Cliff09

We are going for the first time and would like some advice. We are looking for the areas where people sell their stuff as opposed to the professional dealers. We won't be able to take anything big back but are looking for a few small unique treasures. We arrive by train to Lille flandres which is right in the heart of it. Any words of advice are appreciated.

kerouac

Nobody can really help you for this year because after last year's cancellation for security reasons, it is back on but completely reorganized. So nobody knows how things are going to be set up and if people are going to be in the same places as in the past.

Cliff09

Kerouac any update on Lille Braderie? We are lookin for individuals selling their stuff vs professional sellers thx

fuzzbucket

www.fleamarketinsiders.com

Not sure there is any useful information, though.

Christina

this may be useful, you can download the map of it around the center of this page

http://www.lille.fr/Braderie-de-Lill...-mode-d-emploi

They say there will be more of an emphasis on the amateaur or nonprofessional dealers this year, to try to get back to their "roots".

lavandula

If you don't speak French there is a spot on the top right hand of the page where you can register for a newsletter in English.

Lavandula

Cliff09

Well we went for the first time and it was an utter disappointment. I can only imagine a couple of years ago it was very different I certainly didn't see 1 million people. Won't have to worry about going back even though Lille is a very charming city. We had stopped before on our way back from Bruge.

kerouac

Everything I read said it was not the same and probably never will be again. While nobody will really complain about the security, the city jumped on the chance to organize everything too much, and it was the lack of organization in the past that gave the event so much charm.

However, Lille is definitely worth a visit any other time of the year. Pretty good Christmas market, too.

kerouac

Of course, with a little luck, the municipal authorities will analyze what they did wrong this time and take measures to fix it.

Christina

sorry you didn't have a good time, but at least other people may learn something who want to go and search here