The south of France is prime hunting grounds for rustic antiques and flea market treasures. The town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, located between Avignon and Gordes in Provence, is home to one of the best weekly markets in Provence. Each Sunday it springs to life with market stands overflowing with flea market wares and local foods.
Sunday food & flea market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Nougat vendor at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue market
Plus there’s a bevy of antiques shops (“les Villages d’Antiquaires”) in old mill buildings or tucked down gravel pathways.
Twice a year, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue gets even more pumped up on antiques steroids. Every Easter weekend and August 15 holiday, the town swells with more than the usual sellers and shoppers. In 2019, the August fair runs from the 15th to the 18th.
Making the rounds of flea markets (“les brocantes” or “les puces”) could qualify as a national sport in France. The Easter Antiques Fair in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue attracts over 500 dealers from France as well as elsewhere in Europe and the United Kingdom. Shoppers come from near and far too. Some are furnishing homes. Others simply love trawling as an outdoor pastime.
Antiques fair in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Wares at both the Easter and August 15 antiques fairs range from art to books to household goods. It is roughly split into 5 areas for antiques, books, decorative objects, vintage items, and art. Linens, silverware, and furniture can be found in a variety of designs and sizes.
Pudgy angels, forlorn maidens, and other garden statuary set the imagination running in whimsical directions. Wooden shutters give off a sheen of shabby chic.
It’s fine to try to negotiate the price with dealers, but consider these 5 Tips for Negotiating at French Flea Markets and Tip #6 for Shopping French Flea Markets. If you find your heart set on a piece that won’t fit inside your suitcase, shipping can be arranged. There are usually shipping companies on site during the fairs.
Even if you don’t buy a thing, it’s rewarding to amble around the picturesque town and see why it has been nicknamed “the Venice of Provence.” Alongside the gently flowing waters that encircle the oldest part of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue are waterwheels lush with moss and plentiful cafés with outdoor seating.
“the Venice of Provence”
Antiques, food, art, and being outdoors—all the ingredients for a Provençal-style celebration!
Related Posts:
10 Tips for Shopping at Flea & Antiques Markets
5 Tips for Negotiating at French Flea Markets
Tip #6 for Shopping French Flea Markets
Best Flea Markets in Paris
Brocantes in Paris
How to Prepare for Any Flea Market like a Pro
8 comments. Leave new
[…] the Brooklyn Flea, London’s Bermondsey antiques, the puces in Paris, Provence’s famed L’Isle-sur-la Sorgue, or any other flea market, follow these 6 suggestions and you’ll be prepared to go […]
Our new home as of October this year – we can’t wait!!! Love reading all your posts Marjorie but this one is extra special for us 🙂
That’s terrific. Good luck with the move, and I know you’ll enjoy the new location! Maybe we’ll meet there one day. ~Marjorie
Just bought your book -love it! We may visit this market Sun Aug 13. Will it be completely overwhelming with the additional antique vendors? Will parking be impossible? Should we get there earlier than 9? Thx much!
Lucky you! Yes, do arrive earlier for parking. Get there early, go to a cafe, and you’ll be off to a much better start to your day rather than hunting for parking.
This market looks fantastic. Hope to visit someday soon. Great photos, too!
My favorite flea anywhere..so much fun to wander at leisure. Not to be missed the stuff sold off the streets. The strawberries are not to be missed either!
Indeed. Spoken like a pro! ~Marjorie