Shabby Chic furniture from France, what could be better? Well, how about bargain French Shabby Chic furniture and accessories at knock down prices? That’s what 2.5 million visitors, (yes I did say 2.5 Million!) will be hoping for over the next few days in Lille.

The heart of Lille is Vielle Lille, the old quarter, is a treasure trove for Shabby Chic enthusiasts to visit at any time of year with it’s pretty red and mustard Flemish style buildings, quaint shops and delicious cafes and restaurants. During the Braderie though the whole of the city of Lille is converted into Shabby Chic heaven.

Of course this is France so there will  also be lots of excellent food. The restaurants compete to see which can build the biggest pile of mussel shells so you should expect to eat moule and frittes at least once over the course of the weekend. Apart from that there will be all sorts of street food and don’t miss a visit to the epitome of Shabby Chic, The Molinaire Tea Room. Have a reviving tissane, or what about a bottle of specially brewed Braderie beer? Just don’t have too many though, as the beer is very tasty and refreshing but incredibly strong.

What is a braderie? It is a huge  French/Belgian flea market and Lille is just about the biggest of them all. The Braderie takes over the whole city with stalls crammed into every space. This slideshow of images will automatically update over the next few days as the Braderie progresses.

People are travelling from all over Europe and beyond to be at Lille Braderie as you can see from this real time twitter search. If you are there you can use this to spot where the best bargains might be found and if you are not there maybe it will just inspire you to be there next year!

 Update – the traditional Braderie Moule shell contest has begun!

If you can’t get to the Braderie this gorgeous book is one of my favourite and it might just give you some inspiration and an insight into Braderie style:

Buy Vintage French Interiors: Inspiration from the Antique Shops and Flea Markets of France

Shabby Chic Furniture -The Flea Markets of France

This gorgeous little book tells you all you need to know about 30 French flea markets, including times, dates, special things to look out for. It also gives you advice on where to eat and other things to do in each area. Not that where to eat is ever really a problem in France! The book is small enough to pack in your suitcase yet big enough to give the armchair traveler (Hello, me too ) plenty to dream about. Practical and inspiring. Go on treat, yourself to a bit of affordable luxury – it’s on special offer just now at only £6.74!

Buy The Flea Markets of France