French flea markets are light years away from our often damp and dreary Sunday morning car boot sales. There are no boxes of Bucks Fizz LPs, broken Soda Streams or ropey Polaroid cameras in sight across the Channel. Instead you’ll find a treasure trove of stalls selling antique paintings, fine French porcelain, vintage clothes, Art Deco objects, furniture and 20th century design classics.
High speed rail means you can easily nip over to some of France’s best flea markets on a day trip, too. With Lille and Paris just a couple of hours away, there’s enough time to head over first thing, grab a few bargains, enjoy a long lunch and be home before it even gets dark.
For a fantastic, in-depth guide to all of the other flea markets France has to offer, pick up a copy of Sandy Price's
'Flea Markets of France' book. In the meantime, pick a destination, book your tickets, and find yourself a bargain.
Here are some of the best flea markets to visit by train.
