Living Local in Paris #1

During the 10 Year Plan, our goal is to live local in each city, enjoying everyday experiences instead of being only tourists.  So, we are eager to seek out and experience typical activities that the locals enjoy.   It's sort of like the old saying:  "À Rome, il faut vivre comme les Romains" ("When in Rome, do as the Romans do."). 

A while ago, we enjoyed a local Parisian experience.  We joined friends and visited Hôtel Drouot, a large auction house located not far away, in the 9th arrondissement.

Hôtel Drouot's headquarters, completed in 1980

Founded in 1852, Drouot has more than a dozen separate halls for hosting auctions.  About 70 different auction firms conduct periodic auctions there.  So, Drouot provides one-stop-shopping if you are looking for antique furniture and jewelry, fine art, rare books, etc.  

The day we visited, we accompanied dear friend Eliane and her very accomplished son Cyril.  Cyril works at the Chateau of Versailles in the Center of Research.  He is an expert in antiquities, including rare books.  

Susan, Eliane and Cyril

Before the live auctions began mid-afternoon, we previewed all of the lots being offered that day and the next, including vintage jewelry and rare books.  Greg especially enjoyed touring the auction hall that featured vintage model trains.    

In the afternoon, several live auctions began in the different auction halls.  Bidders filled the halls and online and telephone bidders also participated.  With hundreds of lots to sell, the auctions progressed very quickly.  

An auction of rare books

Monitors display the progress of each sale.  Below, a book from 1575 about Catherine de Medicis is auctioned.

We enjoyed viewing the varied items for sale and watching the live auctions.  We made sure not to scratch our noses or nod our heads during the auction.  We didn't want to accidentally buy a pricey rare book or chandelier.    

We look forward to returning to Hôtel Drouot soon.  An upcoming sale of Impressionist and Modern art includes some Renoir and van Gogh works.  Oh la la.    

Thanks for visiting Hôtel Drouot and sharing a local experience with us.