Twice a year, in the Spring and Fall, (so conveniently during the seasons when we are living in France!) the charming town of Pézenas, 10 minutes from us, hosts a huge antiques fair. It is such fun and we have never missed one, as long as we’ve been coming here!
Brocante means vintage
A Mecca for antiques lovers, Pézenas is known far and wide for its more than 50 antique shops, which are sought out by connaisseurs, throughout the year. But the town totally comes alive for two Sundays a year, when the streets are blocked off and thousands of shoppers peruse not only the existing shops, but over 150 additional vendors who are invited to show their wares, flea-market style.
Visiting vendors line the streets, selling everything from rustic pottery to fine china, from embroidered table and bed linens to needlepoint upholstered chairs, huge doors and wrought iron railings, as well as vintage jewelry and old toys. Garden ornaments, planters with age-enhanced patinas and old garden carts can be found alongside antique books and framed art.
Jack posing with an antique hay fork, which I would have loved, if we’d had a barn to display it on
I would want one of these gorgeous copper jam pots, except that I already have one, which I found at this market a couple of years ago!
I think it would be such fun to have a collection of these cheese moulds, in graduating sizes.
I usually go with a list in my head of things I need (although Jack says I confuse the words “need” and “want” – really?!) and almost always find what I’m looking for. Today, I was looking for antique frames and I scored six that I love. There were plenty others that I could have carried home, but I tend to go for bargains at these fairs, so some items were just too expensive.
Today’s treasures:
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you…I’m already looking forward to next October’s fair!
La Joie de Vivre 