EXPERT The Braderie de Lille takes over the city every September
Lez, and there’s also a twice- yearly Grand Bazar in spring and autumn.
DIJON In France’s mustard capital, you’ll find a charming antique district around Rue des Forges, with antique shops specialising in furniture, art and vintage collectibles. The Burgundy capital holds an antiques market every Sunday on Place
François Rude in the historic centre, selling everything from furniture to rugs to porcelain.
PEZENAS The Grande Foire à la Brocante de Pézenas, or Grand Déballage (grand unpacking), is held twice a year (May and October), stretching over two kilometres along the Route National 113. The southern town is a mecca for antiques buyers with many permanent shops. ■
I love the carving on my Louis XV- style bed, bought at Lille Braderie
TOP TIPS
You don’t need to be an expert to go antique hunting in France, especially if you’re only planning on parting with a few euros, but here are a few tips to get the most out of your antique-hunting excursions.
Go big – and small: The renowned antiques fairs listed here offer such a wide range of antiques, vintage items and collectibles that you’re bound to find something you like and can afford. But don’t overlook the smaller brocantes and flea markets, where you might find something unusual and perhaps a better deal away from the bigger tourist spots.
Do your homework: Familiarise yourself with different styles, periods and types of antiques. It will help you make informed decisions and identify genuine pieces.
Start early: The early bird catches the
worm, and that’s certainly true of antique markets. Arrive early to get the best bargains and choice of items.
Cash is king: Although dealers are increasingly able and willing to take card payments, many still insist on cash, and offering crisp euro notes will give you more bargaining power.
Devil’s in the detail: Inspect items closely for authenticity, condition and any signs of restoration. Don’t be scared to ask questions about an item’s history or provenance.
Manners matter: While haggling is a common practice in antique markets, you should always approach negotiations politely, with respect and a friendly attitude.
Don’t get carried away: Know your budget 50 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: January/February 2024
and be prepared to walk away if the price is too high.
Make friends: If you’re a regular visitor at certain markets, you can build good relationships with the dealers, which can lead to better deals and insider information.
Don’t overlook the paperwork: When buying high-value items, request documentation or certificates of authenticity, especially for paintings, sculptures and rare collectibles.
Customs considerations: If you’re planning on bringing your purchases back home to the UK or to another country, make sure you understand customs regulations regarding antiques as some items may require special permits or documentation.
Discover more antiques and flea markets at:
brocabrac.fr vide-greniers.org francebrocante.fr chineo.fr lesvidegreniers.fr flanerbouger.fr lespepitesdefrance.com
antiquites-en-france.com
anticstore.com
salons-antiquaires.com
VOCABULARY Acheter: to buy Vendre: to sell Un vendeur, une vendeuse: seller, vendor Un acheteur, une acheteuse: buyer Un brocanteur, une brocanteuse: flea market professional Un chineur, une chineuse: bargain hunter Une antiquité: an antique Un objet d’occasion: vintage or secondhand object Une brocante: antique, vintage and secondhand shop or market Un vide-grenier: literally ‘empty attic’, like a car boot or garage sale Un dépôt-vente: secondhand store; it roughly translates as ‘deposit for sale’ – you take your item to the store and they sell it for you for a commission Un stand: stall, booth Chiner: to bargain hunt Un bibelot: a small decorative item Les meubles (m): furniture C’est vendu: it has been sold Discuter les prix, marchander, négocier: to discuss prices, negotiate Payer en liquid: to pay in cash Avoir la monnaie: to have some change Avoir l’appoint: to have the right money, the exact amount in cash Faire une bonne/mauvaise affaire: to do a good/bad deal
You’ll find a brocante shop in most French towns
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