Flea Markets or 'brocantes' in Provence

The French Way of Life

Last year I was asked to write (yes write!) and photograph about the flea markets or ‘Brocantes’ - in the South of France and as this weekend marks the beginning of the first International Antiques Fair of the season I thought I would share it with you.

When I first arrived in France over 18 years ago, I really wasn’t aware of the huge passion and way of life of going to flea markets, car boot sales and antique fairs. I was in my early 30s when I arrived in Provence, I barely spoke the language and decided that I was going to become a photographer specialising in Interiors.

Fast forward a few years, I am happily married to a Frenchman, Mike, who happens to be an Artist and Antique Dealer and I found a real love of flea markets with him and it’s something we love doing together. Mike for buying and selling, me for props and photoshoots. Our house is of course full of flea market finds.

This weekend marks the beginning of the International Antiques Fair and we are both excited about them starting up again. These are professional antique markets or ‘déballage’ in Avignon, Montpellier & Bezier but for these you must have a business card or a buyer’s card. They are much more flexible these days though.

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Weekend Markets

Villeneuve les Avignon: In the top five most beautiful antique markets is Villeneuve les Avignon. Just on the other side of the Rhone, opposite Avignon, sits this magnificent town with the Abbayé Saint André towering over the market. It has become a ritual Saturday morning activity for French nationals and foreigners alike. Many finish the morning with a glass of wine and a platter of seafood.

Carpentras: Another favourite weekly flea market is in Carpentras on a Sunday. Under the plane trees in the main car park, the prices are fair and if you have the time either a coffee or lunch at Chez Serge is a must. Carpentras is also a town rich in history and well worth a visit. Every few months there is also the Marché Gare in Carpentras, which is held just outside the town and on a Saturday. We love this too.

Eygalières: In our village, Eygalières, there is a flea market, on the last Sunday of the month, and it is also a great place to visit, walk and have lunch.

Sommières: Another weekly Saturday flea market, and around three times a year they have a huge flea market. It is well worth a visit if you are in or around the area.

L’Isle sur la Sorgue: ‘ the village of antique dealers’ is another good address. While the prices can be more expensive here, a bargain or beautiful piece can often be found. Some of my favourites are @bernard_durand, @memoires_d_un_ane, @lartetlamaniere_antiques, @odile_bouscarat @mike_sajnoski and la boutique de Francine among others.

They also have an International Antiques Fair twice a year with the next one being held 18-21 April 2025 @foire.islesurlasorgue

A little bit further afield is Les Puces du Canal in Lyon another place to visit on a Sunday, alongside the ‘container village’, and has places to eat and drink. A lovely way to spend the day. This is not technically Provence but it’s a great one to visit!

Barjac: a small town in the Ardeche, holds a huge ‘brocante’ with around 400 stands twice a year around Easter and 15 August. The dates for this year are 17-21 April 2025 and 13-17 August 2025.

We also look each week at these websites: vide-greniers.org & brocabrac.fr to find flea markets and car boot sales on the weekends. They are often full of nothing but sometimes you can find real gems at very reasonable prices. You can find a car boot sale, or flea market, going on somewhere every weekend in Provence and indeed France.

There is an art to the flea markets and negotiating is part of it. Sometimes they won’t budge, other times they will be ready to negotiate, especially if you buy a bundle of items. They will often raise the prices for foreigners and above all be careful about showing too much excitement for an object! Be nonchalant like the French!

It really is a national pastime. It’s like a drug - that joy of finding something special. These are just a few that we like in Provence and beyond but there are many more to be found throughout the country.

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Hope you find this useful

Joanna x