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Let’s begin : )

Alethea x

There’s been some aggro down at the pool, with an ongoing daily stand-off between Miss Romy and a unicorn recently released from hibernation. Much barking, circling and suspicion has ensued. So far, there have only been two close calls, but, unlike the inflatable avocado, the unicorn has somehow survived. Curiously, the far more menacing crocodile gets a free pass, go figure.

On that note, and with a certain opacity of rhyme and reason (to me, anyway), French tax season has been upon us. In the land of bureaucracy, it proved surprisingly less intimidating than first feared, even so, it’s still a relief to have filed the various paperwork.

June temperatures continue to climb and summer feels properly underway. Hay bales are appearing in the surrounding fields, although, not yet in ours which in my mind is still a waist-high snake-lair and best avoided until the tractor has been.

Other random things:

Need a peaceful rural retreat? There’s still two weeks availability for La Petite Maison in June – one of the most beautiful months of the year here.

This place is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. In fact, I can almost hear the howls of protest of some already – “you’re recommending what??! That dump.”

Well, yes. There’s undeniably a lot of rubbish to sift through but… there are also treasures to be found. And more recently, with expansion into reclaimed and end of line exterior materials, it’s not a bad place to source fencing, stone or landscaping materials at around half usual market rates. 

Effectively, Debarrastout is a huge, ever-changing collection of house clearance items with the inevitable range of rubbish to treasure amongst them. 

It’s very much a potluck experience, certain rooms would most likely be condemned in other countries – creaky, wooden floors bending under piles of toppling furniture, rooms in which you can barely turn around, and as for the book rooms – a fire hazard, pure and simple. 

However, while I wouldn’t call it an Aladdin’s Cave per se, it is definitely worth a pootle if you enjoy the thrill of the hunt. With rock bottom prices, always rounded down and often negotiable. 

On my most recent trip, my friend found the perfect parrot feeding bowl (hard to find the right dimensions apparently)… so, something for everyone!

Perfect for: slightly chaotic treasure hunting 😄

Part of a new collection of A&A Local favourites – places or activities that either sit slightly under the radar or are so consistently good that they stand out from the tourist trail.

In the spirit of ‘j’adore chiner…’ roughly translated as ‘I love treasure-hunting’… ’tis the season. 

In France, vide-grenier, brocantes and antique markets are a national pastime. Particularly in the vast rural swathes of the country where they multi-function as social occasion, fundraiser, ad hoc concert, kids playground and provide an excellent excuse to wander around fields with pretty backdrops rummaging. I’ve always rather loved them.  

As a child, I was frequently dragged around markets, auctions and warehouses on similar missions. At the time, I wasn’t entirely convinced but somewhere along the way I became a fully-fledged rummager myself and having easy availability of vide-grenier and brocante on the doorstep is a huge boon.

In the Netherlands, I’d often make forays to nearby French markets – a particular favourite being La Braderie de Lille – or nearby brocante style warehouses, again the outskirts of Lille delivered (Espace Nord-Ouest being my favourite, now renamed but still run by Arno) as did a random warehouse near Ath in Belgium. Once, together with some friends, my brother and I did a day trip there and managed to fill up both hire van and car with beautiful and bargain furniture. 📷 ⬇

So, on arrival at Les P having easy access to all of these locally on a weekly basis was heaven. Those first few months Romy and I would often hit three vide-grenier every weekend. Poor dog is well-used to being dragged around markets, made palatable I suspect by the amount of adoration she receives and plenty of dog-friends to be found.

Over the years, my search-antennae have changed. I’ve satisfied the itch for French plant pots, mercury dappled mirrors and dog bowls – all of which, incidentally, are in use.

No longer swivel-eyed at every beautiful and typically French market find, I’ve become more focused on useful objects: replacement missing parts, gifts and really random, unusual items. Looking for some bathroom towel hooks? Why, an old lathe will do nicely thank you. Lost a curtain pole finial in a renovation (hum!), aha, the perfect match for all of 50c. Need a giant lion statue? Realistically, not really. So sanity and practicality prevailed with that one.

Although, of course, I’ve always got a few specific briefs from friends – currently, notes/searches are running at three: champagne glasses, a huge original metal sign, and a very specific sized large mirror.

There’s also now an unofficial holding area at Les P for purchases made by family and friends overcome by bargain and beauty in the moment. Items purchased and proudly brought back as spoils, only for someone later to note that said item will neither fit in luggage nor survive the journey – and so it joins the ever-growing “I’ll collect it next time” store.

My best buys over the years? An établi de menuisier / carpenter’s bench hauled back from Belves and now a perfect rustic console table; a pair of sturdy ironwork lights for €5, rewired and now adorning the hallway; a bin, yes, really, a brand new, modern chrome affair at one euro and perfect for La Petite Maison kitchen.

Most fun buy? Probably my nephew’s hats: one fake fur Russian number, and one silk top hat. Bought with their coins at La Fontade and worn everywhere by said eight and nine-year old’s for the remainder of the week, canicule be dammed!

Things I didn’t buy…

If you like treasure-hunting, here’s another vide-grenier / brocante story:

More Snapshots of the Domaine Les Plonges ‘journey’ next edition.

Possibly you found your way here via Instagram? @domainelesplonges? If so, an extra Bienvenue! You’ll already know I love a good visual…

If you’re interested in the tech I’m using for this, it’s Beehiiv. I did a LOT of research on platforms and I’m happy to explain why etc in more detail, just ask. They’ve also given me a partner link, and this gives anyone using the link a 30-day free trial and 20% off your first three months on any paid plan. Note, it’s an affiliate link and I may receive commission on any purchases made through it.

Whichever way you subscribe, your support and readership is thoroughly appreciated and I’m delighted to have you along for the adventure! 💛