Nouaillé-Maupertuis Flea Market

A spring tradition on the outskirts of Poitiers

Every 1 May, Nouaillé-Maupertuis, around fifteen kilometres south-east of Poitiers in the Grand Poitiers urban area, hosts its annual flea market. The 2026 edition takes place on Friday 1 May in the streets of the historic centre, around the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Junien founded in the 9th century. Some fifty private sellers spread out their treasures for the delight of bargain hunters.

What you'll find

The Nouaillé flea market remains a small-scale, village-style event. Stalls are loaded with items from local attics: crockery, knick-knacks, clothes, books, children's toys, small furniture, tools, vinyl records and old games. A perfect chance to pick up, for little money, an object with a story behind it.

• Trinkets, crockery, porcelain
• Vintage clothing and old textiles
• Toys, books, comics
• Small furniture, decorative items
• Tools and everyday objects

An outstanding heritage setting

Nouaillé-Maupertuis is no ordinary village. Famous for the 1356 Battle of Poitiers that pitted John the Good against the Black Prince, the commune preserves fine traces of its medieval past: the fortified Saint-Junien abbey with its Romanesque bell tower, the listed abbey church, and partially preserved ramparts.

Tips for bargain hunters

Nouaillé's narrow streets mean exhibitors' vehicles cannot remain next to the stalls: come early (from 7-8 am) and park in the designated areas at the village entrance. May Day is always busy in Vienne flea markets, but Nouaillé keeps a more intimate, friendly atmosphere than larger events nearby.

Extending the day

After the flea market, enjoy the walking trails through the nearby Bois de Saint-Pierre, or head to Poitiers (15 minutes by car) to visit Notre-Dame-la-Grande and the historic quarter. The Futuroscope amusement park at Chasseneuil-du-Poitou is also 30 minutes away for a family afternoon.