Le Crotoy Postcard Fair

A fair dedicated to old postcards

The Le Crotoy Postcard Fair is a specialized event that stands out from generalist flea markets and vide-greniers. Bringing together 18 private sellers, the fair attracts an audience of cartophily enthusiasts — the term designating postcard collecting — and local history lovers. In this more intimate and concentrated format than large réderies, collectors can really find rare pieces and discuss in depth with sellers who are often very erudite.

Cartophily, a historical passion

The old postcard is much more than a simple object: it is an irreplaceable testimony of the past of our cities and villages. For Picardy, hard hit by the First World War, postcards from before 1914 sometimes constitute the only existing visual document of a street or a monument destroyed since. For Le Crotoy, a seaside resort since the late 19th century, they retrace the evolution of a city turned towards the sea and frequented by personalities — Jules Verne, Colette, Toulouse-Lautrec stayed here.

What the fair offers

The 18 private sellers selected for the fair offer collectors a sharp offer: old postcards from Picardy and elsewhere, illustrated and photographic cards, military cards from both world wars, humorous and advertising cards, views of cities, villages and monuments, cards on specific themes (boats, railways, aviation, costumes, trades). Some sellers also offer complementary old papers: old letters, menus, programs, photographs, small format posters. A complete universe for visual memory enthusiasts.

Le Crotoy, emblematic resort of the bay

Bargain hunting in Le Crotoy means enjoying an exceptional setting. The only seaside resort in the Bay of Somme exposed to the south, Le Crotoy offers a long sandy beach facing Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. The city retains the authentic charm of a Picardy seaside resort, with its small fishing and pleasure port, its Belle Époque villas and its seafood restaurants. Collectors who dedicate their day to the fair can easily combine their visit with a walk by the sea, a lunch of mussels or the famous local specialty, salt-meadow lamb.