I don’t know about you guys but I love fleas, (flea markets, antique fairs, yard sales whatever you want to call them). Finding something unique that no one else really has makes my heart skip a beat. I used to go way more often than I do but with so much time spent travelling all over the globe these days managing our suppliers I have so little time these days, or desire truth be told.
Today however is different I have a cabin to furnish. I am off to Ardingly Antiques Fair, for a very selfish buying trip. Nothing for the store just stuff for the cabin like a simple table, (nothing fancy) that I can work at, plus a few other bits and bobs. If I’m in store buying mode I’m in a completely different frame of mind, where bottom lines are paramount as is the condition of the pieces and today like I said I’m being selfish – just stuff for the pad, its its a bit knackered or chipped then thats fine by me. Flea markets are so hit and miss though, often times we come back with nothing but I’m hoping as my list is quite simplistic I should be able to pick up a few bits, I’ll be ‘gramming finds (or not as the case may be)!
Below are some of the fleas and antique fairs on my radar from LA to Paris so if you happen to be in town its always worth popping along.
Ardingly Antiques and Collectors Fair. Top tip go on trade day its always the first day, you pay £20 to go in, you don’t need to show anything to enter and you’ll miss all the good stuff if you go on public day. Oh and the website will tell you all the other fairs as well run by this organisation from Nottinghamshire to Somerset.
Place du Jeu de Balle, Brussels. I think this might be every day and not just the weekend. Oh and the side roads (Rue Blaes into Rue Haute) have a selection of antique and brocante stores not as cheap as the market but certainly work a look.
La Braderie, Lille, France. I think this is possibly the biggest flea market ever. Over the first weekend in September there are over 200km of stalls and over a million visitors (I haven’t been yet, sounds a little too big for moi) however there are lots of bargains to be had so I have been well informed.
Le Marche aux Puces de Vanves, Paris. This is my most favourite flea, set under big old plane trees every weekend in Paris. It’s not cheap but the stuff is incredible. Think amazing art, big old leather chairs, ornate mirrors, sculpture and so much more. Prices are usually in € so be prepared, and like I said bargains are rare finds here but if you are looking for something special I totally recommend. Plus it’s in the gorgeous city of Paris. Win win.
Brooklyn Flea, NYC. Love this market especially if you get the ferry across the Hudson from Manhattan, perfect pottering kind of day.
Happy Hunting!
