Welcome to the Find Flea Markets website. Here we aim to bring you all the news and information you need to enjoy browsing and foraging through the lovely flea markets of Europe!
Photos from Flea Markets 2011
As 2011 draws to a close, what better time to look back at a few old photos we have come across over the year - across the flea markets of France. Here we go!
Special Guest Vintage Blogger - Lexi Loves!
We love to promote beautiful finds from the flea markets - its what we do!
We sent out a tweet yesterday to our great followers on twitter - asking if anyone had anything really special they wanted to feature and show our readers. We were delighted when a response came from @lexilovesshop saying that she has shop in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, from where she sells all kinds of lovely things.
Lexi went onto tell us that she really enjoys scouring old flea markets and second hand shops to find really unusual and exciting things! So...we are delighted to feature the following from her own blog!
Hello y’all !
Its been an age since I blogged so I thought I’d show you what I’ve been up to. I’ve had some really special things to make and I’ve been itching to share this make with you. A special commission which I hope you agree looks SO cool! I love it!
This is my take on a re-worked vintage trunk and in this blog I am going to show you how I made it…..
Some months ago I was flicking through Homes and Antiques magazine (September 2010 issue) and spied this re-worked vintage trunk which I thought was a great idea but then put it to the back of my mind……
Now there's an idea.....
It turned out that some time later I would need this idea for a very special commission for a friend, and the ideas from the magazine were given the Lexi treatment.
So….first of all I needed to gather together all the bits and pieces for this special project. It was for a man with a love of vintage pieces and classic cars combined with a preppy English style that is so current right now. I wanted to make my piece look a bit like something from Jack Wills but way more exclusive and personal. Each element to the trunk was specifically chosen with him in mind. It takes a while to find all the little quirky car motifs and antique insignia but its what makes it unique and for me that is vital!
So, this is the trunk in its basic state – nice but awfully dull and SO brown!
Take one brown canvas trunk......
Inside it was in quite a good condition. A little battered, but then so would you be if you were that old! I am based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire and I love the fact that this trunk was made in Cheltenham, 15 miles up the road. It feels a bit like its come home!
Love the stripes!
In the magazine article it says to paint PVA glue all over the outside of the trunk in order to prevent any colour leaking from the canvas onto the fabrics when they are attached to the trunk. So, I painted the trunk and let it dry whilst I got to work measuring and cutting out the fabrics for each section.
Bring on the glue
Its nearly dry !
The fabrics I chose were to work around a union jack bandana that I had so I used various red, white and navy fabrics to co-ordinate. I like to mix up patterns and scale to give an eclectic look. I found some red and white ticking which I was particularly pleased with. It was an arduous task cutting out all the little pieces of fabric to fit in around the curved corners and locks and hinges on the trunk, but I was not too concerned about it being perfect. I like it a little shabby around the edges!
Meanwhile….the union jack bandanna I wanted to use for the top of the trunk was very new looking and very bright! So, in order to vintage-i-fy it I left it soaking in a solution hot water and household bleach for half an hour or so to age it. Now, if you decide to do this, proceed with caution – too much Domestos and it could all be over very quickly! When it was the correct colour I washed it thoroughly and dried and pressed it so it was ready to go.Oh yes, and to make it look even more genuine, I rubbed it up and down on my grater to make a few holes!
Soaking.....
Now with holes
When sticking the fabric pieces to the trunk I started with the smallest in order to get the hang of it before attempting the bigger ones. What was concerning me was getting wrinkles and air bubbles underneath the fabrics. In the magazine article it says to smooth out any lumps and bumps by rubbing a bundle of cloth over it which should sort out any issues! I did have some little bumps as there were various screws etc holding the trunk together but I dont think this detracted from the overall look.
Bit fiddly around the corners
On the areas of the trunk where the handles were, I simply sliced gently down the fabric with a stanley knife and then eased the fabric around the obstruction and stuck it down. You hardly even notice the slit and I think it looks neater that two or three separate pieces.
Easy does it with the Stanley knife....
Once all the underneath and side pieces were on I could then concentrate on the main two panels where I wanted to place the union jack and to add the monogramming letters. I planned to applique them to the fabric using a zig zag stitch on the machine along with the woven car badges and the mini union jacks and felt initials before sticking the base pieces to the trunk.
I put the flag on the trunk at a rakish angle to make things a litle more quirky and then cut it up the centre and pinned each piece of bandana to the base fabric and then I was ready to start machining.
Cut and pinned - ready to sew
Now to sew it …..
Let the sewing begin
The last things to be stitched onto the main fabric panels were felt initials as well as the fabric car badges and a genuine military insignia.
Now for some of the fun stuff !
Vintage insignia looks just the thing on here
Its not all red, white and blue!
To finish off I had to stick the two large central panels onto the trunk and to look for any lose threads that needed trimming. I also checked for any bits of fabric that might have required a bit of extra sticking. And the result of all this hard work was this …..
And so here we have it. Whatd'ya think?!
I am please to tell you that the recipient was really pleased with it, and at the end of the day, thats what matters!
Hope you’ve enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed putting it together for you.
You can read more about Lexi's fab creations and flea market discoveries on her website:
You can follow us on twitter here:
The Flea Markets of France
One of the most common questions we hear? Whats the best guide book to French Flea Markets?
Well, each of us will have our own and our special favourites, when it comes to hunting for antiques and collectables...
For us - at the Find Flea Markets team - when it comes to French Flea Markets, there is only one book that works for us:
The Flea Markets of France by Sandy Price.
A) It is lovely!
B) It is nice and small so it fits in your bag or pocket!
C) Its very cheap and affordable
D) It actually is not only great looking - but its very informative!
E) A great guide to the markets of France but also tells a bit about the area and local hot spots!
F) It describes accurately what one can hope to find from each market - antiques or junk!
We could go through the whole alphabet recommending this one to you - its brilliant! No traveller should be with out it - no flea market hunter should leave home with out it!
You will love it.
Well, each of us will have our own and our special favourites, when it comes to hunting for antiques and collectables...
For us - at the Find Flea Markets team - when it comes to French Flea Markets, there is only one book that works for us:
The Flea Markets of France by Sandy Price.
A) It is lovely!
B) It is nice and small so it fits in your bag or pocket!
C) Its very cheap and affordable
D) It actually is not only great looking - but its very informative!
E) A great guide to the markets of France but also tells a bit about the area and local hot spots!
F) It describes accurately what one can hope to find from each market - antiques or junk!
We could go through the whole alphabet recommending this one to you - its brilliant! No traveller should be with out it - no flea market hunter should leave home with out it!
You will love it.
Make Money from Flea Markets
Tons of folks write in and ask us about whether flea markets are just great tourist haunts - or whether you can really make money from them.
Straight answer? Its the same as anything else in life really - the more you put in, the more you can take out!
We recently came across this interesting and informative guide that might help you decide for yourself - have a look...
Click Here to find out more!
Flea markets are great fun and can turn up some amazing finds. Most of all - just enjoy them!
Straight answer? Its the same as anything else in life really - the more you put in, the more you can take out!
We recently came across this interesting and informative guide that might help you decide for yourself - have a look...
Click Here to find out more!
Flea markets are great fun and can turn up some amazing finds. Most of all - just enjoy them!
Lille Flea Market - La Braderie
This weekend saw the massive flea market that takes place every year in Lille.
Known as "La Braderie", it is quite simply a monumental event - I have never seen or experienced anything quite like it! Street upon street is literally dripping in vendors offering everything from the bathroom sink to a can of baked beans.
Having just got back, here are some pictures from La Braderie 2010!
(for some reason, my photos are in reverse order, but enjoy them anyway!)
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| There is one menu this weekend - piles and piles of them! |
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| As you can tell - I like signs! |
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| Early Sunday morning - about 7am. Only way to beat the crowds. |
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| Looking for a tailors dummy? I've got five! |
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| Surely worth buying simply to get about - its so huge! |
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| When in Rome... ;) |
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| Photo was taken about 9.30pm - selling still goes on. |
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| Taken about 9pm - the market almost becomes a carnival |
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| Spot the word! |
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| Spot of site seeing! |
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| So busy - it was quite hard to see the stands! |
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| This photo was taken on a quiet street! |
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| This button seller had travelled from Paris. |
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| Happy memories! |
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| Typical market items for sale |
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| Breakfast comes in many forms! |
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| Early Saturday morning - we're off and running! |
La Braderie, Lille. Europes biggest Flea Market!
Every first weekend of September, Lille is the capital of bargain-hunting!
The Braderie de Lille is Europe’s largest flea market, and certainly one of the most well-known events in France and abroad. Between one and two million visitors stroll up and down the city streets, entertained by music and the numerous performances that take place from 2 pm on Saturday to 11 pm on Sunday.
Enjoying a dish of “Moules - Frites” (mussels served with chips) has become a deeply-rooted tradition and is the subject of a contest between the town’s restaurants to see who can build the highest mountain of empty mussel shells!
The Lille flea market in figures:
33 continuous hours of treasure hunting, bargaining and fun
100 km of stalls
10,000 exhibitors
1 to 2 million visitors
500 tons of mussels consumed
5,000 participants in the semi-marathon race, on average
The history of the flea market
The flea market’s origins remain a bit of a mystery. In the Middle Ages, servants obtained the right to sell their masters’ old possessions once a year. This custom soon combined with Lille’s fair, where the town’s inhabitants, as well as foreigners, could freely sell their goods.
Moreover, in the 15th century, two poultry merchants had the great idea to “provide meat” for the fair-goers. They obtained the right to sell their products to the passers-by and the buyers who were already numerous at that time. Braden, Flemish for roast, may be the term that gave the flea market its name.
Of course, in French, “brader” also means “to sell at a low price” and it is well known that you can sell and buy anything at the Lille flea market: antiques, clothes, jewellery, decorative objects etc!
Transformed into one gigantic pedestrian zone, the city offers treasure hunters and visitors alike a vast number of stalls and buying opportunities in a friendly atmosphere governed by the rhythm of the swarming crowd. Ever since the Middle Ages, the tradition has lived on, and today, the Lille flea market remains the most awaited event of the fall season.
The flea market by district
Whereas the local shops on the pedestrian streets (rue Neuve, rue de Béthune, rue Sec-Arembault) offer bargain prices on their summer collections, other districts are entirely dedicated to second-hand goods.
Antiques (furniture, bibelots, crockery, collections, etc.) can be found on the Esplanade (alongside the Deûle canal, in front of the Champ de Mars). To take a break between bargaining sessions and escape the crowd, there is nothing better than a walk in the Parc de la Citadelle or in the zoo (open from 9 am to 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday, free entry). On the Champ de Mars, the fun fair and its 200 attractions run non-stop on Saturday night, until 5 am Sunday morning!
In addition to Boulevard Louis XIV, rue Debierre and rue du Réduit, Boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas is exclusively reserved for antiquarians.
Nothing compares to the Sunday morning atmosphere in Wazemmes when the flea market blends with the lively, colourful market of the Place de la Nouvelle Aventure.
Along Boulevard Victor Hugo and in the Moulins district (rue d’Arras, rue de Douai, rue de Cambrai et rue de Maubeuge), the inhabitants hold a true garage sale.
The narrow streets of Old Lille are divided between the stalls of designer shops and those of private residents.
Finally, between the Porte de Roubaix and the Opera, the Arts district welcomes about thirty professional antique dealers from England and Burgundy. You will recognize them by their flags flying on rue Léon Trulin, rue Anatole France, rue des Arts and rue de Roubaix.
Practical information
Hours
The flea market is held from 2 pm on Saturday 6 September, to 11 pm on Sunday 7 September.
Getting around Lille
During the flea market, the pedestrian is king! Access to the heart of the town is impossible by car. Therefore, it is best to take the train and use public transportation. Regional trains, the subway, buses, and trams will get you where you want to go.
The Braderie de Lille is Europe’s largest flea market, and certainly one of the most well-known events in France and abroad. Between one and two million visitors stroll up and down the city streets, entertained by music and the numerous performances that take place from 2 pm on Saturday to 11 pm on Sunday.
Enjoying a dish of “Moules - Frites” (mussels served with chips) has become a deeply-rooted tradition and is the subject of a contest between the town’s restaurants to see who can build the highest mountain of empty mussel shells!
The Lille flea market in figures:
33 continuous hours of treasure hunting, bargaining and fun
100 km of stalls
10,000 exhibitors
1 to 2 million visitors
500 tons of mussels consumed
5,000 participants in the semi-marathon race, on average
The history of the flea market
The flea market’s origins remain a bit of a mystery. In the Middle Ages, servants obtained the right to sell their masters’ old possessions once a year. This custom soon combined with Lille’s fair, where the town’s inhabitants, as well as foreigners, could freely sell their goods.
Moreover, in the 15th century, two poultry merchants had the great idea to “provide meat” for the fair-goers. They obtained the right to sell their products to the passers-by and the buyers who were already numerous at that time. Braden, Flemish for roast, may be the term that gave the flea market its name.
Of course, in French, “brader” also means “to sell at a low price” and it is well known that you can sell and buy anything at the Lille flea market: antiques, clothes, jewellery, decorative objects etc!
Transformed into one gigantic pedestrian zone, the city offers treasure hunters and visitors alike a vast number of stalls and buying opportunities in a friendly atmosphere governed by the rhythm of the swarming crowd. Ever since the Middle Ages, the tradition has lived on, and today, the Lille flea market remains the most awaited event of the fall season.
The flea market by district
Whereas the local shops on the pedestrian streets (rue Neuve, rue de Béthune, rue Sec-Arembault) offer bargain prices on their summer collections, other districts are entirely dedicated to second-hand goods.
Antiques (furniture, bibelots, crockery, collections, etc.) can be found on the Esplanade (alongside the Deûle canal, in front of the Champ de Mars). To take a break between bargaining sessions and escape the crowd, there is nothing better than a walk in the Parc de la Citadelle or in the zoo (open from 9 am to 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday, free entry). On the Champ de Mars, the fun fair and its 200 attractions run non-stop on Saturday night, until 5 am Sunday morning!
In addition to Boulevard Louis XIV, rue Debierre and rue du Réduit, Boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas is exclusively reserved for antiquarians.
Nothing compares to the Sunday morning atmosphere in Wazemmes when the flea market blends with the lively, colourful market of the Place de la Nouvelle Aventure.
Along Boulevard Victor Hugo and in the Moulins district (rue d’Arras, rue de Douai, rue de Cambrai et rue de Maubeuge), the inhabitants hold a true garage sale.
The narrow streets of Old Lille are divided between the stalls of designer shops and those of private residents.
Finally, between the Porte de Roubaix and the Opera, the Arts district welcomes about thirty professional antique dealers from England and Burgundy. You will recognize them by their flags flying on rue Léon Trulin, rue Anatole France, rue des Arts and rue de Roubaix.
Practical information
Hours
The flea market is held from 2 pm on Saturday 6 September, to 11 pm on Sunday 7 September.
Getting around Lille
During the flea market, the pedestrian is king! Access to the heart of the town is impossible by car. Therefore, it is best to take the train and use public transportation. Regional trains, the subway, buses, and trams will get you where you want to go.
Some photos from the Paris Flea Market
Some quick photos from the Paris flea market!
Vintage buttons:
Vintage tins... |
| Old Bobbins |
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| What a great stand for old flower pots! |
Covent Garden Antiques Market, London
Every Monday morning - throughout the year - Covent Garden in London, is a bustling antiques market. Thankfully, its undercover too!
A variety of stall holders appear from goodness knows where, empty their cars and spread their wares across tables for us all to gaze upon with delight. You will find all sorts here - glassware, silverware, ceramics, furniture, collectables of every kind, vintage clothing, paintings, leather luggage - its all here!
Being a central London market, prices are not the cheapest, but there is always a bargain to be had and most dealers are very friendly and prepared to haggle to a fair price. Get there early!
Its easy peasy to get to - Covent Garden tube station is a stones throw and every time I go, I always manage to find a parking space for the car either in Tavistock St. or neighbouring roads.
Covent Garden itself is home to an abundance of cafes and bistro's so you won't go wanting in the nourishment department either!
So, well worth a look if you are in London on a Monday morning - or to be honest, its worth travelling to anyway. Some real characters and always lots of fresh stock to view. And... with the atractions of London on its doorstep, what are you waiting for?!
A variety of stall holders appear from goodness knows where, empty their cars and spread their wares across tables for us all to gaze upon with delight. You will find all sorts here - glassware, silverware, ceramics, furniture, collectables of every kind, vintage clothing, paintings, leather luggage - its all here!
Being a central London market, prices are not the cheapest, but there is always a bargain to be had and most dealers are very friendly and prepared to haggle to a fair price. Get there early!
Its easy peasy to get to - Covent Garden tube station is a stones throw and every time I go, I always manage to find a parking space for the car either in Tavistock St. or neighbouring roads.
Covent Garden itself is home to an abundance of cafes and bistro's so you won't go wanting in the nourishment department either!
So, well worth a look if you are in London on a Monday morning - or to be honest, its worth travelling to anyway. Some real characters and always lots of fresh stock to view. And... with the atractions of London on its doorstep, what are you waiting for?!
Orleans Flea Market, France
The city of Orleans is a delight and so is its flea market.
Held every Saturday morning in a car park on the busy Boulevard Alexandre Martin, its only a stones throw (well, a couple of hundred yards) from the city's amazing and impressive cathedral and vibrant array of shops and attractions.
The 80-120 or so vendors who appear early in the morning, display their wares in boxes or heaped on blankets and table tops. Their goodies will appeal to bargain hunters and collectors of all pockets. Rustic items, linked to the agricultural and fishing heritage of the surrounding region, are very much in evidence – tools, buckets, jugs, wine-making implements, planters, baskets, fishing rods, glass domes (used to protect young plants), etc. You will also see finer ceramics and porcelain, and good-quality linens, alongside crates of kitchenware and utensils.
I have always found prices to be generally reasonable and vendors are keen to sell. One great thing about this market is that even if you attend each week, there is plenty of new and fresh stock to scour through.
There is plenty of parking available - its generally free on a Saturday around the market but check with the meters before parking. Orleans is well placed and accessible from Paris and with the fabulous TGV, it is easily accessible as a day trip from Paris - you can be back in time for a lovely supper by the Seine!
Lastly, just across the road from the market is the fabulous Cafe Vincent - perfect for a morning croissant and espresso. Mmmnnn....!
Held every Saturday morning in a car park on the busy Boulevard Alexandre Martin, its only a stones throw (well, a couple of hundred yards) from the city's amazing and impressive cathedral and vibrant array of shops and attractions.
The 80-120 or so vendors who appear early in the morning, display their wares in boxes or heaped on blankets and table tops. Their goodies will appeal to bargain hunters and collectors of all pockets. Rustic items, linked to the agricultural and fishing heritage of the surrounding region, are very much in evidence – tools, buckets, jugs, wine-making implements, planters, baskets, fishing rods, glass domes (used to protect young plants), etc. You will also see finer ceramics and porcelain, and good-quality linens, alongside crates of kitchenware and utensils.
I have always found prices to be generally reasonable and vendors are keen to sell. One great thing about this market is that even if you attend each week, there is plenty of new and fresh stock to scour through.
There is plenty of parking available - its generally free on a Saturday around the market but check with the meters before parking. Orleans is well placed and accessible from Paris and with the fabulous TGV, it is easily accessible as a day trip from Paris - you can be back in time for a lovely supper by the Seine!
Lastly, just across the road from the market is the fabulous Cafe Vincent - perfect for a morning croissant and espresso. Mmmnnn....!
Nice Flea Market
Nice Flea Market is one of the finest places on earth - sun, sea, great food and a buzzing, vibrant weekly antiques market - what more could you want!?
Every Monday, come rain or shine, from early morning to mid-afternoon, Nice's old town thats dripping in character is filled with around 300 flea market vendors selling their wares. Situated in the Cours Saleya, this is a moderately high-quality market; however, bargain hunters can also hunt for a cracking find, particularly in the adjacent place Pierre Gauthier, where odds and ends are piled on the ground and goods are more of a 'flea market' or house clearance nature.
A large variety of collectables is on offer from silver, glassware, paintings, vintage clothing, posters, travel items, ceramics, local paintings, toys, rustic wooden items, jewellery, etc. Some sellers pile their wares on the floor - some on smarter tables. The more expensive items are often priced and the cheaper items generally are not - expect some brisk haggling as this is a market where people come to buy!
One of the highlights of this market for the general visitor, is its fabulous location. The Cours Saleya itself is surrounded by cafes and restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes. The glistening blue sea beckons you just 50 metres from the market - surely a place where all senses can be titillated!
Parking is easy and a huge underground car park rests right underneath the market itself. My advice - get there before 10am as it tends to fill up after mid morning. The rest of Nice lays a few hundred yards behind the market and a superb day is guaranteed for one and all!
Every Monday, come rain or shine, from early morning to mid-afternoon, Nice's old town thats dripping in character is filled with around 300 flea market vendors selling their wares. Situated in the Cours Saleya, this is a moderately high-quality market; however, bargain hunters can also hunt for a cracking find, particularly in the adjacent place Pierre Gauthier, where odds and ends are piled on the ground and goods are more of a 'flea market' or house clearance nature.
A large variety of collectables is on offer from silver, glassware, paintings, vintage clothing, posters, travel items, ceramics, local paintings, toys, rustic wooden items, jewellery, etc. Some sellers pile their wares on the floor - some on smarter tables. The more expensive items are often priced and the cheaper items generally are not - expect some brisk haggling as this is a market where people come to buy!
One of the highlights of this market for the general visitor, is its fabulous location. The Cours Saleya itself is surrounded by cafes and restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes. The glistening blue sea beckons you just 50 metres from the market - surely a place where all senses can be titillated!
Parking is easy and a huge underground car park rests right underneath the market itself. My advice - get there before 10am as it tends to fill up after mid morning. The rest of Nice lays a few hundred yards behind the market and a superb day is guaranteed for one and all!
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