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The Joy of Shopping in Brocantes- French Second-Hand Markets

Brocantes are regular weekend events where a brocanteur (the French word ‘brocanteur’ means ‘broker) sells various antique and vintage goods. In France, Brocantes are also known as Puces or flea markets, which is a term that originated in Paris back in the 19th century. A visit to a Brocante market can be the highlight of a trip to France. It is such a lively encounter with everyday French culture and a fun way to spend a few hours. It’s a great place to find collectables or pick up a unique souvenir. These can also be known as vide-greniers a bit like our house clearance sales. These events which are basically emptying the attics, take place in many of the larger towns about once a month and are popular throughout France, often on Sundays. Some are all year round but the majority are held in the spring to autumn months. The size of the market can range from just a few stalls to the enormous markets such as the Braderie in Lille.

The French are a nation of recyclers and hate to throw something away if they think it can be 're-loved', and this is what drives their passion for second hand-markets. With some of Europe’s, most storied and well-stocked antique fairs and flea markets, France is a must do for antique lovers as you'll have an opportunity to pick up some wonderful or unusual items that you simply won’t see in the shops. Visitors frequently uncover precious finds that add that extra touch to their home and heart. Others simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt, whether that quest is for a specific item or a general rambling through stalls and streets, trying to find the next diamond in the rough. The best deals are to be found at the street markets, the smaller villages will have lower prices that larger cities and towns, and outside of Paris, you’ll notice a huge drop in the prices.

Rather like highbrow car boot sales or flea markets. Traders spread their wares across pavements and sell everything from vintage buttons to antique furniture. In recent years, Brocantes have become very fashionable and vintage sellers have become wise to the fact that tourists flock to them looking for a bargain. Items don’t tend to be priced and haggling is expected, so don’t be shy when it comes to battling for the price you want! Generally, Brocante dealers are kind, full of stories and more than willing to drop a few euros when asked for le dernier prix.

Many of the street markets will also sell on food, so you can have a glass of wine or coffee and watch the world go by too, it’s a lovely way to spend a morning or day out.

Great Markets to See

Braderie is one of the largest in Europe and is in Lille. It takes place in the first week of September and there are more than 10,000 stalls.

Cours Saleya on Mondays, in Nice has around 200 flea market vendors selling their wares. This is a fairly high-quality market; however, bargain hunters can also score a good find, particularly in the adjacent place Pierre Gauthier, where odds and ends are piled on the ground.

Réderie d’automne in Amiens. This yearly autumnal event takes place in October for one day. This market attracts 2,000 vendors and receives tens of thousands of visitors each year. This is one of the premier spots to hunt for antiques or simply take in the spectacle. It starts very early in the morning.

Villeurbanne Flea Market in Lyon on Sunday mornings has 400 stalls selling rustic goods of all kinds. The set-ups are a bit informal, but its crammed with exciting finds and great to rummage through.

To locate markets in the area you are due to visit, the website www.brocabrac.fr is helpful as it lists brocantes by the area or by the day of the week. L’Agenda des Brocantes is the most popular calendar of events, see  www.agendadesbrocantes.fr for details.