In the sweet spot of the Luberon, Bonnieux is a village with steep cobblestone lanes, fountains and the remnants of medieval ramparts. The views here are exquisite, and the treasures in the village itself are many. This week, I visited one in particular, hunting for antiques. Au Détour d'une Promenade is a gem of a brocante (antique shop), whose name gives tribute to how one might stumble upon its charms: in the course of a stroll.
For 25 years, Corinne and Roland have owned this shop, hunting and gathering treasures from their continual search across France. Their passion is chiner, the French art of searching for antiques and secondhand wares. Their discoveries makes their way back to Bonnieux and form the beautifully curated collection of this shop. It is a gallery that continually sways and moves with their chosen stroke.
Their work continues beyond just the search; they restore and decorate, they give pieces new life and bring out the best in what someone else has discarded or done-away with. Still-life paintings, engravings, ceramics and antique tableware, furniture and fascinations. Even the walls bear their touch: Corinne and Roland aged them themselves, creating a setting that feels just right as a gallery for the beauties they deal in. The shop is both commercial and art in that way.
During my visit, Corinne was lovely and chatted with me about their story and passion. She was already looking ahead to the shop's next iteration. I complimented the aesthetic and she replied that the busy season had just wrapped up and she is in the throws of rearranging/restocking/redesigning the space. She was eager to bring down more pieces and new finds into the mix. It felt as if the space is alive, each visit one finds a new version. 
For those of us who love setting a table, places like this offer a particular pleasure. An old piece of tableware, a vase or a ceramic pitcher brings depth to a tablescape and a moment of hosting. Alongside a beautiful tablecloth, these finds bring the individuality of something chosen with pleasure and care. 
If you are exploring the Luberon in Provence, don't miss this beautiful little treasure cove.
