For French antiques and bric-a-brac, bring France’s past to your present at September’s St-Quentin flea market off-the-beaten-track in Northern France
Local eyes light up when you mention St-Quentin flea market or ‘braderie’ ─ an institution around here for almost 100 years and undisputedly one of the most convivial events in France in September. Here, en route from Calais to the Champagne route, the famous clock chimes 8 and the bargain-hunters ─ chineurs as we say in France – are off, seeking vintage finds in the shade of the town’s magnificent, gothic Hôtel-de-Ville.
One man’s second-hand is another’s gold, so take your time treasure-hunting through the eclectic antiques and bric-a-brac stalls whether you’re after something decorative for the on-trend vintage look (ceramic beer bottles, wooden crates, retro brand signage, old coffee grinders…) or a niche collector’s item. From the industrial to the agricultural and from military memorabilia to domestic items, here’s your fascinating insight into France’s social history.
The 7 kms of St-Quentin flea market stalls don’t just spill second-hand goods. Regular market traders are here, smart boutiques transfer their bargains to the pavement and you can try-and-buy delicious local food specialities too. Do as the locals do pausing for moules-frites or even tripe, an age-old tradition recalling days when nuns delivered meat to the poor. Northern France, you’ll notice, is all about the tradition!
Useful information
Tourist Board Information of Saint Quentin
3 Rue Emile Zola
F-02100 Saint-Quentin
Tel: + 33 3 23 67 05 00
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