The Custom of the Cadeau

The Cadeau

For years we have shopped many a flea market in Paris, and one thing we have experienced time and again is the appreciative French vendor wishing to give us a cadeau - a small gift - as a show of appreciation for giving them our business. Over the years, these gracious gifts have ranged from extra meters of ribbon, extra handful of buttons, a few extra spoons, old linens or even just a little something the vendor chooses for us - often something we were considering but that would have put us a little over budget. Our dear friends Valerie and Jean-Marc tell us this gesture is "normal" as they smile at us. It is quite "normal" indeed and such an unexpected show of appreciation.

 This past week we purchased many items from an older gentleman in Paris we have not worked with before. He had so many little flea market gems that we ended up with a large purchase. He carefully packed up our things. We happily paid and moved on. The next thing we know this kindly man is running across the market; "Madame and Monsieur, sil vous plait!" We turned around and breathlessly he handed us this wooden elephant head. He smiled broadly, "Cadeau pour vous," he said as he handed it to us. We expressed many a merci as he nodded, shaking our hands. We tucked the critter in our bag. Now, it was not normally something we would pick or anything that we had looked at, but when a gift comes from the heart, it's truly meaningful.

At Confectionique, we like to keep in mind the spirit of the French cadeau. We like to give little gifts (our famous fancy chip clips for example), complimentary wine during our Nuit Blanche, or something special for someone celebrating their birthday. However, we know we get cadeau from each of you who take the time to visit our little market. Your time and support of Confectionique is truly one of the best gifts of all!

We hope you will visit us again at our next market Oct. 9-12.

October "The Haunting:  Midnight in (Spooky) Paris" Market Hours:

Thursday, Oct. 9:            5pm-8pm (Nuit Blanche!)

Friday, Oct. 10:                 11am-2pm

Saturday, Oct. 11:            10am-4pm

Sunday, Oct. 12:                Noon-4pm

Merci and a bientot,

Anastasia