Source: Marche aux fleurs, Madeleine – another classic Paris street scene by Antoine Blanchard (1910-1988) will be making its way to a new home next week.
Antoine Blanchard “Marche aux fleurs, Madeleine”
The flower markets of Paris were abundant, the oldest of which was established in 1808, and held every Wednesday and Saturday in an open area on the Quai Dessaix. The wives or daughters of the growers typically staffed the stands. The location of each person was marked; and each paid the town of Paris the equivalent of 25 cents a day. Everything connected with the stands was portable; the pots and plants are set on the ground, seeds and cut flowers were displayed on small benches. (Loudon, Sec.290)
In addition, there were markets located at the Place de la Madeleine (held on Tuesdays and Fridays), the Place Royale (held every Monday and Friday), on the Esplanade of the Chateau d’Eau (also held on Monday and Friday), and at the Place de Sulpice (held on Tuesday and Friday). (Loudon)
Today, there are still several flower markets in Paris. They are located at Place Louis Lepine, between Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Place de la Madeleine, open every day except Monday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Place des Terne also open every day from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. except Monday. (Intransit International Ltd.)