From Salins-les-Bains to Noyers-sur-Serein, Belfort to Auxerre: 10 Burgundy and Franche-Comté flea markets this Whitsun weekend, set in forts and listed villages.
Burgundy-Franche-Comté plays the setting card this Whitsun. Three of this weekend's picks take place in remarkable heritage sites — the Fort Saint-André in Salins-les-Bains, the Old Castle in Noyers-sur-Serein, the Chesnez hamlet outside Auxerre — and the region holds some of eastern France's oldest flea markets, starting with Chaux, which marks its 39th edition in the Territoire de Belfort. Our pick this week: the vide-grenier inside the Old Castle of Noyers-sur-Serein. Hunting in the precincts of a medieval castle, in one of France's most beautiful villages, in the heart of Chablis country, doesn't come along every weekend.
Noyers-sur-Serein Old Castle vide-grenier, in a Plus Beau Village (Yonne)
On Sunday May 24, the Patrimoine Oublié association runs its Whitsun vide-grenier inside the Old Castle of Noyers-sur-Serein, listed among France's most beautiful villages. Among medieval towers and half-timbered houses, 75 private sellers offer their finds in this Serein valley village, in the heart of Burgundian Chablis country. The scale stays human, but the setting is unmatched in the region — a true heritage experience as much as a hunting day. Combine with a tasting at one of the local winegrowers.
Fort Saint-André spring vide-grenier at Salins-les-Bains (Jura)
On Sunday May 24, the Fort Saint-André in Salins-les-Bains opens its gates for a large open-air vide-grenier. From 7am to 5pm, hunters roam the fort's pathways looking for finds among private and professional stalls. A raffle with attractive prizes runs during the day. The setting — fortifications towering over the thermal town of Salins, directly linked to the UNESCO-listed Grande Saline — gives the event a dimension no car park or village hall can match. Combine the day with a tour of the Royal Salines.
Coulanges-sur-Yonne Whitsun fair, 150 sellers on the Yonne (Yonne)
On Sunday May 24, the Coulanges en Fêtes association hosts its big traditional fair on the banks of the Yonne. With around 150 sellers offering clothing, objects and curiosities, it is one of the largest events in the Avallon area. Coulanges-sur-Yonne, a medieval village of 1,200 inhabitants between Auxerre (30 km) and Avallon (25 km), hosts this annual event as part of its patronal festivities. A beautiful hunting day along the water, to combine with a walk along the Nivernais canal.
Chesnez hamlet annual vide-grenier in Auxerre, 160 sellers
Every Whitsun, the Comité des Fêtes Les Chesnez runs the big annual vide-grenier of the Chesnez hamlet in Auxerre. With 160 sellers or more, opening at 6am, no advance booking and large free parking, it is one of the busiest vide-greniers in the Auxerre area. The hamlet, set apart from the Auxerre centre, keeps a village atmosphere that makes all the difference compared with large urban flea markets. Family format, free coffee for sellers, food on site.
39th Chaux flea market, the Territoire de Belfort institution
Every spring, Chaux organises its traditional Marché aux Puces, one of the oldest popular events in the Territoire de Belfort. Run by the town hall and local associations for 39 years, it combines vide-grenier, family entertainment and conviviality in the heart of this Vosges-foothills village, 4 km from Giromagny. A longevity that has made it a true identity event for the area. A pick for those who value flea markets rooted in real local tradition.
Chaprais-Cras vide-grenier in Besançon, 120 sellers on the Résal esplanade (Doubs)
On Sunday May 24, the Chaprais and Cras vide-grenier returns to the Résal esplanade. Organised by ASEP Besançon, it is one of the not-to-miss spring events in the city, with up to 120 private and professional sellers. Free entry, entertainment and refreshments on site. The neighbourhood format, on a tree-shaded esplanade, gives it a calmer feel than the big Micropolis professional fair. A choice for hunters who prefer to avoid mass crowds.
Novillars annual vide-grenier, in the Doubs valley
The Novillars annual vide-grenier is held on Sunday May 24 on Place du 8-Mai-1945, in this Doubs valley village between Besançon and Baume-les-Dames. Private sellers and amateur dealers take over the main square for a friendly day of hunting in the shade of Franche-Comté façades. A popular event that brings together village residents and hunters from the Besançon area. Human-scale — around 50 to 80 sellers — perfect for those who love authentic village vide-greniers.
Saint-Sauveur spring fair, in rural Côte-d'Or
The Amicale San-Salvatorienne runs its annual spring fair in Saint-Sauveur, a small village in the Vingeanne valley. This village event combines vide-grenier and flea market in a friendly rural atmosphere on Sunday May 24. Refreshments and food provided by volunteers. Free entry. A village format Côte-d'Or knows how to host — not spectacular, but authentic, 30 km northeast of Dijon in a quiet valley.
Bona flea market, 60 sellers in southern Nièvre
On Sunday May 24, the Bona flea market sets up behind the town hall of this small village of around 200 inhabitants, in southern Nièvre between Decize and Cercy-la-Tour. With around sixty sellers, it brings together hunters and walkers in a rural and authentic setting. Attic finds, tableware, knick-knacks, clothing and small furniture make up the selection. A pure country flea market of southern Nivernais, for those wanting to get off the beaten track.
Seurre Rugby vide-grenier, at Charles Girardot stadium (Côte-d'Or)
On Sunday May 24, the Seurre Rugby vide-grenier takes over the Charles Girardot stadium, run by the rugby club of this small Saône valley town in Côte-d'Or. The event hosts between 50 and 100 sellers, private and professional, from 6:30am to 7pm, at €2 per linear metre. Free coffee for sellers, food on site. One of the most attended popular events in the area between Beaune and the Jura. Open format, friendly atmosphere, direct support for the local club: all the ingredients of a successful late-May vide-grenier.
Also worth a look this weekend in Burgundy-Franche-Comté
- Annay flea and auto-moto exchange combines flea market, garage clear-out and spare-parts exchange on May 24 in Nièvre: a specific format for retro mechanics fans.
- Geek Collector Saône offers on May 24 at the Espace du Marais in Saône (Doubs) a fair dedicated to geek and pop culture: vintage video games, figurines, manga, comics, free retrogaming zone.
For more regional weekend hunting picks, visit our national agenda. Happy Whitsun to Burgundy and Franche-Comté hunters.
