I went to France for a photo styling workshop, but would you be surprised to know the French brocante shopping day was one of my favorites?!
We spent the first day shopping the Brocante in a small village. It was totally my jam. We packed knowing we would be bringing home French treasures by packing an empty suitcase inside our suitcase.
It goes without saying a French flea market/giant garage sale event is like a dream for me. I wanted it all. And I almost brought that much home, lol.
Our amazing gift of the day was these precious bags to gather our treasures in. (in case you missed it you can read more here about The Academy I was attending)
Every item we wanted we convinced each other we could fit in our luggage. Jennifer’s famous line was, “it’s nothing, it will fit”. Nothing was typically a brass scale or vintage wine crate…a lot more than nothing, lol. 
Our French was horrible and if I could do it again I would learn my numbers before I went so I could negotiate better! Although nothing was expensive.
We poured through booths, some vendors, some people cleaning out their attics. It was awesome.
They even had snacks and baked goods like this charcoal bread the ladies brought back for dinner.
We sat and had our lunch at a castle. 
A CASTLE, for real. One of my favorite things was watching the French people break for lunch. They rolled out white tablecloths, wine, and a full meal and slowly enjoyed their lunch. They have the relax and enjoy life thing down pat. It is something I need to do more!
As we strolled back and forth to the car I snapped some pics of the gorgeous doors. Everyone has flowers arching over their door and I am totally copying them ASAP.
When we got back to the chateau we had a “show and tell” about our treasures. It was the best.
I love seeing what other people found and hearing why they bought it. You learn a lot about people this way.
I learned my taste is weird because this vintage pate bowl was my favorite find.
I’m always draw to masculine furniture and accents. Throw in a deer or a dog and I’m a goner.
We looked like a couple of pack mules heading through a tiny French town at the day’s end.
Packing was one of the best games of Tetris I’ve played in a while.
I mean, do I scream tourist or what!?
But we made it back to the states with all our goodies intact, memories tied tight around them with a bow. And soon I will show where they all landed in my home.
Until then, if you are a flea market loving soul like me, plan yourself a French brocante shopping trip ASAP!
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I can’t wait to see your new home done! Love your shopping choices, but that copper container was beautiful!
I know!! I’m kicking myself I didn’t get one too!!!!
Beautiful post!Sounds like a great place.
It was gorgeous and so fun!
Reading this put a huge smile on my face…you all looked so delighted! I’m jealous of all your great finds!
we had fun and got some really cool treasures! So glad I could share with yall
How in the world did you get everything home? One extra suitcase was a super idea…but it still looks like some “big” stuff! What a blast you must have had!
I don’t really know how we made it, trust me, every nook and cranny was stuffed full!
I know it is a mystery even to you how you got all that stuff home. I am glad for you that you did, very good. I will be anxious to see it in your new home, thanks for sharing it was a great trip and glad you could go for me.
we looked like pack mules hauling all that stuff!!! It was so fun though.
Wow it looks like so much fun! That little nativity set is so sweet!. I’ve been lucky enough to have a brocante near our hotel in Paris 3 years ago and to go to flea markets in Germany with my friend who lives there (whose German is much better than mine). My husband did question how I would get the large wire basket home but my friend already knew she had a box to put it in and you can check a box.
you have to get creative with packing, what a fun trip you must have had!
I am glad you have the opportunity to enjoy a “Vide Grenier” in our country. Like you we love to do the Antiques when we are in The USA, and we always bring with us an empty bad in our suitcase. Our house is fool of vintage stuff from the States.
Oh Kim, what a delightful time!!! Thanks for taking us all with you thru your text and photos. Blessings and smiles
I can’t imagine anything more fun than that! My dream trip! Thank you for sharing so we could enjoy vicariously.
I love flea markets and what some amazing pieces and scenery Thank you for sharing can not wait to see your decor
It was such a special trip! Can’t wait to use all my finds, thanks Norma!
I loved the flowers everywhere in France!!! Potted lemon trees, flower boxes, flower gardens, hanging baskets on street light poles, hanging from balconies, and even along the highway. It is a beautiful memory of mine. Thanks for reminding me. I loved your collection too!!!
thank you – it really is a magical place, so beautiful!
What little town were you in?
I have no idea lol!!!
Your santon nativity is beautiful! I love looking at your photos of thrifting…so therapeutic! lol!