Antiques, brocantes, vide-greniers in the Dordogne

You will see flyers advertising a local “brocante” or “vide- grenier” when you’re driving around. There are some great antiques in the Dordogne to be found!

My first job was as an auctioneer in the UK, running the fortnightly general sales. Everything would come into the saleroom, and from there be valued and either sold in the general sale or in a specialist sale. Handling ceramics, silver, furniture, researching paintings and books, and going through the jewellery with a specialist was the best way of learning about art and antiques.

I then moved to Amsterdam and opened an antiques shop on the Prinsengracht, just across from the Anne Frank House. I sold English furniture, asian ceramics and works of art, and contemporary art. After 5 years of being in the shop 6 days a week, I decided it was time to try something new, so worked as a corporate fundraiser at two charities.

My love of antiques has never left me though, and I am happy to advise guests on where to go antiquing in the Dordogne.

If you do decide to plan a future antiquing holiday in the Dordogne, here are some useful phrases you will need to know:

Antiques

A shop or fair using the word antiques usually means that it’s high-end stuff, not vintage or junk!

Brocante

The word brocantes comes from the French verb “brocanter” which means “to deal in second-hand goods”. They’re not your usual flea market (Puce) however. Set I some of the most charming villages in the Dordogne, Brocantes often feature antiques and antique furniture sold by professional dealers.

Vide-Grenier

Literally it means “empty attic.” Like North American garage sales, locals take unwanted household items to the vide-greniers that dot the Dordogne rural countryside throughout the summer. This is where you are likely to make some of your most under-valued discoveries.

Braderie

A braderie is a step up from ordinary flea markets, though. More like a local fair, braderies combine antiquing with food stands, live music, and even street theatre. It’s a great way to taste the local culture while you unearth a precious addition to your collection of vintage perfume bottles or French memborabilia.

Our favourite brocantes are the annual one in Issigeac in August and the monthly (second Sunday) in Villeréal, and regular ones in Monpazier, which has a few antique shops – make sure you visit Emily in Atelier Charmant there!

There’s a brilliant website with the calendar of all antique markets, or if you’re going to stay at Le Mas & Le Mazet, ask me what’s on.

See you out there!