Discover the joy of treasure hunting in North Dordogne, where charming antiques markets and lively brocantes meet modern factory outlets. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a lover of unique vintage bargains, this region offers an abundance of opportunities to find timeless pieces, from traditional flea markets and vide greniers to discounted brand-name goods in factory shops.
Key Terms to Buying Antiques in France
When exploring the world of antiques and second-hand treasures in North Dordogne, understanding the local terminology can help you navigate:
- Antiques: High-quality, valuable, and often historic items sold by professional dealers.
- Brocantes/Flea Markets (Marche au Puces): Informal markets selling second-hand goods and antiques, usually held in village settings.
- Vide-Greniers: Community carboot sales or rummage sales where locals sell household items—great for unexpected finds.
- Vide Maison/Vide Chateau: House or chateaux clearance, usually held when the owner is selling up and needs to get rid of the contents.
- Braderies: Larger street fairs combining seasonal shop clearances with local festivities.
- Permanent Shops & Brocantes: Established stores and centres with expert vendors offering curated collections year-round. Antique centres are relatively rare in France.
- Trocs: Large warehouses, also known as Depot-vente, which roughly translates to ‘deposit for sale’. It’s a system where you take your household item to them for display, and they charge a commission when it sells. Can be a treasure trove!
- Charity shops/Resale centres (recycleries): French charity shops, known as boutiques solidaires or friperies, include large chains like Emmaüs and various smaller local charities such as the Red Cross. Unlike in the UK, charity shops are rare and usually located on business parks.
What to Expect When Buying Antiques in France
Markets, brocants and vide greniers in North Dordogne generally take place on Sundays and Bank Holidays from April to October, although some run monthly throughout the year, weather permitting! Unlike UK car boot sales, vide greniers are open from 8 am until about 5 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy several in one day. Arriving early is still key to finding the best bargains and the widest selection. You’ll find a fascinating mix of treasures ranging from knick-knacks and old china—including the famous Limoges porcelain—to delicate painted glass, clothing, crisp white vintage bedlinen, tin-tin books, records, postcards, classic vintage items, and collectable toys. Be prepared to sift through some dross, but that’s all part of the fun and thrill of the hunt!
Many vide greniers and markets also feature a communal sit-down area where visitors can enjoy basic lunch snacks. Usually, you’ll find simple French sticks (baguettes) with local sausages, served with chips, and washed down with a cold beer or a soft drink. It’s a great way to relax, mingle with locals, and soak up the authentic atmosphere while taking a break from treasure-hunting.
Indoor hunting usually takes place in shops and centres. Some are open all week, and others are open Thursday to Saturday, and most close for at least 2 hours for lunch, so it always pays to check before making a journey. Welcome to France’s vintage market scene.
Tips on buying Antiques in France
Most sellers prefer cash, though some professional dealers will also take cards. Not all villages have cash points, and there is usually a limit on how much you can withdraw, so it may pay to find your nearest one just in case, or take plenty of cash.
Haggling is expected at both vide greniers and brocantes. Sometimes just for the sport of it - it is welcome and expected. Keep it reasonable, though—there can be a bit of pride among the folks selling, especially the brocanteurs —and you don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you insult them and they refuse to continue negotiating!
Also, mind your manners: Your French etiquette applies even at the open market, so be sure to always start with a ‘bonjour’!
For up-to-date listings and event calendars, websites like Broc a Brac (https://brocabrac.fr) and Vide Grenier (https://www.vide-greniers.org) are excellent resources for planning your visits. Or ask your hosts—they know all the best places!
Buying Vintage Fashion in France
Buying sought-after vintage pieces or looking for designer bargains is more difficult in France outside Paris and Nice, so in the Dordogne, you have to be more creative when looking.
- Thrift stores/Friperies: Ideal if looking for more modern items
- Kilo stores: where you buy fashion, weighed on scales and charged a set price per kilo.
- Vide Dressing: Like Vide Greniers, but specific to people selling off their unwanted fashion.
- Vintage shops: Found mainly in the Cities, including Limoges and Perigueux.
- Specialist Vintage Fairs: Consignment Stores: Who sell fashion on behalf of clients and usually split sales 50/50.
- Department stores with vintage departments: Most likely in major cities, including Galeries Lafayette in Limoges.
- Vintage events such as the annual 'Vintage Days' in Perigueux