Tips for visiting the French brocante markets

I am off to Paris this weekend for 10 days. Whilst visiting our daughter who lives just outside Paris we will be hitting the brocantes (flea and antique markets) – we drive down and pop over via the Eurotunnel.

Sign for a Brocante market

When venturing out to the brocante you will need a roomy car/van as you just never know what you are going to find and there is nothing more frustrating than finding the perfect piece and not being able to fit it in the car. We have a Citreon Berlingo which turns into a car when we are not moving stuff. Note even my car is French!

When you get there, you will need to wear the obligatory scarf which makes you look and feel French. Although I look the part, I don’t speak their language and often frustrate the stall holders into submission and get things at a much reduced price. If I am really stuck I always have my lovely French speaking daughter to help me out.

The French scarf look

Walking all day, comfort is of the essence so treat yourself to a pair of Repetto Ballet Flats -this is a good excuse to visit their fabulous shop in Paris.

Repetto ballet flats

I don’t stick to one favourite brocante – my daughter ensures we visit the towns and villages that will have the best stalls and these places always turn out to be very picturesque.

A pretty French town

I do try go when the Ham Fair is on as it has the added bonus of a centre aisle that serves the most delicious food (and of course it is all ham related – hence the name). The antique stalls are to die for but you really have to search for a bargain.

The Ham brocante in France

A ham baguette at the Ham brocante

I love the unexpected. You can find a stall with what looks like junk then find a box under the table full of vintage lace, old books, scraps of amazing fabrics and numerous other delights. Theese are just some of my finds.

Some of my favourites from the Paris Brocantes

If you search, there are some amazing finds

The French love to dye their linens in bright colours and the stalls that sell these delicious items are like jewels.

Dyed French linens

One very important piece of advice – do not expect a stall holder to serve you when it is lunch time, everything stops for food in France!

Stallholders' lunch at the French brocante