Located against the backdrop of a stunning 700 years old medieval city, the brocante of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is probably one of the best-known flea markets in Southern France.
Every Saturday morning of the year, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., as many as 95 professional exhibitors gather along the walls of the Fort St André, to sell a variety of items ranging from antique pottery, ceramics, crystal, and glassware, to wine and barrel-making tools, small and large pieces of furniture, silver, toys, kitchenware, and other collectibles. No wonder why the brocante of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon continuously attracts thousands of flea market enthusiasts who come from as far as Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, and even the US to find the best merchandises for their antique business!
The brocante of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon operates throughout the year, from Spring to Winter. And even if some November mornings can be chilly when the Mistral blows, the Villeneuve-lès-Avignon flea market continues to attract the most serious antique dealers in Provence and abroad, who flock at the market well before dawn, to snap up the best merchandises.
The flea market of the Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is characterized by the quality of the exhibited goods, its spirit of conviviality, and the relatively fair prices charged by its merchants. Talking about prices, bargaining is a generally accepted practice. However, you shouldn’t expect a huge discount, particularly when it’s still early in the morning. Vendors tend to be more “cooperative” at the end of the flea market day when they are eager to pack up (you can find more shopping tips in our article Flea Markets in France: How to Shop Smart).
And even if your knowledge of French is limited to a handful of common words, most vendors are very congenial and will do their best to help you understand – even if they don’t master the King’s English.
Remember that should you make the most of your day at the flea market or not, a trip to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is its own reward. Strolling the city’s cobblestone streets, enjoying the view from the Fort St André, or lunching oysters with a glass of white wine under the chestnut trees, are some of the many highlights Villeneuve-lès-Avignon has to offer.
Where: Place Charles David, 30400 Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, France
When: Every Saturday of the year (including holidays), from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The regular flea market of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is enriched by two annual antique fairs: the Brocante Passion in May (duration: 2 days) and the antique dealers day on the second weekend of October.
Cover photo: Villeneuve-les-Avignon © Alex Zuychenko
