Great Whitsun Flea Market of Boissy-Mauvoisin

A village tradition on Whitsunday

Every year, on Whitsunday, the small village of Boissy-Mauvoisin, nestled in western Yvelines between Mantes-la-Jolie and Bonnières-sur-Seine, comes alive around an event that has become essential: the Great Whitsun Flea Market. With around 275 private exhibitors setting up their stalls on the church square and along Rue des Tilleuls, this is one of the most popular events of the canton, an impressive feat for a village of barely 250 inhabitants.

A village festival atmosphere

The Boissy-Mauvoisin flea market preserves the spirit of flea markets of old: exhibitors set up from 5.30am, early visitors arrive with their morning coffee, and throughout the day the village buzzes with cheerful activity. Stalls offer everything: old toys, crockery, furniture, clothes, books, tools, decorative objects, trinkets and sometimes more interesting pieces from neighbouring farms. The event takes place outdoors around the square, with on-site refreshments and sanitation facilities.

The APE La Clé des Champs in charge

The event is organised by the local school parents' association, La Clé des Champs. The proceeds fund school projects and end-of-year trips for the children. The involvement of volunteer parents is such that preparations mobilise the village for several weeks, turning Whitsunday into a genuine collective celebration. Exhibitor registration opens in January at the very affordable rate of €5 per linear metre (minimum 2 metres).

A village in the heart of the French Vexin

Boissy-Mauvoisin is one of those rural communes that give the French Vexin its identity: a landscape of cereal plateaus, groves and small valleys, dotted with churches, old farms and hamlets. The Seine flows a few kilometres to the south. Whitsun weekend is an ideal opportunity to combine bargain hunting with a walk in this region often overlooked by Parisians themselves.

Tips for bargain hunters

Arriving early is highly recommended: as with any popular country flea market, the best pieces go fast. Bring cash, a sturdy bag, and a smile for haggling.