Braderie de Lille: Europe's biggest flea market

It is one of the most famous flea markets in France. Every year, the Lille flea market attracts several million bargain hunters from all over the world. For a weekend, the city vibrates to the rhythm of the festivities organized for the occasion.
Sport, gastronomy, music: discover the organization and the animations that surround the largest flea market in Europe.

Organization of the event

The Lille flea market traditionally takes place the first weekend of September. Organized for the first time in the 12th century, it was successively named Foire de Lille, Franche foire and Fête aux loques. This gigantic garage sale extends over 100 km of stalls and has more than 10,000 exhibitors.

You can buy and sell various second-hand items, such as:

toys and games;
antiques;
records and books;
clothing and fashion accessories;
crafts and ethnic objects.

To facilitate the organization and movement of users, the flea market is divided into different sectors. Along the boulevards, on the large avenues or in the small pedestrian streets: each district has its specialty. Get the flea market map to locate the stands that may interest you!
In the heart of the city, the area dedicated to the fair is entirely pedestrian. Public transport is requisitioned for the occasion: the bus, tram and metro service is reinforced. Supervised car parks are set up to relieve traffic in the city center. Travelers who go to Lille by train can benefit from reduced fares on TER and TGV trains.

Gastronomy and festivities

It is impossible to go to the flea market without tasting a plate of mussels and fries. The "bradeux" love them and consume them at any time to regain strength.

Moreover, restaurateurs launch the same challenge every year: that of collecting the largest pile of mussels in front of their establishment! Hundreds of tons of mussels and potatoes are thus devoured during the fair.

The Lille specialties and the best local products are also served in the city's estaminets. You can enjoy a traditional dish with a Flemish-sounding name in Lille's brasseries and gourmet restaurants.
In the evening, the bars, nightclubs and cabarets of Lille are in tune with the party. Supercharged atmosphere guaranteed!

The Lille flea market half-marathon

This 21.1 km race is organized every year the first weekend of September to the delight of residents and traders. It kicks off the festivities and attracts athletes from all countries, amateurs and professionals.
The circuit crosses the main boulevards to leave the city center to bargain hunters. However, tradition dictates that the race village be established Place du théâtre, a stone's throw from the Grand'place of Lille.

How to make the most of the flea market?

The health crisis has imposed new measures on flea market users. Find out before arriving on site and respect the usual protective measures (wearing a mask, social distancing).
Most of the stands are held by professional antique dealers and passionate sellers. Unfortunately, counterfeiting is also very present. Tens of thousands of counterfeit items are seized by customs each year. Ensure the authenticity of the objects you acquire.

Accommodation near the Lille flea market

Do you want to go to the big flea market? Choose our hotel in the center of Lille and enjoy quality accommodation ideally located! A stone's throw from the Grand Palais, it will not take you more than 5 minutes by car to reach the city center. You do not want to drive in the city? We provide you with free, closed and secure parking. Let us take care of your vehicle and take advantage of public transport to avoid traffic jams! The Lille Grand Palais metro station is accessible on foot from our establishment. Do you prefer to travel by train? The Lille Flandres and Lille Europe SNCF train stations are also located near the hotel.

For a comfortable stay, choose one of our hotels in Lille and benefit from all B&B HOTELS services! Are you traveling with children? Our establishments offer family rooms with double or twin beds and private bathroom. A baby bed is available on request at reception. If you wish to bring your pet on a trip, it is possible for a supplement of €6 per night only.

Are you on a business trip? Our coworking spaces are at your disposal for your work sessions and your online meetings. At the end of the day, relax at the hotel bar before going out in the city. You will love our house cocktails!
We offer you all the equipment necessary for a quality stay:

unlimited wifi with fiber;
high-end Bultex bedding specially designed for B&B HOTELS;
flat screen TV in each accommodation;
gourmet breakfast at will.

Do you want a cozy dinner in your room? No need to leave the hotel thanks to our on-site catering service available at the B&B HOTEL Lille Centre Grand Palais. Order from our partners a traditional dish or an Italian pizza for a TV tray or a romantic meal!

The B&B HOTELS teams in Lille will be happy to welcome you and inform you during your visit. Consult now the list of available accommodations and book your stay with us!