A Day at the Durtal Antique Market
Ever since I bought my home in France, almost two years ago, I’ve been on the hunt for traditional French furniture and décor items. You’d think it would be easy to decorate a home in France in French country style. But furniture and home goods stores only carry modern, bohemian and other trendy styles. To find traditional French decor I have to buy second hand. Which is no problem because I love flea markets and yard sales.
Although I’ve found a couple of vintage items at vide greniers (the community yard sales), they are the rare find. And most items in antique shops and Paris flea markets are beyond my budget. So when I discovered the Brocante de Durtal, one of the best antique sales in France, and only two hours away, I had to go. I booked two nights in a nearby Airbnb so I could arrive the day before and have an early start. Read to the end to discover all the treasure I found along with prices.
Planning my journey
The Brocante de Durtal is on the last Sunday in September. This year it was on September 29th. In 2025, it will be on Sunday, September 28th from 7 am to 7 pm. Durtal is in the department of Maine-et-Loire, in the Pays de la Loire region, and 38 minutes northeast of the city of Angers.
I left my home in Brittany on Saturday and spent the afternoon exploring Angers for the first time. On the outskirts of the Loire Valley, with a population of over 150,000, Angers’ most prominent features are the Maine River, the Saint-Maurice Cathedral with its two 75-meter-high towers, and the massive Château d'Angers, founded in the 9th century and expanded to its current size in the 13th century. See the bottom of the post for more photos of beautiful Angers.
Market day arrives
Since the sun didn’t rise until 8:10 am, there wasn’t much point in arriving too early. At 8:25 I drove into town thinking I’d have a tough time finding parking. But I cruised into a spot on a side street only three blocks from the market. From what I’d read, the sale typically includes over 450 vendors and attracts around 20,000 shoppers. However, I didn’t find it crowded at all. I suspect the 45-degree weather with overcast skies might have kept people away. For me, the weather was perfect, as I didn’t have to deal with heat and glaring sun while treasure hunting.
In the shadow of the 15th century, Chateau de Durtal lay charming cobblestoned streets lined with dealer's antique and vintage ware. I was in French decor heaven, ogling the beautiful wrought iron furniture, Louise XVI style chairs, floral dishware and elegant picture frames. Dealers were also selling old coins, books, silverware, crockery, old clothes, jewelry, ceramics, porcelain, silverware, paintings and — what I had my eye out for — gold mirrors. Unfortunately, the one below was too big for my house and way too expensive.
It was a picturesque scene with the elegant towers of the chateau in the background. I loved seeing the variety of French antiques, and bargaining with the venders.
Preparing for the market
In preparation for the market, I bought an inexpensive shopping trolley. In the states, you might call it an old lady cart. But in Paris, you’ll see people of all ages using them. It was a lifesaver. I also brought a lighted magnifying glass and a tape measure. Next time I will bring plenty of bubble wrap to secure breakables and delicate items. Some of the vendors provided newspaper and bags, but bubble wrap would have provided more protection. After five and a half hours, and hauling two loads to my car, it started raining and I headed out. My only regret was not having a bigger car.
The next morning, I walked around a very different Durtal, with empty streets, no one around and all the shops shuttered. It gave me a better look at the charming town and the medieval Chateau de Durtal. I then drove home with a car full of cherished finds, and visions of a return trip next year.
What I bought
Below are photos of my treasured finds and how much I paid for them. Nothing I purchased was antique or rare. Some were vintage and some only a decade or two old. But they were just the style I was looking for, and at a very good price.
Two medium-sized gold mirrors for 50 Euros. The fancier one will hang over the vanity in my newly remodeled master bathroom.
A large gold mirror for my powder room for 25 euros. I’m still looking for a traditional French wallpaper for this room.
A small gold vintage mirror for 15 euros.
A pink glass fruit bowl, a lid-less sugar bowl perfect for holding my coffee spoons, and a small platter with birds. All three for 25 euros.
12 silverplated forks for 20 euros.
Two gold sconces for 20 euros.
Roy Kirkland Redoute Ross English find bone china set including two mugs, a bowl, a small cup and a plastic tray. All for 12 euros.
A small rose covered cake stand for 5 euros.
Two scarves for 7.50 euros.
More picture of Angers.
