Thursday 1 May 2008

1er Mai - May Day Holiday





May Day - Ascension Day -La Fête du Travail (Labor Day) also La Fête du Muguet (Lily of the Valley) marks the unofficial start to the flea market season.


Chineurs (bargain hunters) of all ages descend on small towns and villages all over France to find a must have item, hidden treasure or piece of junk to add to a collection.
We had two vide-greniers (literal translation: empty attics), flea markets to choose from this morning in local villages: Tournières and Trévières.
We set off first for Tournieres but were disappointed to find that the foire there had been rescheduled for next Thursday, 8th May - WWII Victory Day (Fête de la Victoire 1945; Fête du huitième mai ) and another public holiday.
Off then to Trévières, arriving well after the start but still hopefull despite passing quite a few folk leaving with bags under their arms.
The foire was the usual mix of vendors, tables laden with hand me down childrens clothing, toys, games & videos; garden tools & plants; old car parts & farm implements; pots, pictures & china; postcards & posters.
Sadly, no Quimper faience this time but I did discover a very pretty ceramic salad bowl with servers and a leaf shaped, hand painted Limoges footed dish (both brand new) hidden beneath a table. After a little discussion (no haggling today) I came away with both, price €11, a bargain!!
On our way home we shopped at the tiny general store in La Folie and bought a crusty baguette, a creamy camembert & tiny vine tomatoes for lunch and a small pot of Muguet to celebrate.


Bon appetit.




2 comments:

  1. Maggie,
    Gay told me of your blog. I'm going to join as a reader if you don't mind. I didn't know you were doing this. What fun for all of us here in the states who would love to be doing what you and Roger are doing....living in France!
    Enjoy your weekend!
    Love,
    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  2. That ceramic salad bowl is lovely and it looks like you found some treasures for sure.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by, your visit just made my day!