The Brocante de Temploux  in Belgium, is a true phenomenon in itself. This flea market, which is also a renown fair for collectors, takes place once a year in August at the center of the village of Temploux. From Saturday morning at 07:00, antiques dealers and collectors welcome flea market enthusiasts and antiques lovers over a 4 miles (6 km) long tour through the streets of Temploux. 

Welcoming over 1,100 exhibitors and 130,000 visitors, this flea market is one of the largest in western Europe and runs nonstop during 36 hours from Saturday morning to Sunday evening. The atmosphere is joyful, and various stalls offer something to eat. And at midnight, visitors are given a lovely fireworks display sponsored by the village and the flea market’s organizers!

What makes Temploux Flea Market particularly attractive compared to other flea markets, is that its organizers do not hold a cheap garage sale, but a real flea market where vendors exclusively sell real antiques and vintage items.

All fake-antiques, retro-modern, exotic foreign objects and crafts, as well as modern furniture, garments or recent painting, are prohibited during the event. Also, the Temploux flea market committee has set some strict rules regarding the availability of food stalls on site: only a dozen of them spread throughout the streets where the flea market is held, giving more room for flea market booths. This is probably one of the other reasons why Temploux has become over time, one of the most awaited flea market events in Belgium and in Europe.

On Saturday, the fair is exclusively open for professional buyers and collectors. One can find everything and anything, ranging from old books and documents, to antique furniture, vintage dolls, comics, LPs, Dinky Toys, coins, stamps, postcards, pins, model, cameras, old brewery devices, posters and advertising material, enameled plates, Coca-Cola collectibles, nautical items, inkwells and pen, watches, coffee mills, piggy banks, toy soldiers, shells, medals and military memorabilia, board games, and gadgets of all kinds.

Since few private buyers are present on the spot that day, the objects presented do not come really cheap. But there’s a good chance for seasoned flea market shoppers to find that rare missing piece for their collection.

On Saturday evening, collectors pack their belongings to make room for the antiques market that runs throughout the night.