Flea and antique markets in Provence
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The Vaucluse is a true paradise for artists, antique dealers and brocante traders. Alongside the classic markets, there is a wide choice of antique markets, brocante markets, marchés aux puces (flea markets) and car boot sales, known in French as "vide-greniers".
So what are the differences between all these markets?
Don't be fooled: a marché aux puces, or flea market, is not a car boot sale. Here the items have often already been selected by dealers, and their value is usually higher. Antique dealers have selected, repaired or restored them.
Brocante means curios: second-hand and old, but not yet old enough to count as antiques: in France an object is only considered an antique once it is more than 100 years old. If there is one place where you can still sometimes pick up a little gem at a gentle price, it is a brocante market.
Vide-grenier literally means "empty attic". At these markets you will find lots of private sellers offering their things, such as toys, books, clothes and decorative objects, at affordable prices.
Love antiques, or simply enjoy a good rummage? Here are our favourite antique markets.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the place to be for antique lovers. Since the 1960s the number of antique dealers has grown considerably, and today the town is considered the third-largest antiques centre in Europe, after London and Saint-Ouen near Paris. You will find plenty of antique shops, and every Sunday (except 1 January and 25 December) there is an antiques and brocante market on the Avenue des Quatre Otages, on the same day as the traditional market. People come from far and wide, so arrive early, as parking is scarce in high season.
In Carpentras there is a brocante market every Sunday at the Parking des Platanes (Allées Jean-Jaurès). You can pick up great bargains there, or perhaps you are on the hunt for a hidden treasure.
Either way, it is a joy to browse under the plane trees, which is handy in the heat of high season.
Other brocante markets we recommend:
- Grand marché aux puces de Bonpas in Montfavet, near Avignon: every Saturday morning.
- Brocante market in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, right next to Avignon below the Fort Saint-André (just over the border, in the Gard). Enthusiasts will be in their element here: around 100 sellers offer antiques, furniture, curios, crystal and more. Every Saturday from 7:00 to 13:30 on Place Charles David.
- Vaison-la-Romaine: every third Sunday of the month, on Place Montfort.
- Mornas flea market, on Rue Maoucrouset on the edge of the village: every Saturday and Sunday morning.
This website also lists the markets in other départements, such as the Var and the Gard:
Agenda des vide-greniers, brocantes et marchés aux puces
Last checked: October 2026. Before you go, check the current days and times.