Trouvé: Gamelles d’Ouvrier We’ve found this three gamelles (containers used to carry food) at various vide greniers in nearby villages. They are usually sold by older French ladies that can tell you a little of what they used to put into these boxes for their husbands to take to …Continue …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: OK it’s not quite the title that usually draws readers, but I thought this afternoon’s trip was worth sharing. Since moving in I’ve been busy trying to find nice pieces of furniture for the house and needless to say I don’t want to spend …

Contributor blog post by Allison @Best of Nice: If you like vintage glamour, second-hand chic, discount designer duds and unique fashion finds, put on your shopping shoes and head to Old Nice.  Here is a circuit over just a couple of blocks where bargain hunters will find their bonheur in boutiques ranging from vintage to retro thrift …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: From the middle of the week I could see that today was shaping up to be a busy day. Not that I had a list of things that had to be done, but more because I’d seen signs for 3 local ‘Vide Grenier’ events …

Like many other women who arrive in Provence for various reasons, Caren Trafford has been busy restyling her life. Previously based in Sydney, where she was an author of environmental books for children, she is now additionally becoming an expert in the world of antiques. Caren has become the Provence …

Perhaps it is the weather or the hunt for a bargain that drives literally thousands of people to visit a brocante (second-hand markets) especially in the summer. Well-known places such as Isle-sur-la Sorgue seamlessly blend antiques with second hand goods. I have never known what is a bargain and what …

Always good for entertainment, and the odd little treasure are the vide greniers; France’s answer to garage sales. These are sales on a village scale, with a festive atmosphere. Typically, vendors secure a spot by paying a nominal fee to the local town hall (Marie).  The wares for sale, oscillate between …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: Anyone who really knows me will say I’m not really a city person. I’ve always lived in small villages or on the edge of small market towns and although I enjoy spending the odd day in a large town or city – I usually can’t …

Returning to Aix last week, it was good to see the textile market stalls back together in the Cours Mirabeau after being scattered around during the Christmas period; but further changes are afoot from June onwards and the stall holders are not happy. All three markets – textile, foods and …

As a mother of 2 rugby-loving teenage boys, I know that there is potentially a very short shelf-life for any nice pieces of pottery in our house, which is such a pity. I must admit that both my hubby and I look forward to the day when we may be …