Lille Braderie Flea Market

The annual open-air flea market ‘Braderie de Lille’ takes place in Lille, France on the weekend of 4-5 September 2010.  

The event attracts a huge number of visitors, estimated to be between one and two million.   Access to the city by road is likely to be difficult so using another method to get there, such as a seat on the Eurostar, might be more relaxing.

During the thirty-three hours of the event the streets are packed with stalls and vendors offering favourites such as moules-frites (mussels with french fries) and other treats.  There are also street entertainers, musicians, exhibitions, clothing, antiques, and much more.

The town’s restaurants compete to build the highest mountain of empty mussel shells (see photo above). 

The famous Braderie, which has taken place since the 12th century, is the largest flea market in Europe and attracts visitors from not only within Europe but all over the world.  On Saturday morning the event kicks off with a semi-marathon, attracting thousands of competitors.

For more information visit the Lille Office du Tourisme website here.

Visit our Travel Guide to France and follow the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) for updated and important travel advice – including parking for La Braderie weekend.  In particular, pay attention to the road travel section if you plan to take your car across the Channel – and don’t forget to check that your European Breakdown Cover is still valid.

Pack your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), just in case, but this should never be used as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. 

Flickr cc Image:  vacation2