Sainte-Hermine Old Papers Fair

The Old Papers Fair

Sainte-Hermine, about 2,700 inhabitants in southern Vendée, halfway between La Roche-sur-Yon and Fontenay-le-Comte. Famous for its early-20th-century covered market and Napoleon III heritage. Each summer, a very original fair dedicated exclusively to old paper: books, postcards, posters, brochures, documents.

2026 edition: Sunday 5 July 2026, 8am-7pm, under the halles. A meet for old-paper enthusiasts — collectors, researchers, specialist dealers, curious people looking for an old photo or postcard. Quite a rare and specialised event drawing exhibitors and visitors from across western France.

A specialist fair

Unlike general flea markets, this one is exclusively about old paper. Wide-ranging: postcards (cartophilie), letters, old books and brochures, engravings, posters, old photographs, scores, vintage magazines, printed ads, old comics, official or family documents.

What to find

• Old postcards by region and theme
• Old books, fine bindings
• Old advertising posters
• Brochures, catalogues, tracts
• Old documents and archives
• Old photos and calling cards
• Engravings, lithographs
• Vintage magazines
• Old comics
• Music scores

A heritage setting

Held under Sainte-Hermine's halles, the village's emblematic building. Spacious and covered, ideal for fragile paper. Exhibitors have suitable space, visitors enjoy weather-independent browsing.

Sainte-Hermine heritage

Worth a visit: Napoleon-III-style town hall, church, central square, famous Napoleon and Josephine museum. Equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte on the square is a symbol. Other events run year-round.

For exhibitors

€2.50/linear metre. Booking via Brocabrac. Open to pros and private sellers. Setup usually from 6:30am.

Tips

Come early (8am opening) for rare items; bring a satchel or tube for fragile papers; cash recommended (pros sometimes take card for expensive items); chat with exhibitors — often very knowledgeable specialists.