The Best Apps for the Braderie de Lille 2027

Getting your phone ready for the Braderie

Your smartphone will be your best ally at the Braderie de Lille on 4 and 5 September 2027. Navigation, transport, payment, valuing objects: the right apps can transform your bargain-hunting experience. Here is our selection to download and set up before the big day.

Navigation and map apps

Google Maps or Waze are essential for reaching Lille and finding your way around the city. Download the offline map of the Lille area before you leave: the mobile network can be overloaded with over 2.5 million visitors packed into a few streets. In Google Maps, open the menu and select « Offline maps » then « Select your own map », zooming in on Lille.

The Ilévia app (formerly Transpole) is indispensable for Lille public transport. It shows real-time timetables for the metro, tram and buses, and lets you buy digital tickets. During the Braderie, timetables are often extended and the app is updated accordingly.

Citymapper is also available in Lille and offers a clearer interface for planning your journeys by combining metro, walking and cycling.

Apps for valuing objects

Leboncoin is the go-to reference for checking second-hand market prices in France. Before buying an appliance, a piece of furniture or a valuable object, do a quick search on Leboncoin to compare prices. It gives you a solid argument for haggling.

Vinted is particularly useful for clothes and fashion accessories. You can check the average price of a second-hand branded garment in a few seconds and avoid overpaying.

For books and comics, the PriceMinister (Rakuten) app and the Bédéthèque website let you check the value of an old book or a collectable comic. Scan the barcode with your phone to get an instant estimate.

Mobile payment apps

Lydia, Paylib and PayPal are the most widely used payment apps between individuals in France. More and more Braderie sellers accept these payment methods as well as, or instead of, cash. Set up at least one of these apps before you come and make sure your balance is sufficient.

Apple Pay and Google Pay work at shops with contactless terminals, which includes most shops and restaurants. They are handy for purchases from professional traders.

Useful everyday apps

Flush is an app that locates the nearest public toilets. It is especially useful during the Braderie, when the question of toilets becomes crucial. The app shows free and paid toilets, with user ratings.

Too Good To Go lets you pick up discounted meal bags from Lille shops and restaurants at the end of the day. It is a cheap, anti-waste option for dinner after a day of bargain hunting.

BlaBlaCar and FlixBus are worth installing if you plan to car-share or travel by coach. Digital tickets in the app save you printing and queuing.

Phone preparation: the essentials

Set off with a full battery and carry a charged power bank. Heavy use of GPS, apps and the camera drains a battery in a few hours. Turn off Bluetooth and wifi when you are not using them to save power.

Switch to mobile data and turn off automatic app updates to save your data allowance. If your operator allows it, use the City of Lille’s free public wifi (the « Lille WiFi » network) when you pass near a hotspot.

The Braderie de Lille 2027 is in your pocket too. Download these apps now and you will be ready on the day!