French markets

A Sunday trip to the local Brocante

Last Sunday was cold and windy, however, I could not resist a trip to the local Brocante at Jas des Roberts. Much of the stock that the merchants have on offer comes from clearing attics in old houses. These markets are commonly known in France as Vide-greniers ou marché aux Puce. If you are visiting the area you can find details of the Jas des Roberts brocantss here.

When we first bought our small apartment about nine years ago most of our furniture was purchased at this Brocante. If you learn how to barter you can pick up some good bargains.

I love the white table and chairs, they are so typical of this area.

If you are a fan of vintage and have a good eye for a real bargain this is definitely the place to go. You will need to check carefully and watch out for the fakes.

Baskets galore. I am rarely without one of these straw paniers when I do my grocery shopping.

I don’t take selfies however here I managed to take one without meaning to. We have a similar mirror on the wall of our bedroom and a bedside table (like the one on right, the one on the left seems to be missing some draws).

If you are a collector of fine china. This is the place to go. I can imagine my grandmother having a set of tea and coffee cups similar to the ones above.

I spotted some quite decent sunglasses at this stall.

My friend captured a photo of me taking a photo! If I had room for it I would have been very tempted by this elegant chest.

Should I or shouldn’t I buy these earrings. They are a bit large but as they were only one euro I thought that I would give them a try. The chunky pink scarf I am wearing is a recent purchase from St.Tropez market.

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

View Comments

  • Wow what a fabulous place to spend a Sunday afternoon, just my cup of tea, happy bargain hunting,

  • Asa magpie in a former life this sort of place I find fascinating. However I have reached the age when I am trying to de-clutter. I should really be manning a stall here!!

    • Hi Elizabeth

      Yes, it is a lovely scarf. The only trouble is that it seems to moult and sheds wool which sticks to my sweaters. I will be going back to St.Tropez market next Tuesday and will look for similar in better quality.

  • I live permanently in France, so I'm a real fan of Sunday brocantes ! The bedside table isn't missing draws, some are made this way for the books of a nighttime reader ( like me!) I'm a recent follower of your blog, and I really enjoy it.

    • Hello Gillian
      Thank you for letting me know about the bedside table, very interesting. What a good idea. That explains why it looked in good condition.

  • I love your blog- makes me want to be in France! Do you know Good cooking schools in the Loire Valley or near Avaignon?

  • So very French, going to the market with a straw basket. They even manage to make the wheely basket look stylish.

  • I love brocante and vide-greniers, but now that we've downsized from a house to an apartment, my barbotine plates and two sets of service for 12 sit in storage. It certainly was fun collecting!

    Red is so flattering on you!

Share
Published by
Chicatanyage

Recent Posts

The joys of summer kaftans

The joys of summer kaftans. In my opinion a kaftan is one of the most…

3 weeks ago

What I wore in France – holiday styles

What I wore in France - holiday styles for Summer

2 months ago

Books and films I have recently enjoyed

Books and films I have recently enjoyed

2 months ago

Our journey through France and overnight stay.

Our journey through France and overnight stay.

3 months ago

Preparing for your summer holiday

Preparing for your summer holiday

3 months ago