Searching for vintage treasures in Paris

This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ “Beyond the Cabin” video series, in which cabin crew explore their favourite cities and share how their hobbies enrich their service delivery.

Paris is renowned for its headline attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but it’s also a treasure trove of hidden finds. Just ask Leading Steward Moon, who can more often than not be found exploring the city’s second-hand stores and flea markets for vintage collectibles.

“I’m fascinated by vintage objects,” declares Moon, who has been flying with Singapore Airlines for 13 years. “In a society where novelty is sought after, I believe in finding potential in pre-loved pieces. Giving worn-out objects a new lease on life also satisfies my creative needs.” Today, Moon’s vintage collection spans a wide array of eclectic items – from a decades-old necktie his father wore in his wedding photo, to a prized triptych barber mirror from Paris.

According to Moon, there are many excellent places for vintage shopping in the City of Lights. For starters, he recommends Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, the largest second-hand market in the world. Here, more than 1,700 antique dealers hawk what Moon describes as an “incredible variety of vintage pieces”, from pre-loved clothing and bric-à-brac to mid-century furniture.

For second-hand books, Moon likes visiting Paris’ traditional riverside booksellers – known as les bouquinistes – who have been embedded in the city’s cultural fabric for centuries. “Les bouquinistes, with the Seine as a backdrop, provide an atmospheric way to book-browse,” he says.

Other vintage shopping hotspots include the fashionable Le Marais district in the 4th arrondissement. “I’ve had many enjoyable walks in Le Marais. The lively vibe attracts me. Vintage shops are littered throughout the neighbourhood, and many of them are open on Sundays,” he says. These include the shops at Le Village Saint-Paul, a cobblestone building complex tucked away in the heart of Le Marais. “It’s a quaint and calming cultural centre filled with wonderful museums, contemporary art and second-hand shops,” he shares.

As a seasoned collector, Moon has many tips when it comes to vintage shopping. “When in a vintage boutique, do not look for things. Instead, keep an open mind and let the objects be discovered,” he advises. “In addition, don’t ask only for prices but also if there is a story behind the pieces you intend to acquire. Understanding the history of each item helps us appreciate it more.”

Of course, it always helps to be fluent in the local language. Moon taught himself French by reading bilingual magazines, and is today one of the few French-speaking cabin crew in Singapore Airlines. “Speaking the local language opens us up to its culture,” he says.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

At this sprawling flea market on the northern edge of Paris, you’ll find over 1,700 vendors selling everything from vintage clothing and records to furniture.

Le Village Saint-Paul

This cobblestoned cultural complex in the heart of the Marais district brings together more than 80 designers, antique dealers and gallerists.

Les bouquinistes

The traditional booksellers along the banks of the river Seine, who sell both second-hand and antiquarian tomes, have been plying their trade for centuries.

Hotel des Sens

Dating back to the 16th century, this majestic Gothic-style villa is one of the last remaining examples of medieval architecture in Paris.

Vintage Désir

Bag a bargain at this popular thrift store in the Marais district, which is packed to the rafters with colourful vintage clothes and accessories.

Besides vintage shopping, Moon enjoys soaking up the myriad charms of the French capital. “Paris has beautiful gardens. For instance, Jardins des Tuileries is stunning in the summer, and hosts a lovely Christmas market in the winter,” he shares. “The garden connects the Louvre to another one-of-a-kind museum, Musée de l’Orangerie. There, Claude Monet’s last works are on permanent display as a gift from him to the State.”

Moon also likes exploring the buzzing streets of Montmatre, an arty enclave atop a hill in the 18th arrondissement. “Montmartre is a great neighbourhood for a stroll. I’d suggest alighting at the Abbesses metro station for various restaurants and award-winning boulangeries,” he says. In particular, Boulangerie Alexine is beloved for its crusty baguettes, which ranks among the best in Paris.

On the topic of food, Moon loves sampling the capital’s delectable desserts. “A short walk from les bouquinistes along the Seine, you’ll find Berthillon on the Île Saint-Louis, which serves delicious ice cream perfect for hot summer days,” he shares. “And during the colder months, you can enjoy warm galettes in the cosy crêperie La Crêpe en l’Isle.”

A stone’s throw from La Crêpe en l’Isle is Hôtel de Sens, one of Moon’s favourite places in Paris. Once home to the archbishops of Sens, the medieval villa – which dates back to the 16th century – is today a specialist art library. “It reminds us how older structures can have new life,” Moon muses.

Moon’s love for all things vintage has taught him to never take things at face value. “The appeal of pre-loved items lies in their provenance and history,” he says. “Besides admiring the beauty of objects, vintage shopping has made me curious about the story behind them. What purpose did it serve? When was it made? How did it come about? And why is it important to know their history? It has taught me to look past appearances, and instead understand that everything and everyone has a unique story.”

This enriches his service delivery, inspiring him to serve customers with empathy and compassion. “I don’t categorise people based on a few interactions. Instead, I enjoy engaging with customers on a more personal level if they are open to sharing,” he reflects.

Moon also notes that Singapore Airlines often partners with brands steeped in heritage. “I like exploring the origins behind the products Singapore Airlines uses. From prestigious champagne houses like Krug and Taittinger, to tableware brands such as Lalique and Narumi, we have a tradition of working with brands with a long lineage,” he says. “I enjoy sharing these details with customers to enhance their experience of flying with us.”

At the end of the day, while there’s plenty to treasure about the past, Moon feels that it is also important to look ahead to the future. As he reflects, “appreciating tradition does not stop us from embracing technology. Instead, it helps us to see how far we’ve come”.