Antiquing in France is a cultural experience and in Gascony in the southwest of France there are numerous opportunities for finding that special souvenir you’ll love forever.
Fabulous flea markets Gascony
Brocante, vide-greniers, and marchés aux puces, also known as flea markets, gather crowds of devotees and onlookers in search of a bargain, a rare item, a decorating idea or a souvenir. And, there’s no better place to go to for your treasure hunt than Gascony. With its magnificent medieval villages and beautifully preserved churches, stunning landscape and fields of sunflowers, Gascony is the perfect spot to discover the art of antiquing in France.
Sue Aran of French Country Adventures is a flea market fan and knows all the very best places to go. “The Barcelone-du-Gers Brocante and Vide-Grenier is the top of the list of must-see flea markets” she says. It takes place each year on the first Thursday in August and it’s on her annual, unique, 4-day antiquing tour of Gascony. From century-old Champagne coupes to worn antique chairs, there are rich pickings to be found when you know where to look.
Antique markets in Gascony
“We also visit the 13th century Château des Brocanteurs, an antique treasure chest in the bastide of lovely Lectoure” she adds. The itinerary is fabulous, taking in a flea market in the old Roman village of Eauze and brilliant second hand shops you’ll never find without local knowledge.
But it’s not just about antiques, Sue has a great book of contacts and will organise a private tour of a local chateau. She will choose all the best restaurants where you’ll receive a warm Gascon welcome and the most delicious dishes. And of course, the local Armagnac is the perfect liqueur to end the meal.
Gascony antiquing from April to November
Flea markets take place all year round in Gascony but the best of them take place on weekends from April to November. If you’d like to take a tour with Sue to discover the very best of antiquing in Gascony, she can design a customised itinerary to suit your dates and requirements. Or join her 4-day awesome and unique Gascony insiders Antiquing tour in August.
Find out more and contact Sue at: www.frenchcountryadventures.com
