When you think of the best places to uncover antiques in France, the sprawling Parisian flea markets probably spring to mind. However, various towns and villages around the country are quiet hosts to some of the world’s finest antique fairs and markets. If you’re looking to discover some hidden gems on your next getaway, here’s our quick guide to these lesser known spots with our very own list of France’s top antique fairs.
The huge La Grande Braderie market in Lille provides an exciting antique-hunting experience. Held annually during the first weekend in September, this two-day fair sees buyers and sellers staying up all night on Saturday – as do the street performers and musicians – creating a lively carnival atmosphere. With over 200km of stalls to peruse, selling everything from antique silverware to moules-frites, you’re sure to find something truly special.
If you’re planning to travel in April or October, a visit to the biannual Réderie d’Amiens is a must. Playing host to more than 500 professional dealers and 2000 casual traders, it sees 100,000 visitors descend on the event which is brimming with hidden gems just waiting for you to uncover.
Where to stay with Oliver’s Travels
Located just a few minutes from Montreuil market, La Manoir Nord comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests – perfect for large groups of antique collectors. The 18th-century house is bursting with details you’ll be as eager to explore as any stall, filled with stunning period furniture to relax upon after a busy day of keeping your eyes wide open.
The best markets in ParisChatou Antiques Fair – France – Image courtesy of Juan Antonio F Segal via Flickr
Every March and September, collectors descend on Chatou, located in the affluent western Parisian suburbs, for the Chatou Foire au Jambon (“Ham Fair”). Dating back to the Middle Ages when people would gather to buy and sell the region’s impressive range of charcuterie, it’s become more famous today for its wide selection of antiques – while still showcasing ample meat produce to taste and enjoy.
Travel just outside of Paris and you’ll find Braderie de Houilles. The site of Victor Schoelcher’s death (the man who helped abolish slavery in France), the city of Houilles is packed with history to uncover even when the market isn’t on. However, if you do visit on the first Sunday of October, you’ll be greeted by the sight of 2000 second-hand vendors stretching across 10km. From clothes and shoes to toys and trinkets, there’s no doubt you’ll find something worth taking home!
Where to stay with Oliver’s TravelsChateau Boumont – Paris Region – Oliver’s Travels
Chateau Royalis located only a stone’s throw away from Paris, so it’s perfect for a trip into town for a spot of antique hunting. Its beautiful decor will also provide great inspiration for bargain hunters while making them feel like true members of the aristocracy!
Our luxury villas in the Côte d’Azurare in a prime spot for those wanting to explore the Salon Antiquité Brocante, located in the village of Antibes. This is one of the largest and most prestigious antique fairs in France, taking place during the last two weeks of April. Professionals from all over Europe flock here every year, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for advice from expert dealers.
Antibes – France – Image courtesy of Ross Gray via Flickr
Where to stay with Oliver’s TravelsVilla Mougins, Cote d’Azur – Oliver’s Travels
When you stay at the Bastide-style VillaMougins, you’ll find yourself enviably close to the vibrant village that was a previous haunt of names such as Picasso and Churchill (it’s well worth a trip to the boulangerie too!). A light, airy chateau with classically French architecture and a lavish atmosphere to match, it sleeps 10 guests for those big reunions or family getaways.
For a spot of autumn antique-hunting, head for the Salon des Antiquaires et des Arts Contemporains, found in the historic city of Toulouse. Held each November, this market recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. With over 300 dealers exhibiting their goods here annually, you’ll find plenty of treasures if you take your time exploring.
Where to stay with Oliver’s TravelsChateau Chamborigaud – Languedoc – Oliver’s Travels
Anyone wanting to dicover Toulouse and the surrounding region can enjoy a seriously luxurious holiday experience by staying in ChateauChamborigaud. Offering room for 18 guests, this authentic architectural villa features a heated swimming pool, barbecue, and sits adjacent to a tennis court you can use for a small fee. Why not check out our guest blog post from Will Hatton at The Broke Backpacker as he puts his feet up there?
Chateau Ariege – Midi-Pyrenees – Olivers Travels
And if you’re looking for a different kind of luxury, how about Chateau Ariege? Sleeping 10 and coming equipped with a swimming pool, tennis court and 25 acres of grounds, it oozes style and sophistication, inviting guests to truly relax in its sumptuous surroundings.
For our full range of luxury villas in France, head to Oliver’s Travels where you’ll find a range of properties to suit everyone – from antiques lovers to the most modern tastes.
Previous
Top 10 Things to Do in Halkidiki – From Mountain Cycling to Monastery Sightseeing
Next
What Foods You Can and Can’t Take On Your Next Flight
Popular Articles
The 10 Best Beaches in Cyprus
Cyprus has beaches for almost every kind of holiday, from soft, pale sands and shallow family bays to turtle-nesting shores, watersports hubs, and quiet coves beneath cliffs. Better still, the island makes it easy to combine time beside the sea with ancient ruins, mountain villages, and lunches in coastal tavernas. The best beaches in Cyprus […]
The 10 Best Beaches in Mykonos
Mykonos may be known for its whitewashed lanes, late-night parties, and famous beach clubs, but its coastline has more range than the headlines suggest. Long sandy bays curve around the south of the island, while the north coast feels wilder, more exposed to the Aegean wind. The best beaches in Mykonos cover almost every mood. […]
10 Best Villas in Ibiza
The fabled ‘White Island’ is a place of many faces. On the one hand, Ibiza is renowned as a prime clubbing destination with a vibrant nightlife that’s a magnet for partygoers. But there’s more to the island than exclusive clubs and dancing ’til dawn! Further inland, you’ll find there’s a much more laid-back atmosphere among […]
Top 10 Family-Friendly Villas in the South of France
Whether you’ve got tiny tots or teens along for the ride, a holiday in the South of France is sure to prove one your family never forgets. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, including boat rides and bicycle hire, plus sumptuous food and wine (adults only!) to enjoy after a day spent […]
Top 10 Quirkiest Chateaux in France
We love a bit of quirkiness – that’s what’s fun about this collection, all these villas and chateaux have been handpicked for their style and character. Our range of luxury chateaux and villas in France includes some of the most stylish and memorable holiday homes you can find, and that’s saying something…! Whether you’re looking […]
Top 10 Brittany Beaches
When we think of beaches in France, our minds naturally wander to the South of France – sometimes, it’s easy to overlook the beauty of Western France’s coastline, particularly the well-known surf mecca of Brittany. Wild and rugged, with some beautifully unspoilt coves, the scenic coastline of Brittany stretches for more than 1,000 miles. It […]
Top 5 Places to Visit in Northern France
Northern France is often overlooked when planning a French getaway, while Southern France consistently remains a popular choice for family holidays and romantic retreats. However, here at Oliver’s Travels, we know the wonders of Northern France and everything it has to offer! From exquisite beaches and beautiful vineyards to towns dripping in culture and the birthplace […]
Best Things To Do in Normandy
Got a group of travel-hungry friends together and thinking of visiting Normandy? You’ve made the right choice – it’s a region ripe with things to do. From exploring the varied and dramatic coastlines to fantastic foodie experiences that’ll tickle your curiosity as much as your tastebuds, we’ve found some of the best things to do […]
Top Chateaux in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is steeped in history and home to beautiful countryside, filled with remarkable villas and chateaux at every turn. Travellers of all ages can enjoy the region’s many charms, with abundant sporting activities, cultural sites, and sleepy towns to explore. We’ve picked our top 10 chateaux in the Loire Valley so you get […]
The 10 Best Beaches in the South of France
The beaches in the South of France are popular for a reason – it’s one of the most luxurious destinations out there! From the star-studded glam of Cannes and St Tropez to the luscious landscape of the rural interior, visitors never take long to catch on; after all, relaxation is pretty high on the agenda here. […]
The 10 Most Inviting Villas With Swimming Pools in France
There’s no denying we Brits crave a little warmth and sunshine. After all, English weather is known for its unpredictability at the best times (it’s either raining for weeks or life as we know it comes to a halt during the mid-summer heatwave, there’s no happy medium). So when it’s time for our holidays, we […]
The Best Villas in the Dordogne
If you want to experience one of the most beautiful places in the world, there’s only one thing for it – head to one of our villas in the Dordogne. There’s a reason (in fact, there are loads) that the British and the French fought over it right until the end of the Hundred Years […]
Top 10 Quirky Chateaux in Southern France
Looking to live the dream at one of our characterful chateaux in Southern France? Covering luxurious Languedoc, dazzling Dordogne and the romantic Riviera, we’ve got premium properties to suit every style preference in the world’s most glamorous region. However, with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve […]
For a spot of autumn antique-hunting, head for the Salon des Antiquaires et des Arts Contemporains, found in the historic city of Toulouse. Held each November, this market recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. With over 300 dealers exhibiting their goods here annually, you’ll find plenty of treasures if you take your time exploring.
