Treasure Hunt: Visiting Braderie de Lille Flea Market
Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Braderie de Lille is Europe’s largest flea market, attracting bargain hunters and culture vultures in their droves. Here’s everything you need to know as a first-time visitor.
With an international reputation to match its 12th-century heritage, there are few European street fairs to rival the iconic, historic Braderie de Lille.
Located in the quaint city of Lille in northern France, the town shuts down its inner-city roads on the first weekend of September to make way for throngs of street sellers, antique dealers, pop up shops and vendors – all to tempt the millions of bargain hunters that descend on the busy cobbled streets.
Things to buy at Braderie de Lille Flea Market
On the hunt for an antique oar? No problem. Looking for a vintage blouse? Consider it done. In the market for a century-old thimble? You got it. Known for its sheer size and diversity, there’s certainly no shortage of weird and wonderful wares at the Braderie de Lille.
From run-of-the-mill second-hand goods to rare collectable antiques, the fair caters to all. Just make sure you bring a sturdy backpack and – although there’s never a cash machine far away – stick plenty of notes and coins in your wallet or purse. Oh, and if you’re shopping for furniture, learn from our mistake: bring a tape measure.
How to get to Braderie de Lille Flea Market
Braderie de Lille starts heaving around midday, so if you’re a die-hard flea market veteran, set your alarm early. When it comes to getting there, the city runs a dedicated park & ride service for the event from several locations around Lille. However, our top tip is to ditch the rental and plan your day around the city’s more-than reliable public transport.
Now you’ve arrived at the flea market, what treasures are you hoping to uncover? Professional antique collectors gravitate towards the Boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas, for example, while jumble sellers are found at the Champs de Mars – an area also known for the flashing lights and excited yelps of the funfair – and crockery is found near the Opera.
For us, there’s nothing better than abandoning fixed plans and going for an aimless wander, absorbing the myriad sights and sounds. From haggling bargain hunters and chortling children playing on the banks of the river Deûle to the garlicky, salty smell of fresh mussels wafting through the air, it’s a sensory smorgasbord.
Must-dos at Braderie de Lille Flea Market: Beyond the stalls
Aside from perfecting your bartering and getting lost in a limitless world of bric-a-brac, tidbits and oddities, there’s plenty else to tantalise and tempt at the Braderie de Lille.
Look beyond the bustling market stalls and you’ll find exquisite, Flemish-style buildings dating back to the 17th century. For architecture enthusiasts, the best places to start exploring are the Place Louise de Bettingnies and Rue de la Monnaie.
Of course, no trip to Lille is complete without tasting France’s world-famous Moules-Frites (mussels and fries). Come mid-afternoon, the Braderie de Lille is famed for the mountains of mussel shells that stack up outside the city’s restaurants – make sure you add yours to the pile.
Continuing your European adventure after Braderie de Lille? Here’s our rundown of the best attractions in Northern France.