A sólo una hora en TGV de París, la ciudad de Lille acoge uno de los acontecimientos más esperados de Francia: el mercadillo anual de la Grande Braderie de Lille, de dos días de duración. Este vibrante acontecimiento, el mayor mercadillo de Europa, se remonta a la época medieval y atrae a casi dos millones de visitantes cada primer fin de semana de septiembre. El mercadillo de la "Braderie" (que en francés significa "vender a bajo precio") cuenta con más de 10.000 expositores que venden de todo, desde chucherías hasta tesoros.
El sábado comienza la Grande Braderie de Lille y, como en cualquier mercadillo, el primer día se encuentra la mejor selección. Asegúrese de llegar pronto: la Braderie de Lille comienza ya el sábado por la mañana y dura hasta el amanecer, antes de volver a empezar el domingo por la mañana y terminar por la noche. Como las calles se llenan de gente y a veces incluso se paralizan, vale la pena investigar con antelación para saber qué se quiere comprar.
Hay montones de piezas originales a la venta en este mercadillo, pero también hay muchos artículos que parecen fabricados en serie sólo para el mercadillo de la Braderie de Lille. Con más de 100 kilómetros de vendedores, el mercadillo de la Braderie de Lille se divide en secciones: los bulevares más pequeños, los vendedores no profesionales más amables (donde encontrará antigüedades más pequeñas, discos y libros), y las calles más grandes, donde hay una enorme selección de artículos étnicos nuevos a la venta, incluidas fabulosas obras de arte y pinturas.
Además de antigüedades francesas y artículos vintage, suele haber también un gran número de vendedores profesionales especializados en antigüedades inglesas.
La feria Grande Braderie de Lille es un lugar estupendo para encontrar una joya escondida (la "pèrle rare", como dirían los franceses), cosechar bonitos artículos vintage y retro en grandes cantidades, y -sobre todo- sumergirse en un ambiente que refleja la propia ciudad: cálido, acogedor y festivo, especialmente a través de la degustación de las tradicionales "moules frites" (mejillones con patatas fritas).
Grace Perkins
6th septiembre 2015 en 13:40We have just returned from our 12th yearly trip to the Braderie in Lille.Usually on the 1st weekend of September it is an amazing experience.However like all large attractions it is best to take advice before you go.Stay away from the main streets, these are more markets.Wander around the quieter back streets where individual sellers are, these are genuine not professional.Most French people understand English but take a pad and pen to barter prices.We bought Lalique and Etling glass in these back streets for a fraction of the cost.Wonderful time ,roll on next year.Lots of walking but plenty of pit stops/bars.
Alexis Cohen
22nd enero 2016 en 23:47The first weekend in September, the city of Lille becomes a giant car boot sale or for the Americans a giant yard sale! The tradition goes back to medieval times, and is organized by the city. You can either set up a stand in front of your property or the city allocates a space to set up your stand (often a token sum). Great for bargain hunting and in the evening there are crazy street parties. Most restaurants compete for the best restaurant which is measured my who has the largest stack of mussels shells!
Eva Norman
20th febrero 2016 en 07:38You will find the most amazing things you never knew existed. However, avoid main roads in the center on Saturday afternoon if you can’t stand crowds. Don’t wear your best clothes or smart shoes. There are no taxis into town to or from the station because the roads are closed. Be prepared to walk some distance along uneven cobbled streets. The locals are very friendly and the Braderie is unforgettable.
Kate Knight
27th julio 2016 en 18:37The Braderie in Lille is renowned for being the largest flea market in Europe. With over 60km of stands, and over 10,000 stall holders it would be impossible to see the whole market in the 36 odd hours that it is open. Therefore – plan ahead ! Do a bit of research and make sure you are spending time in the streets that have antiques and interesting items rather than the cheap tat in quite a few of the main boulevards. You can buy anything you need for your home here – old silver plated cutlery, crystal and silver candelabra, lampshades, toy cars, gilt mirrors, crockery, the list goes on.
We used airbnb to stay centrally, which was great for the odd afternoon nap. The Braderie officially starts in the afternoon, but in practice people are out as early as 8.00am if not before, and the whole party continues overnight.
Food prices great – roasted sweetcorn for €1, Mussels with chips which is the dish of the Braderie are between €10 and €15 for a gigantic portion, small beers are a couple of Euros. Saw public toilets twice, drink/eat in cafes and bars to use theirs. Occasional enterprising people renting for use of the loo in their home.
Take very comfy shoes, and plenty of layers, weather was very changeable! Did see a number of people in wheelchairs, but going is tough due to most of the streets being cobbled. Came home with a couple of small chandeliers, lamps, unworn boots, and a bed !
Kathy Marshall
17th agosto 2018 en 13:03Love coming here but the beer prices were unusually high last year, 2017. One place 18 euro for 2 large beers and 8 euros at another so the prices really vary. Didn’t spoil our holiday though. The Carrefour is really good the food and booze is really cheap. There were more police and helicopters around so felt quite safe also spot checks in some areas. Love going up to the fair it’s a really good atmosphere and loads of stalls there. Best day is Sunday for me it’s a lot quieter in the morning and greater bargains to be had. If you get chance go to the art gallery fantastic !