From Crissay to Sarzay via Tours, Blois and Orléans, ten hunting grounds for Ascension: 120 sellers in a medieval village, dealers on Tours' grand boulevard.
The Ascension long weekend gives the Centre-Val de Loire region four days to roll out an exceptionally dense range of bargain hunting. Ten rendez-vous stand out from the 74 active flea markets across the region's six departments: three professional antique dealer markets in the centres of Tours, Blois and Vendôme, two flea markets nestled at the foot of remarkable châteaux, a major fair in one of France's Most Beautiful Villages and a handful of yard sales rooted in Loire-side and Sologne villages. Our pick this week: the Crissay-sur-Manse Antique Fair, which deploys 120 sellers along nearly two kilometres in one of Touraine's most beautiful medieval villages. Probably the finest hunting backdrop of the long weekend in the region.
Crissay-sur-Manse Antique Fair, in a Most Beautiful Village (Indre-et-Loire)
Sunday May 17, the Crissay-sur-Manse Antique Fair takes over one of Touraine's most photographed villages. Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France for its medieval tuffeau stone ensemble, its cobbled lanes and its ruined 15th-century castle, Crissay welcomes from 8 am to 7 pm around 120 sellers — professionals and private — spread along nearly two kilometres of the historic village. The selection blends rustic furniture, faience, antiquarian books, country tools and curiosities, in a natural backdrop few flea markets can match. Free entry, on-site catering. Best for combining a hunting day with heritage discovery in the Manse valley.
Boulevard Béranger professional antique market in Tours (Indre-et-Loire)
Sunday May 17, the Boulevard Béranger professional flea market holds its monthly rendez-vous on one of Tours' grandest urban avenues, between Place Jean-Jaurès and Place de la Liberté. From 7 am to 7 pm, around a hundred antique dealers and professional brocanteurs take over the shaded sidewalks to offer furniture, art objects, faience, jewellery, designer lamps and curiosities. Run by the City of Tours, it is one of the largest professional antique markets in the region and a historic rendez-vous for Touraine bargain hunting. Local audience and regional collectors mix freely, with professional quality on display. An urban format ideal to pair with a stroll through the old town.
Gizeux Annual Flea Market, at the foot of the castle (Indre-et-Loire)
Sunday May 17, the Gizeux Annual Flea Market brings together 150 to 200 sellers in this north-western Touraine village, a stone's throw from the imposing Château de Gizeux and its five centuries of uninterrupted family history. Held during the village fête, the event spreads private sellers and local dealers in a resolutely village atmosphere. Country furniture, crockery, books, clothes and bric-a-brac make up most of the offer. Pitches cost two euros for five metres, no prior booking. Human-scale format, the heritage context sets it apart from your usual hall-based yard sale. Pair with a visit to the château, open to the public.
Aubigny-sur-Nère Flea Market, in the Stuart city (Cher)
Sunday May 17, the Aubigny-sur-Nère Flea Market takes over the town centre and the Grands Jardins park of this former city granted by Charles VII to the Scottish constable John Stuart of Darnley. With 200 to 300 sellers — private and professional — it is one of the largest events in the Cher department. Furniture, crockery, knick-knacks, clothes, books and varied collections fill the streets of this town with remarkably preserved half-timbered houses. Free entry, catering by local associations. The Berry Sologne turns out for this annual event, organised by Aubigny Animations. Pair with a walk through the medieval centre and a stop at the Stuart Castle.
Sarzay flea market, at the foot of a medieval fortress (Indre)
Sunday May 17, the Sarzay flea market sets up at the foot of the Sarzay fortified castle, a jewel of the southern Berry Boischaut. This 14th-15th century medieval fortress, superbly preserved with its four round towers, moat and keep, serves as backdrop to a hunting day in a remarkable setting. Sellers install their stalls around the château to offer antique furniture, country objects, knick-knacks and finds. George Sand country is nearby — Nohant and the Vallée Noire are some twenty minutes away. Human-scale format, the castle setting signs the event's singularity. Castle visit accessible separately, plan a full day to combine both.
Mail Pierre Sudreau monthly antique market in Blois, on the Loire banks (Loir-et-Cher)
Sunday May 17, the Mail Pierre Sudreau monthly antique market holds its rendez-vous on the shaded promenade running along the Loire between the Jacques-Gabriel bridge and the police headquarters. From 50 to 100 strictly professional exhibitors — brocanteurs and antique dealers — display their finds. The rule is clear: no new items, no copies, no food. This editorial standard makes Blois one of the most qualitative monthly events in the Loire Valley. Run by Thierry Ormalla, this professional market draws a knowledgeable audience hunting for fine pieces: period furniture, faience, paintings, jewellery and art objects. Best for collectors, pair with a climb up to the royal Château de Blois.
Orléans Vintage yard sale, two days on the Loire banks (Loiret)
Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17, Orléans Vintage transforms the Place de Loire and the quays into a vast free vintage market. Over two days, around fifty vintage yard-sale stands stand alongside open-air screenings, workshops and retro animations focused on the 1985-2005 aesthetic. The 2025 seventh edition drew 15,000 visitors, making it one of the biggest vintage events of the year in the region. Hybrid format between specialised flea market and urban event, the event targets a young audience of pop-culture fans: vinyl, retro toys, second-hand clothing and formica furniture. Free entry, distinctly festive atmosphere set against the Loire river.
Tigy Asparagus Fair yard sale (Loiret)
Sunday May 17, the Tigy Asparagus Fair pairs its famous asparagus market — the Loire Valley's emblematic spring crop — with a lively yard sale on Place de l'Église. Run by the SDFI, the event blends agricultural tradition, musical animations and bargain hunting in this Loire-side village some twenty kilometres south of Orléans. Sellers set up their stalls while local producers offer tastings and fresh asparagus sales. Singular format in our selection, the local-produce angle making all the difference. A complete formula that nicely sums up Loire identity: second-hand, seasonal gastronomy, village fête. Pair with an asparagus lunch on site.
Suèvres antique flea market, a Loire-side village (Loir-et-Cher)
Sunday May 17, the Suèvres antique flea market brings together up to 100 sellers on the field facing the Maison des Associations, rue de la République. This Loire-side Loir-et-Cher village between Blois and Mer holds a remarkable heritage with its two Romanesque churches from the 11th-12th centuries and Gallo-Roman remains. The format mixes professional brocanteurs and private sellers: antiques, vintage furniture, crockery, collectibles and bric-a-brac fill the offer. Free entry, on-site catering. Human-scale, this spring rendez-vous lets you hunt in a preserved heritage setting, away from the crowds of major urban events. A good stop on a Loire Valley exploration day between Blois and Beaugency.
Ingré en Fêtes Spring Yard Sale, in the Bel Air park (Loiret)
Sunday May 17, the Ingré en Fêtes Spring Yard Sale takes place in the Bel Air park, a vast green space in this municipality of the Orléans metropolitan area. Run by the Ingré en Fêtes association, this big second-hand market gathers hundreds of private sellers on the park's lawns. An essential spring rendez-vous west of Orléans, open from dawn. Furniture, toys, clothes, books and everyday objects make up the bulk of the offer, with a few brocanteurs slipped in between private sellers. Family-friendly and popular format, easy parking and on-site catering run by the association. Best for those wanting a big local hunting day in a green setting.
Also worth a look this weekend in Centre-Val de Loire
For more regional weekend picks, head to our national agenda. Enjoy the Ascension long weekend and happy hunting.
