What is a vide-grenier in France?
A vide-grenier (literally "empty attic") is a popular French community second-hand street market, similar to a garage or car boot sale, where residents sell personal household items, clothing, and bric-à-brac. Usually held on Sundays in spring or summer, these events often take over town centers, functioning as social gatherings for locals to bargain, eat, and browse treasures.What is the difference between a vide grenier and a flea market?
While a vide grenier is more like a community garage sale where everyday people sell items they no longer need, a brocante is more of a market specializing in second-hand goods, often run by professional dealers. Brocantes are more like flea markets (or “les puces”) than yard sales.What is the etiquette at a vide grenier?
At vide greniers, the spirit is that you are buying from every folk, extras like wrapping and bags are limited! - Don't be afraid to negotiate: Haggling is expected at both vide greniers and brocantes. Sometimes just for the sport of it - it is welcome and expected.Are there any rules for vendors at a vide grenier?
'New' goods cannot be soldIf you are planning to host or participate in a vide-grenier, alongside getting the required permission you also need to be careful about what items you are selling.
What can you find at a vide grenier?
Remember, the French prefer quality over quantity, so treasure hunting is real at a vide grenier. There will be everything there from old and new tools to furniture to sewing notions to the weirdly wonderful antiques. And clothes, especially baby or kids clothes.What Is a Vide-Grenier? | French Flea Market Format Explained
What are the origins of vide greniers?
The term "vide grenier" is a French phrase which literally means "empty attic" It is a type of second-hand market or sale event where individuals sell household items they no longer need, similar to a garage sale or car boot sale.Do the French have car boot sales?
A lively atmosphere, unique interiors finds, old books passed down through the generations and quirky old objects are all guaranteed when you visit a French flea market, with car-boot salers, bargain-hunters and antiques dealers coming together to rummage and to barter – and even to be green through passing on vintage ...Is it rude to not say hello in France?
The Importance of GreetingsAmericans often dive right into conversation without a greeting, which can seem abrupt or rude in French culture. Always say hello: When you enter a shop, café, or office, greet with “Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame.”
What not to do in France as a tourist?
10 THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T DO IN FRANCE- Assume everyone speaks English.
- Treat coffee like it is just caffeine.
- Dress too casually. The French excel at being neat. ...
- Expect a firm handshake instead of a hug.
- Rush through a meal.
- Ignore bread and its own set of rules.
- Undervalue wine etiquette.
- Speak loudly in public spaces.
What is considered disrespectful in France?
Aside from a proper hello and goodbye, other pleasantries are expected in France. Leave them out and you will likely come across as rude. These include using please and thank you, and politely addressing people in shops or restaurants e.g. referring to waiters and waitresses as Madame or Monsieur.What is the most sold item at a flea market?
Before you and the family head out to your local flea market, take a look at all of the items available.- Jewelry. Jewelry at a flea market is one of the top best-selling items because of the variety. ...
- Antiques. ...
- Electronics and Appliances. ...
- Clothing for the Entire Family. ...
- Specialist Vendors and Service Providers.
What does vide grenier mean?
Vide-grenier: means “empty the attic”. This is more similar to a yard sale or garage sale. A lot of the vendors at these vide-greniers are mainly individuals selling their wares with a few professionals through out the event.What should you not sell at a flea market?
First off, here's a short list of what you can NOT sell at the Flea Market at Menge: food items intended for immediate consumption (without prior market manager's approval) tires. used upholstered furniture or mattresses.What is frowned upon in France?
It is frowned upon in France to shout or speak very loudly during a discussion or on the phone. We do not like people who stand out or who are too much in France.Can I have the bill please French?
To signal that you want to pay in a café or restaurant, you can use: L'addition, s'il vous plaît. The bill, please.Is Sunday a day of rest in France?
Sunday was established as a day of rest in France by a 1906 law, which banned people from working on a Sunday. And, when people who work in bakeries, supermarkets, banks, don't work, everyone else has no choice but to relax a bit.What is the most Christmassy town in France?
Strasbourg – AlsaceDating back to 1570, the legendary market sweeps across the entire Old Town in a glow of lights and garlands with the majestic Christmas tree on Place Kléber standing as the city's seasonal centerpiece. For many, Strasbourg is more than just a market – it's a holiday pilgrimage.
Should I bring cash to a flea market?
Bring CashUnlike larger retailers, many vendors at flea markets may not accept credit cards or other electronic forms of payment. Cash is the preferred and often the only mode of transaction, so it's wise to have it readily available. As for how much cash to carry, it depends on what you intend to buy.