Antiques-Hunting in Provence

Furniture

If you want to make sure you are buying authentic Provençal antiques rather than reproductions, look for pieces crafted in honey-toned golden walnut, pearwood, or linden; for mirrors, cherry; and for humble pieces, painted pine. Floral carvings, some with lacy ironwork, characterize pieces from Arles.

fabrics

Focus on the richly hued indiennes, or printed cottons inspired by 18th-century Indian designs, that were fashioned into quilts called either boutis (plumped with cotton) or piqué (classically stitched). You may also come across old toile, originally produced in Aix-en-Provence.

Faïence

The town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, two hours east of Avignon, produces the best-known pottery, with a signature style of white glaze over red clay with polychrome designs that feature revolutionary slogans. You'll also see mixed-clay faïence, ocher-glazed earthenware, and Art Deco–style plates. The reasonably priced Vallauris faïence pottery has a bright, contemporary look, with a retro edge that includes fish motifs.

Wrought iron

This material, a legacy of 17th- and 18th-century Spanish ironmongers who migrated north, adorns homes throughout Provence. Look for rustic lanterns, candelabras, weather vanes, whimsical door knockers, and, if you're willing to ship your finds, garden furniture.

Here are some smart tips for shipping frames, fabrics, and other antiques.

Make sure the merchant provides a receipt that indicates the item's manufacturing date. If the piece is more than 100 years old, there will be no required taxes in most cases.

Antique buyers have several options when shipping their items home. They can use the French government postal service, other popular international shippers (UPS, FedEx, DHL), or shipping companies that specialize in antiques and fine art, such as Exteriors Packing & Shipping (33-4/9259-0590; Exteriors.net) and MARI Transports Internationaux (33-4/9397-4663; Transports-Mari.com).

Shipping by boat is usually less expensive, but keep in mind that the price of getting your piece home is still determined by its size and weight.

Contact the shipping company you plan to use before departure. This allows you to establish a relationship with the company and to learn all the necessary details.

M. Richard of the Nice-based MARI Transports Internationaux offers this advice for avoiding one common error, "If you can carry it, don't ship it."