buying antiques in France

Quite apart from being a very economical option, buying furniture and bric a brac in France is so much fun! From tapestries to crystal chandeliers, via a stuffed badger or two, suspend your disbelief as you can come across pretty much anything (and everything).

For larger pieces of furniture, such a solid wood bed frames, antique sideboards and eclectic pieces, look out for the "dépôt-ventes". A couple of our favourites in Dinan include one in the rue de Brest called "Au bonheur de l'occasion", and another in nearby Quévert called "Galerie de l'occasion" (see A on the map below).

we gave a coat of soft blue paint to this solid wood bed find

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But if you're looking for something you can fit in the boot with your luggage, good places to go treasure hunting are "vide-greniers" and "brocantes".

Vide greniers take place most Sundays during the summer season. They range in size from your usual car boot sale to huge events with trampolines, sausage galettes and market stalls. Literally translated as "an empty attic", you can often find real gems that the owners don't know the true value of.

Brocantes and flea markets are more formal affairs with some beautiful antiques to be found. You'll often find old postcards of the area which would make both a really pleasing display, and a great souvenir. We tend to make a beeline for antique lace and old fabrics and curtains. With even a basic knowledge of sewing you can make a unique focal point in a room.

There is a flea market every Wednesday during the summer in the place Saint Sauveur.

the glass bottles and tin pitcher were collected from vide-greniers

a candelabra and a collection of vases in all shades of blue