Souvenirs and Gifts to Bring Back from the Braderie de Lille 2027
The Braderie de Lille is the perfect place to pick up original, authentic souvenirs. Far from standardised tourist shops, its 53 km of stalls offer unique treasures for every taste and every budget at the 2027 edition (4-5 September).
The must-haves: typical items from the North
Northern earthenware: plates, bowls and tureens in the blue and white patterns typical of the Flemish tradition. At the Braderie you can find beautiful pieces of Gien or Delft earthenware, or regional production, for a few euros. An authentic and useful souvenir.
Old prints and engravings of Lille: vintage postcards of Lille, 19th-century engravings showing the Grand’Place, portraits of historical figures — souvenirs ready for framing, for a few euros.
Books about the North and Flanders: old guidebooks, local histories, illustrated books on Flemish architecture or ch’ti cuisine. Cultural souvenirs often available for less than €5.
Northern beers in gift boxes: if you visit the specialist shops of Vieux-Lille (outside the Braderie perimeter), a gift box of regional craft beers (Jenlain, Ch’ti, Bière des Sans Culottes) is the perfect food-and-drink souvenir.
For fashion and vintage lovers
A unique vintage piece: a 1970s tweed jacket, a 1960s leather bag, a silk scarf — the Braderie is the place to find a fashion accessory like no other.
Vintage costume jewellery: Art Nouveau brooches, 1950s Bakelite rings, 1980s earrings — original accessories for a few euros, to keep as a souvenir or give as a gift.
For children and families
A vintage toy: a Dinky Toys car, an old doll, a board game from the 1970s-80s — children love “grandma’s” toys, and it is often the most memorable souvenir you can bring back for them.
A vintage illustrated children’s book: Bibliothèque Rose or Verte books from the 1960s-70s, early Tintin albums, original editions of Martine — treasures for children’s bookshelves.
Gift ideas by budget
Under €5: a vintage postcard of Lille, a second-hand book, an earthenware trinket, a 45 rpm single.
€5-20: an antique earthenware plate, a vintage illustrated book, a vintage toy, a retro fashion accessory.
€20-50: a quality piece of antique tableware, a vintage garment, a small piece of furniture (if you have a car), a watercolour painting.
€50 and above: antique furniture, a signed painting, silverware, antique jewellery.
Tips for carrying your purchases
Bring a trolley or wheeled bag for heavy or bulky items. For fragile objects, take some bubble wrap or cloths. If you are coming by train, think about the permitted luggage size — a solid oak drawer will not fit in the luggage racks of the TGV!
The Braderie de Lille 2027 (4-5 September) is the perfect opportunity to bring back unique souvenirs that tell a real story — that of an object with a past, from a Lille attic to your living room.
What to bring back from Lille? Local specialities to take home
- Filled waffles (gaufres fourrées) with vanilla, Lille’s great sweet speciality.
- Merveilleux (meringue cakes), best bought the same day as they do not keep well.
- Maroilles and other cheeses from the North, to carry in an insulated bag.
- Beers from the North and from Belgium, from the wine shops and delicatessens in the city centre.
- Chicory and bêtises de Cambrai (mint sweets), easy to slip into a suitcase.
As for objects, a vintage Braderie poster or postcard, a typical Northern flea-market find or a vintage piece found on a stall remain the most personal souvenirs.
