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Our Favorite Antique Markets in France

A guide to the brocantes and puces we keep going back to again and again.

There’s a certain kind of magic in antique markets. It’s not just about what you might find (a weathered iron key, a stack of embroidered linens, a ceramic pitcher with the marks of time) it’s about the thrill of the unexpected, the stories hiding behind each object, and the charm of slow, purposeful wandering.

Through our tours and countless weekends exploring French towns, we’ve come to know and love some of the country’s most iconic, and some lesser-known, antique markets. Whether located in a Provençal village square or sprawling across the streets of a big city, each market has its own character and rhythm. And while many guidebooks will list the same few names, we wanted to share with you the markets we truly return to, the ones where we’ve built relationships with vendors, where we’ve found pieces we still treasure at home, and where we always feel that unmistakable spark of discovery.

These are our personal favourites and while they may already be known to some of you, we hope this guide gives you fresh perspective, local insight, and perhaps, inspiration for your next French brocante adventure.

Worn, velvet chaises frame a blue room, decorated with chandeliers, frescos, and antiques.
Matching antique vases featuring similar, painted bird motifs.

©MFCH

Les Puces de Saint-Ouen – Paris

If you’ve never been, prepare to be overwhelmed in the best possible way. The Puces de Saint-Ouen are like a miniature city of antiques, a labyrinth of treasures, and a playground for the curious.

We always recommend starting early and choosing one or two sections to explore, our favourites are the Marché Paul Bert and Serpette, where design lovers will find an incredible mix of mid-century furniture, lighting, and decorative objects. There’s also the more classical Marché Dauphine, filled with vintage books, paintings, and beautiful little finds.

Don’t miss: the little cafés hidden between the alleys, perfect for a break and a bit of people-watching (Marché Paul Bert has a particularly charming one).

Open Friday to Monday, easily reached by metro or taxi.

Discover our new Antiquing in Paris 4-Day Itinerary

©MFCH

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

We’ve brought so many of our guests here, and every time, the magic works. Set along the moss-covered waterwheels and canals of this postcard-perfect town in the Vaucluse, the antique scene here is both vast and beautifully curated.

Between the six permanent villages d’antiquaires and the open-air Sunday brocante on the Avenue des Quatre Otages, there is a rhythm to the weekends here that’s impossible to resist. Many dealers specialise in 18th and 19th-century pieces, and it’s not uncommon to stumble upon treasures you’d only expect to find in Paris, but with that warm, Provençal charm.

Don’t miss: A visit to the La Maison du Village café or a stroll through the shops just off the main square, it’s where interior designers quietly source their finds.

Best on Sundays, but open most weekends from Friday to Monday.

Antique painting, clock, and light fixtures against floral background in Les Puces du Canal market.
Mid century modern brown rolling chair, shelves, and home decor at Les Puces du Canal flea market in France.

©Nathalie Montandreau

Les Puces du Canal – Lyon

Just outside Lyon, in Villeurbanne, you’ll find one of the most energetic markets we’ve ever visited. The Puces du Canal are a mix of vintage style, industrial finds, classic French pieces, and even the occasional oddity.

We love the variety here and it has a more relaxed, spontaneous feel than Saint-Ouen. Expect to haggle a little and to come with an open mind. There’s an indoor hall, several warehouse-style vendors, and an ever-changing selection of stalls that spill outdoors.

Don’t miss: Arrive on a Thursday or Sunday for the full experience and come hungry, there’s always great food on-site.

Table at Annecy outdoor antique market with framed paintings, glassware, and unique plates.
French antique ceramics, glassware, and coins, in Annecy brocante.

©Annecy

The Annecy Flea Market 

There’s always something special about hunting for antiques in the shadow of the Alps. Annecy’s monthly flea market winds through the cobbled streets of the old town. 

You’ll find everything from carved wooden furniture to vintage sleds, Savoyard textiles, and enamel kitchenware. It’s a smaller market, but incredibly charming and full of surprises.

Don’t miss: A morning coffee by the lake after you’ve made your rounds and if you’re lucky, a vintage linen stall tucked into one of the side alleys.

Held the last Saturday of every month.

Annecy, France's outdoor antique market featuring wicker furniture, a painting, and vendors nearby.
Lively French market in Annecy, featuring vendors, antiques, and a gazebo.

©Belfort Toursim

Belfort

In the shadow of Bartholdi’s famous Lion of Belfort, this monthly market is perfect for anyone with an eye for rustic pieces, Alsatian folklore, and authentic regional craftsmanship. From ceramic kougelhopf moulds to embroidered linens and copper pots, it’s a market that feels deeply rooted in the culture of the region.

There’s a warmth to this one, you almost have the sense of being let in on a local secret. We often recommend pairing a visit here with a weekend in the surrounding countryside, especially in early autumn.

Don’t miss: The concerts by Les Vocalises that take place on market mornings and the joy of strolling through Belfort’s old town while hunting for treasures.

Held the first Sunday of each month, from March to December.

Green and brown French ceramic pots and vases at Villeneuve les Avignon market.
Villeneuve les Avignon outdoor French market with vendors and tables of antiques.

©MFCH

Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

Every Saturday morning, between 70 and 110 stalls fill the Place Charles-David with antiques, brocante, and decorative items. It’s small but full of charm, and ideal for a morning outing.

It attracts locals, seasoned decorators, and those in the know. We often come here for smaller, shippable items, silver cutlery, table linens, vintage postcards and end up staying for the relaxed atmosphere.

And when we’re in Villeneuve, we always make time to visit the Abbaye Saint-André. Perched above the town, the abbey offers stunning views over the Rhône and Avignon, and its gardens are among the most beautiful in the region. It’s the perfect place to stroll after the market, especially in spring when everything is in bloom.

Don’t miss: Arrive early for the best finds, and don’t be shy about asking dealers for more stock hidden behind their stalls then head up to the abbey for a moment of quiet beauty.

An ornate Louis XVI-style interior with gold-leaf doors, a round backed embroidered chair, and sweeping curtains.

MFCH Travel Experiences 2026

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