Hunting for antiques and vintage French treasures is one of my favourite things to do in Provence, and there's plenty around Cotignac to keep you busy. Brocantes here come in two kinds.
Open-air brocantes and Vide greniers(empty attic) are held in village squares, often on a Sunday morning. Stalls spill out under the plane trees, and you never quite know what you'll find: linen, old glassware, garden pots, a quirky painting. Check the website https://vide-greniers.org for Vide Grenier’s and Brocantes on a date that fits with your stay.
Fixed brocante shops are open all year round. They're carefully stocked (skilfully curated collections), so they're perfect for a rainy afternoon or a quieter time of year.
Here's a mix to keep you treasure-hunting during your stay.
1. Cotignac's open-air village brocantes and vide greniers
Best for: a lively morning browsing on your doorstep
Several times a year, Cotignac fills with brocante stalls. Dealers set up along the Cours Gambetta and around the village squares, with everything from vintage finds to proper antiques. Entry is free, so it's easy to wander in with a coffee in hand and see what catches your eye. Check the website https://vide-greniers.org for dates and times.
3. La Galerie, Cotignac
Best for: art, design and collectors' pieces
Right on the Cours Gambetta, La Galerie mixes paintings and collectors' objects with design pieces, antiques and brocante. It's a lovely place to browse if you're looking for something a little more unusual for your walls. Hours are shorter in winter, so check before you go.
4. La Brocante de Nina, cotignac
Best for: gorgeous vintage art, rustic pottery tablewear
This small but beautiful brocante shop offers a well-curated and beautifully stylish collection of Provençal treasures.
5. Marché Couvert de l'Ancien, Barjols
Best for: a well-curated, eclectic selection of antiques
My top recommendation. If you only have time for one brocante during your stay, make it this one. It's a real treasure trove: a huge covered space with around 30 professional dealers under one roof, and an eclectic mix of antiques and brocante. It's open every day of the year except Christmas Day and New Year's Day, with a break at lunchtime, and entry is free.
A few tips
Go early. At open-air brocantes the best pieces often go first thing.
Bring cash. Vert few stalls or dealers take cards.
Don't be shy about asking for a price. A friendly "C'est votre meilleur prix ?" is perfectly normal.
Leave room in the car. You'll be surprised how quickly a few treasures add up.
Happy hunting! If you're staying at La Bergerie, ask me which brocantes are on that week, i’ll be happy to check for you.
