Flea markets in Brittany

Good to know about flea markets in Brittany

The French vide-grenier, literally an 'attic clear-out', is much like a car boot sale: private individuals selling what they no longer use. A brocante brings together professional dealers in second-hand and antique goods, while a braderie is usually a street sale where town-centre shops clear their stock at reduced prices. In Brittany most vide-greniers are run by volunteers from a festival committee, a parents' association or a sports club, as a way of funding their activities. There is nearly always a refreshment stand, and in eastern Brittany it will rarely be without a galette-saucisse, a sausage wrapped in a buckwheat pancake.

The season is in full swing from spring to autumn, mostly on Sundays, and in winter some sales and toy fairs move into indoor halls. Stallholders set up early, often at dawn, and seasoned bargain hunters arrive with them: the best finds go within the first hour.

Bring cash, as many stalls do not take cards, a sturdy bag and a little patience for haggling. Entry is usually free for visitors. If you want to sell, you reserve a pitch with the organiser and show proof of identity. To spot this weekend's sales, the site's search lists them by date around an address or your current location, within the radius you choose.