Contay Flea Market

An event rooted in the local calendar

Contay, a small commune of around 450 inhabitants nestled on the Picard plateau between Amiens and Albert, holds its annual flea market each September. The 2026 edition is set for Sunday 13 September. The event, on a human scale, takes place in the village streets and attracts mainly private sellers from neighbouring communes who come to clear out cellars, attics and outbuildings. The whole tradition of the Picard réderie comes alive here: a moment of village reunion around everyday objects.

The spirit of the Picard réderie

The word "réderie" comes from Picard and designates what is called a flea market elsewhere. In Contay, as in all rural communes of the department, one browses in a relaxed mood: merchandise is varied, prices are gentle and haggling is friendly. Country furniture, earthenware, old tools, 1970s-80s toys, paperbacks, embroidered linen, vintage postcards usually make up the bulk of the stalls.

A convivial day in the countryside

In Contay, the flea market is also a village festival. Local volunteers usually run a drinks and light catering stand — fries, sausages, pancakes or waffles. Children play while parents browse, neighbours catch up, visitors from Amiens enjoy the country air. The event runs all day, from dawn to late afternoon.

Discovering the Val de Somme

Coming to Contay is also a chance to discover this lesser-known part of the Somme, between the Great War memorials (Albert, Pozières, Thiepval) and the banks of the Ancre river. The Picard countryside is rolling, village churches are numerous, and many remembrance sites recall the battles of 1916. A perfect detour to extend your day after the flea market.