The city of Houilles in the Yvelines (one of Paris’ neighboring counties) is mostly renown as the city where Victor Schoelcher, the man behind the decree abolishing slavery in France and French colonies in 1848, died. It is also the host city for a famous international pedestrian “Corrida”.
However what makes Houilles particularly famous, is its Braderie which gathers every year in October around 2,000 exhibitors and 300,000 visitors over 6 miles (10 km) of sidewalks.
There are tons of second-hand items on sale at the Braderie de Houilles, but there are also many stalls filled with random stuff including old kitchen appliances, clothes, shoes, furniture, blankets, mobile phones accessories, second-hand toys, and more. However, those willing to rummage through piles of junk and knockoff products, might be able to find some real steals.
Since the Braderie de Houilles takes place on the exact same day as the Réderie d'Amiens, one may have to make a cornelian choice - or show up to either location very early, in order to be able to drive to the next. All in all, the Braderie de Houilles is a great pick for flea market enthusiasts who want to indulge with a Paris shopping trip including Les Puces de St Ouen-Clignancourt and the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves.
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