From the Ensisheim meteorite fair to the yard sale on a Roman site at Grand, plus 340 vendors at La Chapelle-Saint-Luc: our June 20-21 treasure hunt across the Grand Est.
Solstice weekend, and the Grand Est pulls out all the stops for treasure hunters. For this Saturday June 20 and Sunday June 21, our heart goes to the standouts: the Ensisheim meteorite and mineral fair, in the town that holds the oldest preserved meteorite in the world, and the Grand yard sale, where you hunt at the foot of a Roman amphitheater. For sheer volume, the Alsace Bossue lines up its 160 vendors at Adamswiller, the Troyes area its 340 stalls at La Chapelle-Saint-Luc, and Lorraine its big village yard sales. Whether you are after bargains by the dozen or a more unusual hunt, this weekend ticks both boxes, from the giant flea market to the niche collectors' fair.
Ensisheim Meteorite and Mineral Fair (68): hunting for stones fallen from the sky
Here is the weekend's most singular gem. The Ensisheim meteorite and mineral fair takes place on Saturday June 20 and Sunday June 21, on Place de l'Église, in the only town in the world to preserve a meteorite that fell in 1492. This indoor show gathers collectors and dealers from across Europe: authentic meteorites, rough and cut minerals, rare fossils, crystals and semi-precious stones change hands in an enthusiasts' atmosphere. It is a one-of-a-kind event in Alsace, halfway between a specialist brocante and a science fair. Even if you do not leave with a fragment of space, the display cases alone are worth the trip, and the theme will delight curious minds young and old. All the details on the Ensisheim fair page.
Grand Yard Sale (88): hunting at the foot of a Roman amphitheater
Head to the Vosges for one of the year's most surprising hunts. The Grand yard sale sets up on Sunday June 21 at the Paul Guillaume stadium, in this village of 500 inhabitants that is a major archaeological site: a Roman amphitheater seating 17,000 and a giant 232 m² mosaic dedicated to the god Apollo Grannus. Around forty private vendors lay out clothes, tableware, toys and trinkets in this antique setting, unique in Lorraine. Free admission. You come here as much for the rummaging as for the curiosity of the place, easily combined with a visit to the Gallo-Roman site. An ideal outing for hunters who like to mix bargains with heritage. Info on the Grand yard sale page.
29th Adamswiller Grand Flea Market (67): 160 vendors in the Alsace Bossue
This is the heavyweight of the northern Bas-Rhin. The 29th Adamswiller Grand Flea Market spreads out on Sunday June 21 along the Rue Principale, at the entrance to the village, in the heart of the Alsace Bossue. With around 160 vendors from across Alsace and Lorraine, it is one of the oldest and biggest hunting events in the area. Brocante, antiques, tableware, vinyl, tools, old toys and vintage clothes line the street in a big village-unpacking atmosphere. Twenty-nine editions on the clock: the longevity says everything about its local roots. The rural format and the variety of stalls make it a safe bet for a serious morning of hunting. Details on the Adamswiller flea market page.
La Chapelle-Saint-Luc Yard Sale (10): 340 vendors at the gates of Troyes
Over in the Aube, here is one of the department's biggest unpackings. The La Chapelle-Saint-Luc yard sale, in the Troyes conurbation, brings together around 340 private and professional vendors on Sunday June 21. Such capacity makes it one of the largest yard sales in the Aube, held twice a year, in June and October. Furniture, second-hand clothes, toys, tableware, decor: variety is guaranteed by the sheer numbers. At the gates of Troyes and its factory outlets, it is an easy stop for city hunters after volume. Arrive early to work the aisles before the crowds. All the info on the La Chapelle-Saint-Luc yard sale page.
Faulx Yard Sale (54): 200 vendors on Rue du Stade
In Meurthe-et-Moselle, the Faulx yard sale is a major event on the local calendar. Organized by the Foyer Rural on Sunday June 21, it gathers 200 vendors on Rue du Stade, near the village hall, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Toys, clothes, tableware, books and trinkets at attractive prices: you come here for the bargain and the good-natured atmosphere. Free parking, refreshments and food on site, vendor rate of 2 € per meter or 10 € for 5 meters. A big, well-run village yard sale in the Nancy area that keeps hunters and vendors coming back. Ideal for a full day of hunting without breaking the bank. Details on the Faulx yard sale page.
31st Lièpvre Arms and Militaria Fair (68): for history buffs
Back to the Haut-Rhin for a specialist fair, one of the biggest in Alsace. The 31st Lièpvre Arms and Militaria Fair brings together collectors and military-history enthusiasts on Sunday June 21 in this village of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley. Regulated antique weapons, uniforms, medals, documents, photographs and military objects of all eras change hands. Thirty-one editions: it is a must for fans of the genre, who comb the aisles in search of the rare piece or the forgotten document. A niche format that makes a change from the general yard sales. Info on the Lièpvre fair page.
Saulcy Yard Sale in Metz (57): hunting on an island, on Saturday
For those who hunt as early as Saturday, head to the Moselle. The Saulcy yard sale takes place on Saturday June 20 on the Île du Saulcy, the university quarter of Metz nestled between two arms of the Moselle. This exceptional riverside setting offers a rare backdrop for a day of hunting. Reserved for private sellers, with no dealers, this yard sale draws Metz residents in search of bargains in a convivial atmosphere. Refreshments and food are available on site. It is the chance to open your hunting weekend in the very heart of Metz, before moving on to the nearby Saint-Étienne cathedral and the city center. Details on the Saulcy yard sale page.
26th Schwenheim Flea Market (67): a Bas-Rhin classic
Still in the Bas-Rhin, the 26th Schwenheim Flea Market takes place on Sunday June 21 in the village center, on Rue de Saverne. Organized for over a quarter of a century, this traditional event gathers private sellers and professionals offering brocante, antiques, tableware, vinyl, books, old toys, vintage clothes and tools. Twenty-six editions: solid roots that make it one of the reliable fixtures of Alsatian hunting. The human-scale village format guarantees a quiet hunt away from the bustle of the big fairs. A good option for those who like to take their time between the stalls. All the info on the Schwenheim flea market page.
Bantzenheim Street Festival Grand Flea Market (68): hunting by the Rhine
On the banks of the Rhine, the Bantzenheim Street Festival Grand Flea Market takes over the village center on Sunday June 21. Private sellers and artisans mingle to offer hunters clothes, assorted objects, brocante and handmade creations, as part of a lively, convivial street party. Admission is free. The format blends hunting with village entertainment, making it a pleasant family outing, a stone's throw from the German border and the nature walks along the Rhine. You come as much for the festive atmosphere as for the rummaging. Details on the Bantzenheim flea market page.
Chouilly Brocante (51): hunting amid a Champagne Grand Cru
In Champagne, the Chouilly festival committee organizes its annual brocante on Sunday June 21 at the Rempart du Nord, in this Grand Cru wine village of the Côte des Blancs. The event gathers vendors and visitors in a rural setting of classified vineyards, at the gates of Épernay and the world capital of Champagne. It is a human-scale village hunt, perfect for combining bargains with a stroll through the slopes. The surrounding Chardonnay vines make a pleasant change from the tarmac of retail-park car parks. A stop at a nearby winegrower naturally extends the outing. Info on the Chouilly brocante page.
Anould Flea Market (88): the festive hunt of the Meurthe valley
In the Vosges, the Anould flea market takes place on Sunday June 21, on Avenue Henri Poincaré, in this commune of 2,400 inhabitants in the Meurthe valley, 13 km from Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. Run by a dynamic local association, this festive rendezvous fits squarely in the tradition of Vosges flea markets, in a valley shaped by industrial and textile history. Brocante, everyday objects and assorted finds await hunters in a convivial atmosphere. The area, at the foot of the massif, lends itself to extending the day with a nature walk. A pleasant stop for hunters of the eastern Vosges. Details on the Anould flea market page.
P'tite Rékup Brocante in Bouligny (55): hunting by the ponds
To close our selection, head to the Meuse and a natural setting. The P'tite Rékup brocante takes place on Sunday June 21 at the Mauhumeaux ponds in Bouligny, a commune of the northern Meuse. Vendors are welcomed from 6 a.m., the brocante opens to the public at 7 a.m. and runs until 4:30 p.m. The rate is 1 euro per meter for private sellers and 5 euros for professionals; admission is free for visitors, with refreshments and light food on site. Hunting by the water, in a relaxed, club-run atmosphere, makes a change from the big crowded unpackings. An intimate format ideal for a quiet morning. Info on the Bouligny brocante page.
Also worth noting this weekend
- Sainte-Croix-en-Plaine flea market (68) — Sunday June 21, open-air in the village between Colmar and the vineyards, with views of the Vosges crests
- AS Sigolsheim Garage Sale (68) — Sunday June 21 on Rue du Stade, in a Route des Vins wine village (Kaysersberg Vignoble)
- Place Ducale Brocante (08) — Sunday June 21 in Charleville-Mézières, under the pink-sandstone arcades of the 17th-century masterpiece
To find more weekend hunting spots across the Grand Est or elsewhere in France, head to our weekend treasure-hunting agenda, updated continuously. Happy hunting!
