Our Favourite French Finds
One of the best things about travelling to France to source antiques and decorative pieces is that you never really know what you’re going to come home with.
You can plan routes, research markets, and make lists of the types of pieces you’d love to find—but often the items that end up meaning the most are the ones you weren’t looking for at all.
Among the furniture, mirrors, artwork and ceramics we brought back with us, there were two pieces in particular that quickly became our personal favourites. Not necessarily the biggest or most valuable finds of the weekend, but the pieces that instantly stood out to us and perfectly captured the charm of buying in France.
Shaun’s Favourite Find: A Vintage Stoneware Jug
Shaun’s favourite find from the trip was a vintage stoneware jug.
At first glance, it’s a fairly simple piece—but that’s often what makes French stoneware so appealing. The muted tones, worn finish, and understated design all give it that effortless character that French interiors seem to do so well.
It’s the kind of item that instantly feels at home on an old farmhouse table or tucked onto a kitchen shelf alongside other well-used pieces.
Part of the appeal is imagining the history behind it. Pieces like this were made to be used every day, not displayed behind glass, and that wear and patina tells its own story. The small imperfections and ageing are exactly what make antique stoneware so special.
French stoneware pots have become increasingly popular over the years, particularly for country-style interiors, and it’s easy to see why. They work beautifully as decorative pieces while still feeling practical and authentic.
Amy’s Favourite Find: A Terracotta Ponne
There’s something about aged terracotta that immediately adds warmth and texture to a space, and this piece had exactly that quality. The soft weathered surface, earthy tones, and subtle imperfections gave it so much character.
Like many of our favourite finds, it wasn’t flashy or overly decorative. Instead, it had that quiet, timeless feel that so many French pieces seem to carry naturally. One of the things we love most about sourcing in France is discovering these kinds of items—pieces that feel completely individual and impossible to replicate perfectly. No two are ever quite the same.
The Ponne was also one of those pieces that instantly sparked ideas about styling. Whether placed indoors with dried flowers or used as part of a garden display, it’s the sort of item that works effortlessly in both rustic and contemporary spaces. It’s easy to understand why authentic terracotta pieces remain so sought after.
The Pieces You Remember Most
What we’ve realised over time is that favourite finds are rarely the most expensive items or even the largest purchases. Often, they’re the pieces that simply stop you in your tracks for a moment. The ones you notice immediately in a crowded market. The pieces that feel like they’ve got a story behind them. The finds that remind you exactly why you made the trip in the first place. That’s part of what makes sourcing in France so addictive. Around every corner there’s always the possibility of finding something completely unexpected.
And while the long drives, early mornings, endless walking, and loading vans can be exhausting, moments like these make it completely worthwhile.
Looking Ahead to the Next Trip
Our first proper buying trip to France was a huge learning experience, but it also confirmed something we already suspected—we’ll definitely be going back. There’s still so much left to explore, so many markets to visit, and countless treasures waiting to be discovered.
For now though, these favourite French finds are ready for new homes. Find them in our New Arrivals
