© Ali Shayler
Shopping for Antiques & Curios in Provence
Where to find vintage Provencal items for your home
Provencal style is admired throughout the world and many visitors to this region come seeking one-of-a-kind items to take home with them. From antique furniture to salvage items, curios and vintage decorations, there is something for everyone whatever your budget. Try bargaining on the price, if you manage to get 10-20% off your purchase, you have done well!
Another popular way of finding those one-of-kind Provencal items for your home is to visit a brocante (also referred to as Marches aux Puces) which is translated as a flea market, or a Vide Grenier, which is more like a garage sale. You are more likely to find a treasure at a brocante, but vide-greniers are also worth a look if you are in the area. They tend to be local affairs and you will see signs for them in villages a few days in advance of the sale. There is also a website you can check for places and dates - it's called Brocabrac.fr.
Arles hosts a good brocante on the first Wednesday of every month by Jardin d'Ete and the Boulevard des Lices. It is renowned for selling items local to the area, such as traditional clothing, ceramic figurines and bull-related collectables. Nimes has a brocante on Mondays, and Carpentras host's it's flea market on Sundays (from 10am). Over 100 vendors set up stall here and it's a treasure hunters paradise. Make sure you have the time for a good rummage, and bring cash.
If you prefer a store where everything is under one roof, try visiting a Troc store. These are second hand warehouses selling furniture, mirrors, lights and interior decorations. You will find them in Avignon, Salon de Provence, Marseilles and Cannes. Another good warehouse selling antiques is Depot Vente near St Remy. They offer furniture, objects d'art and bric-a-brac.
