Recently shared on social channels was a beautiful golden rattan chair I found at the Durtal Antique Fair in the Loire Valley. I thought I’d share more about this incredible market with you. It's coming up again in a few months, so now is a good time to plan your visit.
The Durtal Antique Fair
Each September at Durtal you’ll find an amazing antique fair that entices local, regional and international visitors. I drove for over three hours to get to Durtal from my village as I’d read so much about this incredible fair and the really good quality of all the stalls. More than a whopping 450 exhibitors come from far and wide to show off their wares here. The market gets over 20,000 visitors in one day, so it's a biggie on the antique market trail.
The event overtakes the town’s streets and extends along the walls of the city’s castle. Officially the Rendez-Vous International de la Curiosité et de Brocante de Durtal (Durtal International Flea Market Fair), it’s also more casually known as Brocante de Durtal or Durtal Brocante. I love decorating my home in Brittany with vintage and antique items and share more on the best ways to find them in my post Finding French Antiques and Vintage Items in France. Take a peek into my home on Instagram @my_french_village_home
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My antique gold rattan chair found at the Durtal Antique Market
How I organised my visit to Brocante de Durtal or Durtal Antique Fair
After driving to the Loire Valley I stayed the night at a stunning château hotel so I could be at the fair on the following day nice and early. Hôtel Haras de La Potardière was about 15 minutes drive out of Durtal on a large property. After driving down the tree lined gravel driveway, you arrive at a beautifully maintained château with a formal garden at the rear, and paddocks with horses quietly grazing. My upstairs room, with a view over the front lawn and magnificent ancient trees, was divine. Upholstered chairs, a deep bath and sweet decor, made my evening sleep even better. Dinner was not available and I didn't want to drive to a nearby restaurant, more than 20 minutes drive away, so I snacked on pastries bought earlier, and enjoyed drinks in the sunshine at the outdoor bar.
As all dedicated collectors or hunters know, arriving at the earliest time a fair or market opens, is the best way to find fabulous one-of-a-kind treasures and not end up parking miles away from the centre of everything. So I was very happy with my decision to arrive the day earlier and stay nearby for the night.
Durtal Antique Fair dates for 2024
The Brocante de Durtal will be held on Sunday, 29 September 2024. It will operate from 7.00am to 7.00pm (12 hours of sheer market bliss). Food stalls, cafés open for food and drink and the town’s Tabacs that open later in the day mean you’ll have plenty of choices for food and drink and to revive and refuel - for more bargain hunting of course!! I got lunch at the sausage-in-a-baguette food truck earlier than I'd typically eat lunch so as to avoid any queue, and I'm so glad I did. The lunch time queue was long and in the hot sun.
More tips on how to plan your day at the Durtal Antique Fair or Brocante de Durtal
I got vendors to hold onto my furniture and heavy items (after full payment had been made) till I was heading home. I then re-parked the car closer and transferred my goodies into the car. And went home a very happy hunter.
Parking is very regulated, as you would imagine with so many visitors, and the town's parking areas are filled very early. Side street parking is not metered so there is no cost for parking. Many streets around the church and Château de Durtal are closed to allow the vendors to set up their stalls and to allow visitors to safely walk the lanes and attend the market.
Save this post for 2024 dates. I truly recommend adding this antique and collectible fair to your list of ‘must-do’ antique fairs.
Helpful information
No tickets required to attend the fair.
Château de Durtal website: https://www.atlantic-loire-valley.com/visits/castles/chateau-de-durtal
Brocante de Durtal website: https://www.atlantic-loire-valley.com/festivals-and-events/brocante-internationale-de-durtal
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