thought it was closed. Luckily the owner saw me looking at the hours sign, and buzzed me right in. Space Vintage is a little disorganized, but is packed to the brim with vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories, fo… — When I arrived at Space Vintage, I thought it was closed. Luckily the owner saw me looking at the hours sign, and buzzed me right in. Space Vintage is a little disorganized, but is packed to the brim with vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories, for men, women, and children. There are three levels to explore. Towards the front of the store, immediately when you walk in, is their designer section. Most of the selection is on the newer side. Upstairs is men's and children's clothing. Towards the back is a the older women's clothing. Downstairs there are coats and more women's clothing.

The back room is filled with clothing. Aside from being arranged by category, there is little organization.

I loved how this 70s dress combined a wooly knit with a cotton print. The binding and the ruffle on the sleeve are so whimsical!

This dress so reminded me of Something Miu Miu or Giamba would do. Unfortunately, the quality was a little too cheesy for me.

I love the mix of the textured printed fabric, with the contrast pleated ruffle, with the faggotting inserts.

The eyelet and pintucks on this dress were so pretty.

Marseille is a great city for vintage shopping! I would definitely go back, though probably not to the Marché au Puces.