Braderie de Lille: Discovering the Different Neighbourhoods

The Braderie de Lille is the biggest open-air flea market in France. It is an event not to be missed, as proof of the friendliness and warmth of the North. We invite you to explore the city district by district:

• The Lille centre district: includes the Grand’Place, Gare Saint-Sauveur and boulevard de la Liberté. Place du Général de Gaulle is a magnificent spot in the heart of the city of Lille.
• Façade de l’Esplanade (along the Deûle canal, facing the Champ de Mars): the biggest and finest flea market of the Braderie (furniture, knick-knacks, crockery, collectables, etc.)
• Champ de Mars: the funfair (foire aux manèges) and its 200 attractions run non-stop through the night from Saturday to Sunday.
• Parc de la Citadelle: the best way to take a break and escape the Braderie crowds.
• The “Quartier des Arts” (rue des Arts): the traditional Braderie Anglaise (the “English Braderie”) hosts British traders, French and regional dealers, second-hand booksellers and collectors.
• Along boulevard Victor Hugo and in Moulins (rues d’Arras, de Douai, de Cambrai and de Maubeuge): an extension of the urban dynamism of Euralille, the Moulins district is one of the areas that has changed the most in recent years. It offers a pleasant stroll and a little break during the Braderie de Lille.
• The alleys of Vieux-Lille are shared between the stalls of smart boutiques and those of private sellers. The streets of this district become more accessible for the duration of the Braderie. Even during the Braderie, prices remain fairly high at some shops. But you can find branded shoes at 70% off, watches at low prices and fine period pieces.

The Braderie de Lille on the Grand’Place in Lille around 1900.

• The Wazemmes district: very cosmopolitan and lively during the Braderie, it is the most populous district of Lille with 25,000 inhabitants. Flavours, colours and bargains await visitors. Located near the Catholic University of Lille, Wazemmes attracts a young crowd, concerts, musicians and plenty of bargain hunters.
• Vauban Esquermes: during the Braderie, the word “chiner” (to hunt for bargains) takes on its full meaning. This is where the real bradeux (Braderie sellers) meet you along the Deûle. The very essence of the Braderie is found here: skipping the Deûle is a mistake for any flea market lover. You will find old toys, old bikes and more.
• The Grand’Place (or place du Général de Gaulle): during the Braderie, the Grand’Place is one of the liveliest spots in the city of Lille. Place du Général de Gaulle becomes a village with the Saveurs d’or stand, featuring recipe demonstrations by the region’s top chefs, discoveries and tastings of regional products, and games for young and old.

Which district should you choose, depending on what you are looking for?

• Antiques and fine furniture: boulevard de la Liberté and the façade de l’Esplanade, where professional antique dealers and dealers gather.
• Private garage sales and low prices: Wazemmes, Moulins and Vauban-Esquermes, along the Deûle.
• Books and collectables: rue des Arts and its Braderie Anglaise, and the second-hand booksellers of the Vieille Bourse.
• Atmosphere, terraces and moules-frites: Vieux-Lille and the Grand’Place, the heart of the entertainment.

What are the best districts for the Braderie?

For a first visit, combine Vieux-Lille (the most beautiful setting, but often higher prices), the Grand’Place (concerts and entertainment) and Wazemmes (lively atmosphere and bargains). Seasoned bargain hunters start at dawn on the Esplanade and along the banks of the Deûle, where the best pieces go first. To find your way around, see our Braderie de Lille map.