Soullans Seamstresses' Market (Spring)

The seamstresses' market, a must

A French phenomenon of the last decade, riding the revival of amateur sewing. In Soullans, the biannual gathering (spring and autumn) is one of the most recognised in north-west Vendée. Spring 2026: Sunday 8 March.

The principle: fans sell, buy and swap fabrics, haberdashery, patterns, yarn, machines and small craft gear. Unlike a classic flea market, everything is sewing-related, often in excellent condition — amateurs over-buy fabric and put near-new stock back in circulation.

What's on stalls

• Fabric cuts (cotton, linen, wool, jersey, silk, lace)
• Wool and knitting yarn, new or partly used
• Patterns (Burda, La Maison Victor, etc.)
• Haberdashery (buttons, zips, bias, ribbons)
• Used sewing machines, overlockers
• Craft gear: beads, embroidery, cross-stitch, scrapbooking
• Accessories: scissors, pins, needles, cutting rulers
• Vintage fabrics, old linen to upcycle

A passionate, expert crowd

Unique atmosphere: people talk technique, tips, current projects. A learning space as much as bargain hunt. Beginners start on a budget, experts find rare pieces — vintage Liberty fabric, pearl buttons, a serviced old machine.

Eco-friendly

Breathing life into fabrics never used. Slow fashion and sew-your-own fit perfectly here.

Soullans, a fitting setting

Breton marsh of Vendée, authentic and accessible. Usually indoor (village hall), weather-proof for March. Visitors from across Vendée, south Loire-Atlantique, north Deux-Sèvres.

Extending the day

Visit the Milcendeau studio-house (Le Bois-Durand). Shops in Challans (5 km) or Saint-Gilles.