I'm not exactly sure of the origins of all the differing types of brocante markets in France, but it seems that most regions have little antique markets or at least a brocante stall on weekends in the summer. Some brocante fairs are huge whereas others are mostly like a small car-boot sale, but gorgeous antique finds can be found regardless.
I chatted recently with the wonderful Emily Gaudichon about one of her topics of expertise which is brocante in Paris. Emily actually hosts tours to the two main brocante markets she recommends in Paris: Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt and also Foire de Chatou. Emily also took me through the various types of brocante market as well as her top tips for brocante searching and purchasing in France.
I know there are some places in France that have brocante as the main focus of the village all year round like L'Isle Sur La Sorgue in Provence near Avignon which has amazing antique and bric-a-brac stores. I love meandering through villages to find little nuggets of fabulousness selling brocante here and there. I mentioned to Emily one market I haven't been to but is definitely on my list to visit: the Braderie de Lille which is enormous, ranked as the largest in Europe with a history back as far as 1127.
Join us to escape to France.
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Louise Prichard is the host of the Loulabelle's FrancoFiles podcast.
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Other Loulabelle's links:
FrancoFile Fix on YouTube
Loulabelle's FrancoFiles Spotify Playlist
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Loulabelle's FrancoFiles website
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