Move over Paris , there’s another French gem that’s a secret Alladin’s cave for vintage-lovers like me. I love nothing more than exploring a flea market or digging through a second hand shop to see what I can find and here, in Bordeaux, there’s second-hand bargains galore. The biggest flea market in town is the famous Les Puces de St Michel, which sits along the river by Quai des Salinières.
It’s here that I find my best buy of 2024 so far – a black vintage men’s jacket, which costs me just £2.50. I feel distinctly cool and French as I try it on.
The market is packed with antiques, furniture, art and nick-nacks and any interiors buff who is doing up a home will be lost for hours. The further down you go through the stalls, the more you’ll notice tourist tat and cheap fashion from high street brands. Visit with an open mind and bring cash.
Sunday is the best day (I went on a Friday) as vendors come out in full force in a different location called Place Canteloup. Afterwards, grab an espresso in the sun by the Basilique Saint Michel before swinging by the local book market in Place Jean Moulin, in front of the impressive Cathedral Saint-André. Don’t expect too much; most of the books are in French so this is more for browsing than shopping, unless you speak the language.
But there are lots of good independent shops – especially for cheap jewellery – nearby. You can’t find bargains on an empty stomach. I highly recommend the quiche and cakes at Møna.
