Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

My Favorite Brocantes is in a Corn Field

French-brocante

My friend Natalie (La Madone) and I are doing our annual thing…

The Brocante Bug Dance in a corn field.

We left for the Brocante fair yesterday morning with seven million other European vacationers returning home on the freeway! Several hours later we found a good parking place (in the corn field) close to the brocante fair that is over thirty miles long.

As usual we slept in the back of the van (Two vans. As we brought Natalie's and my husband along.) With flashlights in hand we hit the fields at five in the morning…. believe me that is way, way before the rooster crows. 

I am walking, typing in my sleep.

Good night.

I'll tell you more tomorrow.

Happy Whatever You are Doing Today!

Comments

15 responses to “My Favorite Brocantes is in a Corn Field”

  1. Florence Crowder

    As a fellow antiques dealer, I’ve heard of folks up before the crack of dawn to find the best item in the sale. However, I am a bit lazy and will settle for what comes after 7 AM.
    Today, I started lunch for the family, then to church followed by the lunch. After that I will work on completing details for a ‘community meeting’ in our town Thursday to relate to folks the upcoming Smithsonian ‘Journey Stories’ grant that will come next year. We will request volunteers to assist and hope for a wonderful time.

    Reply
  2. Athens Francophile

    WHere is this fabulous 30-mile brocante in a corn field?

    Reply
  3. Penny

    The linens, and Natalie, are beautiful. With all that is at this brocante, I can see why your were up at the crack of dawn, flashlight in hand, French Husband nearby, himself seemingly infected by the “bug” as well. I can’t wait to see what you brought home.

    Reply
  4. Julie Ann

    ooo now I am jealous. Hope Nathalie didn’t have to do her strong woman act this year whilst you hid under the boutis ! Remember me to Nathalie please – did you know her town apartment featured on the blog “this is glamorous” a few days back ? My luv, Jx

    Reply
  5. Everton Terrace

    Sounds divine. I have never slept in a cornfield, or a van for that matter but I would for that fair, I would indeed!
    Today I am going to an auction which should be fun but I would much rather be there.

    Reply
  6. Laura @ 52 FLEA

    Clearly the definition of passion. If I were able…I would be with you! Natalie is as beautiful as those linens…but much younger! 🙂 Looking forward to hearing more of your experience and seeing what you found!

    Reply
  7. Beachy

    Lucky you to have such treasure in a corn field! And sleeping in a van there, too – what an adventure!

    Reply
  8. Sharon, Morrison Mercantile

    ohhh so jealous. The linens…lace…OMG

    Reply
  9. Chris Wittmann

    Sounds a bit like the fabulous Brimfield Antiques fair held in Massachusetts a couple times a year. I’ve never been to that one either! I envy your trips to the brocantes, these days my husband and I are having to pour any extra money we have into painting and restoration work on our old farmhouse, but at least it will look wonderful for the holidays.

    Reply
  10. Rhonda P.

    Lucky you, Natalie and sweet husbands who support you both in your hunting for finds.
    I’ll be waiting for your photos and stories.

    Reply
  11. Christina

    Haha,
    dedication’s got nothing on you :o)
    Let the treasure hunt begin!
    Two ladies traipsing in the dark thru a cornfield… yap, looking for treasure…
    it just makes me giggle…
    Love it!

    Reply
  12. Shelley@thiswhiteshed.blogspot.com

    Natalie is shopping, perhaps, for her wonderful La Madone Inn? I’m wondering if she is the same Natalie. Her Inn inspires me to save my Canadian pennies!

    Reply
  13. Debra P.

    Corey, I hope you had a wonderful day . . .thanks for taking the time to connect with us all! xo

    Reply
  14. Julie from Provence Post

    Can’t wait to hear which fair this was! A 30-mile brocante in a corn field? Sounds like you’re in the U.S. at the World’s Largest Rummage Sale (or whatever they call it). Do tell!

    Reply
  15. Liz

    Wonderful to see Natalie! I’ll be staying at La Madone from next Sunday for a week! Can’t wait to see Apt and the villa in the flesh as well!

    Reply

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