Travelling in Europe provides this incomparable experience of being able to wander between centuries, cultures and a variety of landscapes from a handful of locations that can be rallied in just a couple of hours in train or by car.
The largest flea markets in Europe are often grand events complete with food, music, and entertainment. Held along roads, cobble stone streets, in cluttered town squares, and in grand halls, European flea markets feature pieces from all over the world and from different centuries. If you want to visit a European flea market to experience the cultural and history for yourself, here are some of the best stops throughout France, Germany, and the UK. All feature more than 1,500 vendors and at least 40% of the merchandise is antique and vintage.
1. Braderie de Lille, FRANCE
Braderie de Lille boasts historic roots and dates back to the 12th century. Today, this two-day market is one of the largest flea markets in Europe at nearly 100 kilometers (62 miles) of vendors as far as the eye can see. An annual average of 2 million attendees visits each September for an engrossing shopping experience in Lille, France. Shoppers browsing through booths, stalls, and tables will be treated to live entertainment. After you browse, cap off your day with a plate of steaming hot Moules Frites (mussels and french fries), the traditional food of the Braderie de Lille.
Where: Lille city center, France
When: 1st weekend of September
Website: https://www.lille.fr/Braderie-de-Lille
Full review on fleamapket.com: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/braderie-de-lille-flea-market/
2. Trempelmarkt Nürnberg, GERMANY
Located in the old Bavarian town of Nürnberg, the Trempelmarkt is a twice-annual flea market held each spring and fall. The entire town gets in the action as over 4,000 merchants set up shop for the event. One of the largest flea markets in Europe, Trempelmarkt offers an experience that’s at once magical and history. Lit by candlelight, stalls remain open until midnight to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Merchandise includes a great selection of used books, but also jewelry, clothing, porcelain, glassware, and other pieces. A portion of the proceeds from each market is donated to charity.
Where: Nürnberg, Germany
When: Twice a year in May and September
Website: https://www.nuernberg.de/internet/marktamt/trempel.html
Full review on fleamapket.com: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/trempelmarkt-nurnberg/
3. El Rastro Madrid, SPAIN
El Rastro Madrid is held along the Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores every Sunday and public holiday. One of the oldest markets in Madrid, it dates back to the Middle Ages. Over 3,500 vendors are typically here every week. Various antique shops near the market are also open for an enthralling antique and vintage shopping experience for visitors. El Rastro is a place for any budget and not just for high-end shoppers and is one of the largest flea markets in Europe. There are treasures and junk galore which makes visiting El Rastro all the more fun.
Where: Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores 19, Madrid, Spain
When: Daily and public holiday: 09:00 – 15:00
Website: http://www.rastromadrid.es/
Full review on fleamapket.com: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/el-rastro/
4. Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair, UK
Buyers from Europe and around the world descend on International Antiques & Collectors Fair every other month for a robust flea market. Held on 84 acres at the Newark and Nottinghamshire Showground, the event has 2,500 dealers with nearly every kind of antique and collectible. One of the largest flea markets in Europe, Newark features sellers throughout the grounds in stalls or at the outdoor tables. Merchant merchandise ranges from fine antiques to decorative items from the home, as well as memorabilia, vintage publications, toys, and more. A courtesy coach is available throughout the fair to help attendees arrive with ease.
Where: Lincoln Rd, Newark-on-Trent, Newark,Nottinghamshire NG24 2NY United Kingdom
When: Once a month (except where mentioned)
Website: http://www.iacf.co.uk/newark
Full review on fleamapket.com: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/newark-international-antiques-and-collectors-fair/
5. Foire aux Puces de Crèvecœur-le-Grand, FRANCE
The third-largest flea market in France and one of the largest flea markets in Europe, the Foire aux Puces de Crèvecœur-le-Grand is held annually on Ascension Day. Unlike other French flea markets, vendors are banned from selling new merchandise, car stereos, DVDs, and other typical garage sale fare. This leaves just the creme of the crop when it comes to fine antiques, vintage items, and collectibles such as toys, furniture, linen, and silverware. There are 2,200 vendors, with 1,300 professional antique dealers. This prestigious market can attract 40,000 shoppers to this small town of 3,500.
Where: Crèvecœur-le-Grand, 60360 France
When: Once a year on Ascension Day: 05:30 – 19:00
Website: https://www.crevecoeur-le-grand.com/
Full review on fleamapket.com: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/foire-aux-puces-de-crevecoeur-le-grand/
6. Marché aux Puces de Saint Ouen, FRANCE
A nationally-protected flea market and local treasure, this event attracts over 8 million visitors each year as one of the most-visited landmarks in France. The high-end flea market spans over 2,000 antique shops and individual markets arranged in 14 sections. As you stroll through the various vendors, pieces of merchandise from a variety of periods and countries catch your attention at every turn. The event is one of the largest flea markets in Europe and is the largest antique market in the world. Lighting, art, furniture, bric-a-brac, jewelry, toys, glassware, and all kinds of classic antiques are here.
Where: Rue des Rosiers 140, 93400 France
When: Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00 / Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 / Monday: 11:00 – 17:00
Website: http://www.marcheauxpuces-saintouen.com/
Full review on fleamapket.com: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/paris-flea-market-clignancourt/
7. Münchner Flohmarkt auf der Theresienwiese, GERMANY
The Münchner Flohmarkt auf der Theresienwiese is one of the most beloved and largest flea markets in Europe. The event is held for one day in the town of Munich, Germany during the annual Spring Festival. It’s a welcoming and electric atmosphere for browsing antiques, vintage goods, and collectibles from 2,000 merchants. Around 80,000 shoppers attend to find high-end brands like Chanel, Louis Vuttion, Dior, and all matter of furniture, glassware, jewelry, clothing, linens, and other goods here, and items can often be had unbelievable prices. Be prepared to spend several hours here, if not the whole day.
Where: Theresienwiese, Bavariaring, 80336 München, Germany
When: 1st Saturday of Munich’s Spring Festival in April: 06:00 – 16:00
Website: https://www.muenchen.de/veranstaltungen/event/9878.html
Full review on fleamapket.com: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/munichs-giant-flea-market/
8. Foire Des Andaines, FRANCE
Started as a humble garage sale in 2000, the Foire Des Andaines is one of the largest flea markets in Europe and in the Normandy region. More than 2,000 vendors regularly attend the annual event. The flea market is held along a forest road closed to vehicle traffic and spans 5 km (3 miles). Dealers bring pottery, artwork, French architectural salvage, home decor, comics, vinyl, and an assortment of other goods. While busy, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a wonderful place for a browse on a beautiful day. Market admission and parking are both free.
Where: Saint-Michel-des-Andaines, 61600 France
When: 2nd or 3rd weekend in May (Saturday and Sunday): 05:00 – 19:00
Website: http://en.bagnolesdelorne.com/
Full review on fleamapket.com: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/foire-des-andaines/
9. Peterborough Festival of Antiques, UK
A twice-annual weekend antique fair, the Festival of Antiques is not to be missed if you’re in the UK. The fair is held at the East of England Showground and includes over 2,000 vendor stalls in four buildings and across several acres. Some items are organized into sections to make it easy to browse, for example, Cambridge Suite will have rare high-end pieces, and small items will often be found in the Main Arena. Make a point to visit as many stalls and vendors as you can across the two days, or you may miss your next great find.
Where: The East of England Showground, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE2 6XE United Kingdom
When: Twice a year towards the end of March and early in October
Website: http://www.festivalofantiques.co.uk/
Full review on fleamapket.com: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/peterborough-festival-of-antiques/
10. Ardingly International Antiques & Collectors Fair, UK
Another of the largest flea markets in Europe is found at the Ardingly International Antiques & Collectors Fair in West Sussex. Located just an hour from London, the flea market is one of the most prestigious antique events in England. The event is run by International Antiques & Collectors Fairs, a renowned antique fair company. Up to 1,700 sellers participate with thousands of antiques, vintage items, primitives, and architectural salvage pieces. Whether you’re looking for a piece from the 1800s or have your eye a piece to add to your vintage coin collection, you’re likely to find something you just can’t resist.
Where: South of England Showground, Ardingly, West SussexRH17 6TL United Kingdom
When: Once a month, Tuesday through Wednesday: 09:00 – 17:00
Website: http://www.iacf.co.uk/ardingly
Full review on fleamapket.com: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/ardingly-international-antiques-and-collectors-fair/
View Europe’s best flea markets on a map
You can now visualize the best flea markets and antique fairs in Europe, on a map! Not only have we included all the above flea markets, but we’ve also added to the mix some of the region’s most acclaimed antique fairs. With advanced filters, readers can choose to view only the best seasonal markets in Europe, the US and around the world. Simply click on the image below to access our interactive map feature for free.
