A Flea by the Sea

Of all the many Vide Greniers (or community boot sales, en anglais), that pop up in the villages and towns near Monaco, the one in Beaulieu sur Mer is one of my favourites.  

I find many of the region's "vides" are just an excuse for vendors to sit in the great outdoors, smoke, and give their overpriced junk some air and sunshine but this one is different.  

To begin the Vide in Beaulieu is larger than most and since the vendors are just regular folk trying to clear out some of their unwanted stuff, the junk is varied, their prices are fair and they always seem happy to negotiate and knock off a euro or two.

Beaulieu is also easy to get to by train or bus, steps from the sea and surrounded by beautiful mountains.  Also my friend Meghan lives there and joins me when she can.  What's not to like?

Who stole my QWERTY?

Even if I don't find anything to buy, I like comparing French flea market junk with the junk I find in Canadian flea markets. It's like visiting a parallel universe:  same idea, different execution.  Like European typewriters whose keys are laid out in a different configuration than those in North America.

The day's treasures.  Total damage: €25.  Pleasure:  priceless

I admit to a little obsession lately with knife rests and I find vide grenier the best place to pick them up since not many people use them any more except moi. At least they don't take up much room - or at least that's what I keep telling hubby.

If you're ever in the region and want to find out where the flea markets are during your visit, I find this site called BrocaBrac a good place to start.

There's another big Vide Grenier coming on May 1 in Menton which is worth the trip.

Let me know if you find anything interesting!

Candy apples made on-site

 

The annual May 1 Vide Grenier in Menton