Shopping, feasting and strolling at the Braderie de Lille

This much-anticipated annual event for the people of Lille and visitors from other parts of the world, who come especially for the occasion, made its first appearance several hundred years ago, in 1127. Known as the " Foire de Lille", the "Franche Foire" or the "Fêtes aux loques", the Braderie de Lille has stood the test of time while evolving its model.

The popularity of the event increased from the 16th century onwards, when the stalls of servants were added to those of professionals. It would be three centuries later that the bourgeoisie and itinerant merchants would join in the outdoor sales of this large-scale flea market. Between the well-established traditions and the novelties that add another charm to the Braderie, a very special atmosphere pervades the streets of Lille.

At the start of the new school year, the city of Flanders is transformed for a weekend. Bargain hunters on the lookout for the tiniest of household treasures, gourmets looking to add to their piles of mussels and runners ready to win the 10-kilometre medal share the narrow streets and main roads of several districts.

Each year, more than 100 kilometres of stalls, both professional and private, are explored by the large numbers of visitors. Between the regulars and the curious, more than 2 million strollers take to the streets of Lille, which are pedestrianised for the occasion.

From Vieux-Lille to Wazemmes, the exhibitors and their wares vary, but the festive zeal and popular enthusiasm are in harmony. While the narrow cobbled streets and hidden lanes are reserved for second-hand dealers, the main avenues are home to craftspeople and artists. A delightful mix for the hordes of budding bargain-hunters who come to enjoy the charm of the Braderie.

At Europe's biggest flea market, it's important to organise your visit to suit your tastes! Whether you're after small knick-knacks, second-hand items, antique nuggets or garage sale finds, the choice is wide and the areas well-defined. A map in hand and you're off on your annual treasure hunt!

Between the vintage pieces, delicacies and works of art also make their way onto the stands. The legendary chip stalls and street vendors put on a show: it's the art of living in Lille, to be contemplated with a beer in hand.

If you want to find that rare gem in just two days, you're going to have to be elbow-deep, sharp, perceptive and responsive! For visitors who don't have a precise idea of THE knick-knack they want to unearth, the ideal option is simply to come to Lille as a stroller, to share in the excitement of this giant bric-a-brac and, perhaps by chance, stumble across the bargain of the century. The third alternative excludes any notion of buying and bargains, since it consists of taking advantage of this great festive moment to... party.

When it comes to eating out, it's impossible to miss a restaurant where the menu features mussels and chips. A veritable ritual for locals and tourists alike, this dish is in some ways the emblem of the braderie. Right from the start of the weekend, restaurant owners start a pile of empty shells on the Place Rihour, which accumulates over the days to reach several tonnes by the end of the weekend. An art of Lille!

The restaurant owners have just one goal: to end the weekend with the biggest pile of food in the whole town! It's an unofficial competition with a long tradition, and the smells are as surprising as they are charming...

Before the sales kick-off, the 10-kilometre and half-marathon races get underway on Saturday morning. Every year, thousands of runners take up the challenge of winning their medal, before many hours of festivities and fun.

For almost 48 hours non-stop, events are staged in all four corners of the city, providing the perfect backdrop for the walk. Festivities, culture, gastronomy and events of all kinds are added to the already packed Braderie programme.

In the bars, DJs get the crowd dancing to pop, disco, rock and techno! On a quieter note, second-hand clothing sales are taking place at many of the venues. Would you prefer maroilles, cream or chorizo? Special and temporary recipes will be found on the menus of the busiest restaurants, where moules-frites are the order of the day! For those who haven't tried their luck at winning the medal in the morning race, head to the Kolor Bar for a chance to win the title of Miss or Mister Moule. The spirit of good fun and letting go are the watchwords on the eve of the start of the new school year.

To make the most of the Braderie, get out your trainers! You won't be able to cover dozens of kilometres of stalls in just a few minutes, and the day can sometimes be a bit hectic... To avoid the extra effort, plan your route in advance using the map - unfortunately, you won't be able to do everything. The perfect excuse to let yourself be tempted and come back for the next edition!

Have some change ready! Obviously, no private individuals accept payment by bank card or cheque, and very few professionals have their own payment terminal at the braderie. If you plan ahead, you'll avoid queuing in front of the cash dispensers and running out of supplies...

Lille is well-equipped to receive travellers thanks to its many means of transport: airports, stations, major roads, etc. In the city, trams, buses and underground trains are the best way to get around, especially during the Braderie weekend. The main thoroughfares are dedicated to second-hand goods dealers, and the crowds create dozens of kilometres of traffic jams from dawn onwards. So leave your car in a car park and opt for public transport or walking!

On the weekend of the braderie, hotels in Lille are packed, so book well in advance! If you're a partygoer, the best place to stay is in the centre of town, close to all the entertainment.

If you're looking for a last-minute getaway, you'll probably have to go a little further afield and book in La Madeleine, Marcq-en-Baroeul, Villeneuve-d'Ascq or even Roubaix, all of which have excellent transport links. Travellers looking for a quieter Braderie should also book in these neighbouring towns!