Lavarenne Réderie (Doullens)

Neighbourhood réderie, a Picard tradition

Neighbourhood réderies are in the DNA of the Somme. Each year they liven up towns and villages across the department, each with their own flavour, regulars and atmosphere. The Lavarenne Réderie in Doullens, scheduled for Friday 8 May 2026, is a fine example: about 70 exhibitors, a warm atmosphere, a district mobilised. In a context where some communes struggle to keep their events alive, Lavarenne holds firm — and is even the only confirmed brocante in Doullens in 2026, making it all the more precious.

The Lavarenne district

Lavarenne is a Doullens district with a village-in-the-town feel: quiet streets, familiar neighbours, community spirit. This identity gives the réderie its particular character. Exhibitors are mostly Lavarenne locals and neighbours who take advantage of the 8 May holiday to clear attics, cellars and garages in front of their homes. Visitors are often familiar faces from the neighbourhood or from other parts of Doullens.

A classic réderie offering

The offering is typical of a neighbourhood réderie: family clothing, children's toys, books, vinyls, tableware, trinkets, small furniture, tools, baby items. Prices match this popular format — low, negotiable. Collectors occasionally find interesting items, but the everyday hunter, low-budget family and vintage enthusiast are the main winners.

Doullens, historic Doullennais capital

Doullens is a history-rich town in northern Somme, former capital of the Doullennais area. The town houses the Citadel of Doullens, a listed Vauban fortification that played a key role in both world wars: in 1918 the Doullens Agreement placing Marshal Foch at the head of the Allied armies was signed here. The town also has the Saint-Pierre church, shopping streets, a museum, and keeps a real urban identity despite its modest size (about 6,000 residents).

A day in Doullens

For visitors from Amiens, Abbeville or Arras, the Lavarenne Réderie easily pairs with a visit to the historic centre, the Citadel, and lunch in one of the town's restaurants. The weekly market and local shops round out the outing. With a car, a detour through the surrounding countryside (Authie, Ponthieu, Amiénois) extends the day in a region of remarkable yet still little-known heritage.