For antique lovers, collectors and curious shoppers alike, summer antique fairs and flea markets can be a great place to forage for unique pieces while on holiday.The rules are simple: wear comfortable shoes as you can end up walking miles at some of the bigger fairs; carry a certain amount of cash as some smaller dealers not accept cards, and it will also give you will better haggling power; don’t be afraid to bargain; and have a plan for getting your purchases home again.
The following are a list of some of the largest and most interesting fairs occurring throughout the summer:
Provence, France
Foire de L’Isle Sur La Sorgue August 15th-18th
For a tiny village of just 20,000 inhabitants, the Provençal village of L'Isle- sur-la-Sorgue has one of the highest density of antique dealers in the world with a vintage shop for every 66 inhabitants. Four times a year the picturesque village transforms into one of the largest antique and flea markets in Europe, attracting up to 120,000 visitors.
A veritable Ali Baba's cave for antique and flea market lovers, this year the market is divided into sections which also offer contemporary art and design in addition to antiquarian stands. See foire-isle-sur-sorgue.fr
Aix-en-Provence. Dimanches des Antiquaires du Cours Mirabeau August 11th, September 29th and October 13th
Taking place on Aix-en-Provence's most famous avenue, this fair of over 50 stands is a perfect blend of chaos and curiosity as the stands spill into the adjoining avenues and side streets. A bit of a treasure hunters dream, it offers a lovely way to get lost in the town while rummaging through stands selling everything from vintage clothes, costume jewellery, collectables and antiques. See aixenprovencetourism.com
Nottingham, England
Newark International Antiques and Collectors Fair August 15th-16th
This huge and long-standing fair at the Newark and Nottinghamshire Showgrounds enjoys the distinction of being included in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, and prides itself as being the largest antiques fair in Europe, with over 2,500 stands on the 84 acre site.
The hunting ground for treasure seekers is a magnet for dealers and antiquarian enthusiasts from all across the globe, and here it is the variety of stands, from traditional antiques to every conceivable collector's items that attract vast crowds. See iacf.co.uk
Munich, Germany
Auer Dult July 27th-August 4th and October 19th-27th
One of the oldest markets in the world – first recorded in 1310 – the fair, which was originally an ecclesiastical celebration, attracted quacks, performers and junk in the 1700s. Today, it is home to the largest crockery market in Europe attracting up to 300,000 visitors at three events throughout the summer and autumn.
In addition to crockery and china, the fair sells everything from rare books and old lederhosen to real human hair. Geared towards families, there are lots of attractions in the form of acrobats, clowns, pony riding and a carnival to appease the boredom of young children who would otherwise find trawling through collectable stalls tiresome. See muenchen.de
Bruges, Belgium
Zandfeesten August 4th and September 22nd
Considered one of Flanders’ largest antiques and second hand markets, the Bruges Zandfeesten attracts hundreds of vendors and thousands of bargain hunters from far and wide. The fair, which literally translates as Sand Festival is held three times a year, on the first Sundays in July and August and the last Sunday in September.
Set around the canals and cobbled streets of Bruges, the fair is an attractive way to explore the historic medieval town. See brugsezandfeesten.be
New York and Brimfield, Mass, US
Madison-Bouckville Antique Week August 12th-18th
Now in its 40th year, this fair began when a group of friends, all of whom were antique dealers, rented an abandoned air strip on Route 20 in Madison New York. Today, it is the largest fair in the state with over 2,000 dealers and vendors.
Set out in fourteen fields, it is considered to be the mainstay within the antiques and collectable circuit, so much so it has given rise to the saying: "If you can't find it at Bouckville, it probably doesn't exist." See Madison-bouckville.com
Massachusetts: Brimfield Antique Show July 9-14th and September 3rd-8th
This sprawling show has been a must-visit destination for antique lovers for the past 50 years with over 6,000 dealers selling everything from Bakelite bangles to Victorian chamber pots. Busier than a rock festival, it is the largest of its kind in the United States and more than any other fair, comfortable footwear is a must. See brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com
Tuscany, Italy
Antiques fairs are held in the big market towns of Tuscany throughout the summer so find the one nearest your villa and aim to spend a morning there.
Try Lucca Antiques Market July 20th-21st, August 17th-18th, September 14th-15th and October 19th-20th; the second oldest market in Tuscany, which has become a pilgrimage for tourists, takes place on the third weekend every month during the summer, selling antiques, textiles, prints and collectables. See comune.lucca.it
Madrid, Spain
Mercado de Motores July 13th-14th
With over 200 stands, this market at the old railway station in Spain's capital city features antiquities and modern design, with concerts and artisan food thrown in for good measure. The organisers have also opened the largest vintage shop in Europe: Vintaology on the nearby Calle Infantas. See mercadodemotores.es
