My favourite European flea markets

I've been living in Europe for 4 years now, and one of my favourite things to do when visiting different cities is to check out local flea markets. Read more to find out my favourites, and where you can discover everything from high-end antiques, archival fashion, to decorative silver plates and bargains on your next trip to Europe!

El Rastro, Madrid

El Rastro comes in first. I spent a month in Spain a few years ago and I went to this market every week during my stay. Tip: Skip the busy main street and instead visit the courtyards off both sides of the main street. The market is only open on sundays. Stop at Living Retro. Galerias Picquer is a favourite spot for antique collectors, distinguished by a wide range of high-end antiques. Nuevas Galerias is another courtyard where you'll find Vintage Perla and Castillo Encantado for clothes. After you've explored the galleries, walk around the area. The shop owners in the surrounding small streets in La Latina start cracking bottles of wine and begin playing music, with everyone spilling out on to the street.

St Ouen, Paris

St Ouen is not anything new, and I really enjoy heading here early on a sunday to check out the popular Paul Bert. Check out Les Merveilles de Babellou for some of the most exquisite pieces of couture fashion, ranging from Yves Saint Laurent to Alaia. There's also Chez Sarah, come here for your next evening gown. There is also a smaller, lesser known market also worth a visit. Marché Vernaison is the oldest market at St Ouen, with tiny streets you'll definetly get lost in. Unlike the steep prices at Paul Bert, you'll find knick-knacks for bargain deals, and well as some of the best vintage fashion.

Place Jussieu, Paris

This inner city Parisian flea market at Place Jussieu in the 5th takes place on the first Sunday of the month. It is a professional market. Youll' find professionals selling antiques and a variety of designer clothing stalls in great condition.

Portobello Road, London

I never go to London without spending day at Portobello Road in Notting Hill. I typically come on a Saturday when the market is not in full swing, and I prefer to stop in the stores off the main road. Lover's Lane is a vintage boutique near the top of the street with a great selection of fun and iconic archival designer pieces. Continue along the street to the Vintage Fur Garden to browse through the racks of slinky coats in fox or mink.

Mercato delle Pulci, Florence

Mercato delle Pulci is in the trendy Santa Croce area of Florence. Here you'll find an antique Tifanny lamp, or vintage Florentine table linens. On the last Sunday of each month, merchants' stalls usually extend to the neighboring streets of the piazza dei Ciompi. Prices are sometimes high, so don't hesitate to negotiate. Grab a panini for lunch at La Pagnotta, or graze along the stalls at the nearby Sant Ambrogio food market.

Foire de Chatou, Chatou

This market is about a 40 minute RER ride from Paris, once in fall and then again in spring. Arrive here early since it could easily take you two days to get through this market. Make sure you stop at the Art Nouveau exhibitor at the front of the market. I've never seen such exquisite pieces from this design era. There is something for everyone here, I even found a ceramic vase from Ljuda Naumowitch. At noon admire the vendors as they lunch on muscles and frites with antique porcelain and silverwear, while drinking champagne in vintage coups.

La Brocante de Balines, Normandy

When we talk about flea markets and antiques in Normandy, a city immediately comes to mind: Rouen and its antique dealers district. However, there is a lesser-known market, La Brocante de Balines, in Verneuil-sur-Avre. Fall for an Art Deco lamp or sofa or for a huge farmhouse table. You'll be sure to find a gem here!

Notable mentions:

• L’isle sur la Sorgue, Provence

• Undesignable, Paris

• Flea Market, Laarne