To flea or not to flea…

If you’re a treasure hunter, you know the thrill. Finding a unique piece amongst the heaps of junk. It’s exhilarating!

In France, the flea market (also known as brocante, déballage, braderie, or marché aux puces) is a national pastime. Going to the fleas in Paris or other major cities provides a curated shopping experience, showcasing lovely vintage and antique furniture and decor.
If you happen to be in the countryside, and are up for some treasure hunting, you can find fleas both large and small. Every small town and village holds their own brocante or vide grenier (‘empty attic’) each year. Traditionally held on Sundays, you can also find them on national holidays and sometimes on Saturdays. (This is also a seasonal event, usually from April thru October)
Picture a mashup of a garage sale and a flea market, and sometimes a food tent alongside a carousel - that’s the country brocante experience. From clothes to tools to linens, everything is for sale at a great price. Cash is king and haggling expected.

Here is resource for finding brocantes close to you: https://brocabrac.fr/

Don’t forget to bring a bag or a backpack for your finds and happy hunting!