Lille flea market 2024

Whether you’re a seller or just a curious visitor, get ready for an unforgettable experience! This year’s Lille flea market (called Grande Braderie de Lille) promises to be more festive than ever! It’s back with its share of surprises, bargains and, of course, mussels and chips ! We tell you all about this not-to-be-missed event!

Practical information

When will the Lille Braderie 2024 take place?

Mark your calendars, because this year Lille’s flea market is not taking place on the first weekend in September as tradition would have it.

It starts on Saturday 14 September at 8am and runs until Sunday 15 September at 6pm.

Two days of hustle and bustle as the streets of Lille are transformed into a gigantic open-air market, full of bargains, antiques and, above all, fun!

How to get to Lille

By train
Lille-Flandres and Lille Europe train stations (downtown) Served by national and European trains
By public transport
Numerous bus companies serve Lille Arrival point in the city center at the bus station (Lille Europe).
Once on site, get around easily thanks to the many buses, streetcars and subways in circulation. Find all the information you need about transport during the braderie on the Ilevia website:
https://www.ilevia.fr/cms/actualite/la-braderie-de-lille-2024
By car
A1, A25 and A27 freeways
Prefer P+R parking lots on the outskirts of town

Where to park?

Where to park at the Braderie de Lille?

Ah, the big question! We know that finding a place to park during the braderie can be quite a challenge.

Traffic and parking are prohibited without a pass, with exceptions subject to strict controls. Local residents and other interested parties must apply for a pass to drive or park at specific times. Public and hotel car parks will be closed.

But don’t panic! 13 Park and Ride sites will allow you to park on the outskirts of the city, with buses, trams, metros or trains taking you straight to the braderie.

Please note that these car parks are reserved for holders of a valid Ilévia transport ticket.

Find out more

The map of the Lille Braderie 2024

To make sure you don’t miss anything, take a look at the detailed map of the Braderie, which will guide you through the 80 kilometres of stalls. Whether you’re looking for a special find or just curious to wander around, this map will be your best ally to ensure you don’t get lost!

It will also show you the areas reserved for residents, the antiques and open-air market sectors, and the locations of the comic book and children’s flea markets.

Special events

Comic book flea market at the Palais des Beaux-Arts
Children’s flea market at Gare Saint Sauveur (Saturday)
Broc’ à vélos: second-hand bikes for sale in Wazemmes (Saturday)
Carousel fair on the Champ de Mars esplanade (from 24/08 to 22/09)

Practical advice for a successful braderie

Here are a few tips on how to make the most of the Braderie de Lille:

come early to avoid the crowds,
wear comfortable shoes,
bring a big bag to take home your finds,
bring something to stay hydrated and a small snack, as the queues at the food stalls can be long,
use public transport or low-impact mobility: bus, bike, train,
don’t forget your map of the braderie!

And above all, take the time to enjoy the unique and warm atmosphere, chat with the stallholders and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Braderie de Lille!

Origins of Lille's flea market

Lille’s Braderie dates back to the Middle Ages, with the first written mention of it in 1127 under the name ‘Franche Foire’. At the time, this fair took place after the Assumption, on what is now the Grand Place, and allowed foreign traders to come and sell their wares.

The term ‘braderie’ is thought to derive from the Flemish word ‘braaden’, meaning ‘to roast’, and appeared in 1446 when two Flemish merchants obtained permission to sell roast chickens during the fair.

The Braderie evolved over the centuries, from a trade fair to a huge flea market. Today, it is held every first weekend in September, perpetuating a tradition that goes back almost 900 years. Attracting more than 2 million visitors throughout the city of Lille, it is considered to be the biggest flea market in Europe.

Antique dealers at the Braderie de Lille 2023

Mussels and chips

It’s impossible to talk about the Braderie without mentioning the famous mussels and chips! It’s an unmissable tradition: every year, tonnes of mussels are eaten (more than 500 tonnes in 2023), accompanied by crispy chips, in a convivial and joyful atmosphere.

And for those who prefer a more gourmet experience, the city’s restaurants compete with each other to come up with versions that are as tasty as they are original. Ready to dig in ?

Are you ready for this year’s Braderie de Lille 2024? With great bargains, a festive atmosphere and the inevitable mussels and chips, get ready for an unforgettable weekend. Lille is the place to be for a whole host of discoveries and good times!