EXPERT


Grande Réderie d’Amiens is held twice a year in April and October. A huge event which started in 1909, it takes over the streets of the town – to find a real bargain, arrive at 2am when the first stalls open! Northern France has several


antiques markets, including the Foire aux Puces de l’Ascencion in Crèvecoeur-le-Grand (May), accompanied by fireworks and a classic car parade; Montreuil- sur-Mer, twice a year including Bastille Day with fireworks; Maroilles, known for its stinky cheese (June).


L’ISLE SUR LA SOURGUE In the south of France, this charming town criss-crossed by the River Sorgue, with its lovely old waterwheels, is known as the Venice of Provence. It’s also famous for its antiques shops and large Foire Internationale Antiquités et Brocante held over four days (March/April in 2024), and there’s also a smaller flea market every Sunday. The town attracts dealers and antiques- lovers from around the world, and most of the antiques shops offer international shipping.


VILLENEUVE- LÈS-AVIGNON Just across the Rhône river from its better-known neighbour Avignon, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is a picturesque medieval town which hosts one of France’s most respected antique fairs along the walls of Fort St- André. As well as the biannual Brocante Passion in May and October, there’s a weekly Saturday market. Avignon itself holds a


monthly antiques trade fair, Avignon International, and Provence in general is known as a place to find ancient treasures. Many towns host


DID YOU KNOW?


You can even find a market offering a unique mix of antiques and ham! At Chatou near Paris, the Foire à la Brocante et aux Jambons has evolved from a centuries-old ham fair to offer a unique blend of antiques and local culinary delights.


antique markets, including Arles (first Wednesday of the month), Uzès (Sundays) and Carpentras (Sundays).


NICE In the old town of the Riviera capital Nice, Cours Saleya is famous for its colourful daily flower and fresh produce market, as well as summer arts and crafts evenings. Every Monday, however, it’s transformed into a huge antiques market, the perfect place to find unique vintage jewellery, ceramics and artwork. There’s also an antiques district by the port.


LYON France’s second largest permanent flea market, Les Puces du Canal in Villeurbanne comprises 200 permanent stores plus space for hundreds of outdoor traders. Open year round on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, it’s a melting pot of secondhand and vintage goods, including antique and upcycled furniture, artwork and design pieces, alongside bars and restaurants. Famous for silk- making and other textiles, Lyon has a particularly vibrant vintage clothing scene. There’s also an antiques district in the Auguste Comte quartier, which is home to the Tapis Rouge antiques event every October.


ANNECY Set in this lovely lakeside town in the Alps, the Brocante d’Annecy is held on the last Saturday of the month in the old town. As well as the usual furniture and paraphernalia, you’ll found items with a more Alpine flavour such as old skis and snow-shoes, cowbells, fishing gear, rustic wooden utensils, agricultural items, and vintage kitchenware like milk jugs and butter moulds.


MONTPELLIER The thriving city of Montpellier in Occitanie has a vibrant antique scene, with shops and markets catering for a wide range of interests, especially along Rue de l’Ancien Courrier. Some of the most popular


flea markets are the Marché aux Puces de la Paillade (Sundays), Les Dimanches de Peyrou and weekly Marché du


Keep an eye out for famous maker’s marks on silverware and porcelain 4 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: January/February 2024 49 WHAT TO BUY


With its rich cultural heritage, France has much to offer antiques hunters. You don’t have to spend a fortune though - some of my favourite flea market and brocante finds have been smaller items like a battered old sweets tin and a copper plant sprayer. I’ve also furnished my home with a lovely French Louis XV-style bed, marble-topped bedside tables, a characterful pine dresser and statement mirrors. Clearly, the best antiques to buy depend on your own preferences and interests, but here are some popular categories of antiques that you’ll find in France.


Furniture: Pieces from different periods, such as Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI styles, are sought aſter. Look for elegant chairs, armoires, commodes and gilded mirrors.


Porcelain, ceramics and pottery: Seek out pieces from renowned manufacturers like Limoges, Sèvres and Moustiers. Antique faience pottery, particularly from areas like Quimper in Brittany, is known for its colourful and distinctive designs. Collectors oſten seek out plates, bowls and figurines.


Silverware: This can include ornate silver tea sets, flatware and candlesticks. Pieces showcasing fine craſtsmanship or from famous silversmiths can be particularly valuable.


Clocks: France has a rich history of clockmaking, and those from the 18th and 19th centuries are highly prized. Look for mantel clocks, wall clocks and intricately designed pendulum clocks.


Artwork: Consider investing in paintings, sculptures or prints from famous French artists or pieces from specific art movements like Impressionism.


Glass and crystal: French glassware, including crystal from manufacturers like Baccarat and Lalique, is known for its quality and elegance. Vases, stemware and decorative pieces are popular choices.


Textiles: Antique French textiles, such as Aubusson and Savonnerie carpets, tapestries and embroidered linens, are highly valued. Seek out pieces with intricate designs and quality craſtsmanship.


Jewellery: Here you can find exquisite craſtsmanship from different historical periods; look for Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Victorian-era jewellery.


Perfume bottles: Antique scent bottles, especially those made of glass or ceramic, can be unique and collectible, and may be associated with renowned perfume houses.


Metalware: Items like chandeliers, candlesticks and decorative objects can be aesthetically pleasing and put to practical use.


Books and manuscripts: Antique books, manuscripts and rare prints can be found in antique markets – look for editions from renowned French authors or historical documents.


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