UNC / Chanterelle Angloise Flea Market - Saint-Valérien

A twofold flea market

In Saint-Valérien (~850 south-Vendée village), two local associations pool efforts yearly: the UNC (National Veterans' Union) and La Chanterelle Angloise. 2025: Sunday 17 August. 2026: expected Sunday 16 August (TBC).

Double organisation, double audience, double network, double cause. Great example of villages pooling efforts.

UNC: memory and solidarity

One of France's largest patriotic associations, founded after WWI. Members: veterans (Indochina, Algeria, OPEX etc.) and their families. Beyond memory duty: solidarity, aid, outings, ceremonies. Flea markets help funding.

La Chanterelle Angloise

Local association, likely musical (chanterelle = violin string) or naturalist (a mushroom). Cultural/leisure, animates village and co-runs events.

What to find

• Summer and off-season clothes
• Beach and holiday gear
• Toys, games, books
• Crockery, trinkets, decor
• Small furniture
• Tools, garden gear
• Fishing gear (Marais Poitevin nearby)
• Vinyl, DVDs
• Old family items
• Sometimes commemorative items (documents, medals, regiment photos)

Lively south-Vendée village

Near Marais Poitevin, between Fontenay-le-Comte and Luçon. Dense community life: UNC, Chanterelle, Festival Committee, sports clubs. Both UNC/Chanterelle and Festival Committee run fleas — regular bargain-hunter destination.

Strategic summer date

Mid-August peak tourism: coast and Marais holidaymakers can trip. Locals too. Heat = morning organisation, peak 9-11am.

Tips

Come early for bargains + heat. Hat, water, sunscreen. Moderate prices. Refreshments well appreciated.

Food and atmosphere

Joint refreshments: drinks, coffee, sandwiches, cakes, sometimes grills. Friendly multigenerational vibe typical of veteran-family events.

Around

Fontenay-le-Comte (25 km), Maillezais (15 km) abbey, Coulon Marais boat rides. Luçon cathedral. Coast (Les Sables, La Tranche) 45 min for flea + beach combo.