Brocante in Belgium: where and when to hunt

Belgium is a hunting country. The density of brocantes, flea markets and village fairs is unmatched in Europe, and the calendar is more regular than people think.

Permanent markets first. Weekly markets — the place du Jeu de Balle in Brussels every morning, busier still at weekends — run all year. You can find anything there, including serious pieces, but you must come early: dealers themselves buy at opening time.

Then the village brocantes, mostly from May to September. Picardy Wallonia, the Condroz and West Flanders hold fairs almost every summer Sunday. That is where family furniture surfaces: oak armoires, dough bins, farmhouse tables, often sold by the heirs themselves, with no middleman.

Finally the great fairs. The Brussels and Antwerp antique fairs, in winter and spring, give you a benchmark: you see the top of the market, and you learn what things are worth when they are restored, documented and guaranteed.

The right way to use it all: haunt the flea markets to train your eye, the village fairs for opportunities, the salons to learn prices. And when you want the right piece without giving up every Sunday, a selection like Maison Boitel's gathers the work of independent dealers in one place, with 0% commission.