Ann Huff is an expert at sourcing European antiques.

Since relocating from Atlanta to Paris during the pandemic, Ann has mastered the French flea markets and become a regular at the famed Les Puces, an antiques market north of the city. Her experience extends further—Ann is co-owner of the Atlanta storefront Huff Harrington which specializes in importing Central European antique furniture, contemporary furnishings and retail items, is a fine art gallery and offers in-house design services. Now based in Paris, she has also designed over 30 apartments throughout Europe.

Recently, MILIEU’s associate editor, Avery Bowers, joined Ann for a morning at the French antique markets. As they strolled through the Paul Berte Marché and Serpette, Ann displayed her astute understanding of each stall, greeting vendors personally and demonstrating the relationships that make her approach so special.

Afterwards, Ann and Avery enjoyed croissants and coffees nearby while discussing their shared appreciation for antiques incorporated thoughtfully into interiors.

For those who dream of experiencing France in a design-driven way, Huff Harrington offers trips four times a year to Paris and Provence. Each spring and fall, they host five-day immersive excursions, introducing guests to their favorite dealers, private fairs along the Seine, and in-town sources for fabrics and treasures. They arrange every detail, ensuring that the attendees’ French finds are safely packaged on the container and arrive stateside.

Ann and her business partner, Meg Harrington, have shared their insights and the 2026 trip dates exclusively for the MILIEU Insider.

What makes your approach to the French markets unique?

We’ve developed long-lasting professional relationships with our trusted French vendors. These relationships are the result of years of working together with our sources – we trust them to bring gorgeous, drool-worthy pieces that we know are authentic. And they trust us to pay promptly and arrange pick up from our reliable shipper. We’ve learned so much from these vendors over the years, from technical tidbits about craftsmanship to the best local and off-the-beat-path spot for lunch. We treat each other respectfully and professionally so it’s a win-win for everyone.

What do you look for when assessing antique finds at the market?

Craftsmanship that is appropriate for the period, well-made drawers with good joining or dovetailing, patina that suggests age, and beautiful hardware

While at the markets, what are you most drawn to?

Anything Louis XVI, praised for its classical appearance and chic restraint.

Gilded mirrors, especially a simply curved and gilded Louis Philippe which adds a quiet style moment that feels anything but trendy. Antique mirrors are wonderful for reflecting light and making a smaller space feel larger.

Sweet little tables or chairs that are ooozing with personality. Place them in unexpected places (like a smaller-scaled chair next to the tub with a neat pile of fluffy towels). Smaller scale tables are great next to armchairs, swivels or anyplace you need a spot to place a drink – or a book. We’re currently obsessed with anything Chinoiserie from 1900s-1940s.

What is your approach to negotiating at the markets?

We have always found that good manners and a smile are a great way to kick off the negotiations. We typically prefer to negotiate on pricier or multiple items and not nickel and dime the vendor over something that’s under 100 euros.

In other words, we find that in France, our best “bargaining” practice is relationship building, which starts with a pleasant “Bonjour” and builds over years of buying from reliable vendors.

How do you handle shipping and customs for your clients?

On Huff Harrington antiques buying trips, we take care of all the logistics that go into transporting items back to our warehouse in Atlanta. This includes working with our Paris-based shipper who coordinates everything on the French side, from vendor payments and pick ups to packaging and preparing for shipment and booking container space on the ship. A US based customs brokerage company clears us through customs. A third transportation company coordinates transportation from the US port arrival to Atlanta. It’s many, many layers of logistics!

Huff Harrington’s 2026 Trip Dates go live on July 28th!  For further information, visit huffharrington.com/pages/travel

PRODUCED BY AVERY BOWERS, MILIEU Associate Editor