Flea markets in France: a source of unique souvenirs and vintage finds

If you find yourself at a brocante, which means flea market, you are lucky. These markets are real treasure troves for those looking for unique souvenirs and vintage finds. But what kind of things should you choose as a vacation souvenir and still be able to carry in your hand luggage when traveling by plane?

French people are very fond of collecting, from stamp and coin collections to something more exotic like radios or gramophones. The range: you can find everything.

Everything you can imagine is sold at the brocante. The goods may vary from region to region, but for the most part, people take out of their homes what they no longer need. It's all in good condition and ready for a second life.

At flea markets in France, you can find wonderful vintage dishes that will become a bright decoration for your kitchen or dining room. Here you will find dishes for every taste: a variety of sets, from royal porcelain to bone china Limoges, chic tureens of all shapes and sizes, colored crystal, charming vintage Luminarc glass glasses with cobalt legs, silverware, an incredible amount of kitchen utensils, plates for oysters or snails, cheese knives, baking dishes for classic French cuisine, such as madeleines, all versions of cookbooks. 

Without going far, you will find tablecloths made of the finest linen, hand-embroidered table napkins, mirrors with and without patina, in gilded and metal frames, lamps, lampshades, candlesticks, Victorian furniture, gold collections of legendary singers on records, rare jewelry that can no longer be purchased (and is a completely artificial product), pearls, rings, brooches, silk scarves of famous brands, paintings, nice little things, vases, decorative items, retro hats and handbags, collectible books. In short, whatever you want.

Keep in mind that the value of the goods is subject to bargaining only if there is no price. If there is a price tag, it will be extremely difficult to shift the value. But why not try? Bargaining can be extremely exciting, especially if you speak French. And for friendliness and a smile, good French sellers can give you something.

The beauty of brocante is that in large cities the average cost of goods is 5–10 euros, but in small cities, everything more or less small costs from 50 cents to 2 euros per unit. You can buy a chic set of crystal for 12 people with several types of glasses in their original packaging for only 10 euros, a special caviar box in the form of a shell for 5 euros, or a painting that was painted more than 40 years ago for only 15 euros, an old but elegant watch for 8 euros. Such things make your look unique and your home charming, and will become a reminder of happy memories.

Here are a few items you could pay attention to when choosing a souvenir from France instead of a fridge magnet:

1. Pâtisserie

2. Champagne glasses

3. Tea or coffee pair

4. A set of napkin holders

5. Caviar bowl in the shape of a shell

6. Vintage clips

7. Pearl necklace

8. Retro clutch bag

9. Silk handkerchief

10. A plate

There is one spicy detail you should know: in France there are several brands of mustard (which is very popular here), often it is produced in glass containers in the form of a glass, which is so beautifully shaped that sometimes such sets are found on brokers and bought by uninformed tourists. It's not very proper to sell mustard containers, but if you like it, you can buy a few jars of French mustard for yourself or your friends as souvenirs and thus collect a set of glasses. This is what practical French people do.

In general, flea markets in France are a real paradise for those looking for unrivaled souvenirs and vintage finds. When choosing items at flea markets as souvenirs, pay attention to their size and weight so that they can easily fit in your carry-on baggage for airplane travel. Create your own collection and let it be filled with unforgettable memories of charming France.