Five things to look out for at a French brocante

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There are many ways to buy antique items in France, and it’s traditionally a Sunday morning event, either at a fair or a local dealer. Many years ago, I fell under the spell of the French brocante world. I discovered the personalities of the dealers, I learnt more about the items on sale, and for me, it’s as much about the ambiance as it is about the treasures waiting to be discovered. Over the years, my eye has been trained by countless strolls through village squares and countryside barns. I’ve come to know exactly which items I’ll always bring home when I find them.

While every brocante visit offers a new surprise, and half the fun lies in the unexpected, there are five classic French finds I never leave behind when the price and condition are right. These pieces speak of history, craftsmanship, and daily French life. They’ve become staples in my home and in the homes of our MFCH Box clients and tour guests alike.

1. Monogrammed Linen

There is something deeply romantic about antique French linen. Whether it’s a stack of hand-embroidered napkins, a simple tea towel with faded red initials, or a large sheet edged in ladder lace or with an embroidered monogram. These pieces are both beautiful and practical. I often imagine the women who stitched those linens, preparing items for a bridal trousseau or marking family heirlooms.

When I find well-preserved, thick linen or métis (a linen-cotton blend), I can’t resist. They wash beautifully and get softer with use. I use them daily (not just for show) on our tables, in our guest rooms, and even as kitchen cloths.

2. French China and Ironstone

Over the years, I’ve developed quite a collection of mismatched plates, bowls, and serving dishes. I love the charm of old French china, delicate floral patterns, gilded edges, and subtle patina. Ironstone, with its creamy glaze and sturdy form, is another favourite, particularly for footed compotiers and deep serving bowls.

The beauty of mixing and matching is that you don’t need a full set to create a lovely table. In fact, I prefer it that way. A brocante-sourced table tells a story of meals shared, hands passed, and objects cherished.

3. Silver-Plated Cutlery

If you’ve ever joined us on an MFCH tour or seen our seasonal table settings, you’ll know I adore antique French cutlery. Brocantes are a great place to find these treasures. Sets will be tied with twine or laid out on velvet trays. While sterling silver is rare and expensive, silver-plate offers elegance at a much more accessible price.

I often look for shell motifs, ribbon handles, or monogrammed pieces. And I never mind a little tarnish, it’s part of the charm. One of the great joys of French brocante shopping is finding these old pieces and giving them a new life at your own table.

4. Antique Frames and Portraits

Even if I have no immediate use for them, I always pick up small antique frames. Gilded, chipped, or velvet-backed, each has its own personality. Some hold tiny black-and-white photos; others are empty, waiting for something new.

Regularly, I find old oil portraits: a stern gentleman, an elegant bourgeois, or sometimes a soldier. These forgotten faces fascinate me. I love to hang paintings in groups, and often move them around the house. This is so I can appreciate them in a new light.

5. Vintage French Books and Paper Goods

Nothing makes a home feel more lived-in than a stack of well-loved books. At the brocante, I’m always drawn to vintage volumes: botanical studies, poetry, worn cookbooks with penciled notes. I also love old postcards, handwritten letters, and music sheets. These paper goods are often overlooked, but they carry such intimacy. I have several 19th-century books containing someone’s personal accounts, and it is shocking to see how few things were needed for daily life compared to our modern times.

I sometimes frame a beautiful letter or place a faded book on a bedside table. It’s an easy way to add French charm and history to any corner of the home.

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What I’ve learnt through the years

Over time, I’ve learned not to rush through a brocante. I take my time. I touch the fabric, flip through the books, and turn over plates to read the maker’s mark. It’s a process of discovery, and sometimes the most humble items are the ones that speak to me most. It’s always worth chatting with the dealer, who is usually happy to share information about his wares.

Brocante shopping is not just about decorating, it’s about preserving a lifestyle, honouring the beauty in everyday things. These items were once loved and used, and when we bring them into our homes, we continue their story.

If you’re new to French flea markets, start with what draws your eye. Don’t worry about having a perfect collection. The charm is in the mix, the layers, and the memories that form along the way. And if you can’t make it to a brocante in France just yet, don’t worry, that’s exactly why I created the MFCH Box. Every season, we source beautiful, authentic pieces that bring a touch of French heritage to your doorstep.

You may also like to know that next Spring I have a new book coming out, all about buying French antiques and brocante. It will be a big, beautiful book with lots of photos and really useful information about what to buy and where. Watch this space, we’ll have more details for you soon!