Antique Market - Isle sur la Sorgue

Antique Market

I told you that Isle sur la Sorgue is famous for markets so here's one more. Twice a year at Easter and in August there is an antique market held there. Isle sur la Sorgue is known for it's antique shops. It is second only to Paris in France for the number of antique shops. There are about 300 dealers here on a permanent basis and an extra 500 come to the bi annual fairs. People come from all over the world for it. And we just happened to be here.

It's held over 4 days around August 15th. We were told that it would be busy and it was. The local park is turned into alleys of stalls - mostly under canvas. It flows out down the road and there are lots of street closures. Stephanie - the osteopath closes her business because it's so hard for her clients to get parks. 

The parking area we have been using adjacent to the parks was closed but we found another nearby and managed OK. 

It was another photo opportunity - here we go!

I don't know a lot about antiques so whether there were bargains or not is beyond me. I do know the cutlery was amazing - as is the new French cutlery.

It was fascinating to us that so many of the stores were in tents or outside and open to the elements. This lady was taking a long look at a quilt on old beds. Don't know if she bought it.

                                     These lovely glasses were displayed on the back of a trailer.

The animals are all on display outside one of the permanent antique shops in town. The alligator is for sale for 2500 Euro if you're interested.

                                Look how big this clock is. Maybe from an old railway station?

                           What better place to secure a grandfather clock than on a tree.

                  I wonder if there were some treasures in this pile of old buttons and implements.

      There was a panel of experts available to give advice about authenticity but not price I believe.

                                                          Even Christmas decorations.

Now here's a puzzle. I saw this draw of pins as above. I asked the lady what they were and she said that she didn't know but wondered if they were for hat decorations. All the pin ends were blunt. Does anyone have any ideas? I can't tell the lady but I'd like to know. Put up a comment or email me your ideas please.