September Buying Trip | France
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What's Included
Boutique Accommodation and Ground Transportation
Breakfast, Light Lunch, and Dinner
Curated Itinerary with Brocantes, Markets and Shop Visits
Welcome Package
Pre-Trip Planning and Support
September Antiques Buying Trip | France
September 3–8, 2026 Southwest France & Bordeaux
If you love old things, you belong here.
This September, join me in the sun-drenched southwest of France for an antiques buying trip designed for sellers, designers and collectors who feel the pull of history and want to experience French brocante culture in one of its most beautiful and storied regions.
Early autumn in southwest France is something special. The light is golden, the pace is easy, and the brocante season is alive with energy. The landscapes are lush and unhurried, the villages are in full bloom, and the markets are rich with pieces that rarely make it beyond this corner of the country.
Our journey begins in Bordeaux, one of the most celebrated cities in France. As guests arrive, the afternoon is yours to explore the old town at your own pace. Bordeaux is a beautiful, compact and lively old town filled with inviting cafés and bistros, neighbourhood patisseries, independent boutiques and antique stores tucked along cobblestone streets. That evening, we come together for a welcome dinner as a group, a chance to settle in, meet one another and begin the adventure ahead.
From Bordeaux, we travel north into the peaceful countryside of the Charente and the Dordogne, where we make our home for the heart of the trip. Our base is a stunning Maison de Maître, a classic French mansion house with historic character, comfortable surroundings and everything you need for a luxurious stay, including a private swimming pool. This is the kind of place that reminds you why you travel.
From here, the sourcing begins. We attend one of the largest antiques events in the southwest of France, held annually and drawing over 800 vendors, an extraordinary gathering where furniture, art, ceramics, textiles and decorative objects fill the grounds in abundance. We visit a charming monthly brocante in a Charente village, the kind of intimate, neighbourhood market where the best finds often come with wonderful stories. We wander pretty towns and celebrated floral villages that feel untouched by time. And we gain access to dealers' warehouses and private shops, the kind of sourcing that rarely appears on any map.
Each day brings something different. Wide countryside festivals. Village brocantes. Hidden dealer gems. Long evenings at the Maison, sharing good food, good wine and conversation about the day's discoveries.
Throughout the trip, I guide you through sourcing, negotiation and pricing while helping you identify special pieces with lasting value. Whether you are buying for your business or building your personal collection, you will leave with confidence, insight and a deeper understanding of French antiques and the brocante culture of the southwest.
On the final day, we make our way back to Bordeaux for departures, carrying with us everything we've found, and everything we've learned.
This is not about rushing from place to place or checking off a list. It is about exploring with intention and uncovering beautiful finds in one of the most exciting and underrated antiques regions in France.
What's Included
- Accommodation in Bordeaux and at a private Maison de Maître in the Charente countryside (private or shared options available)
- Ground transportation during official trip dates, including pickup and drop-off at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) or the Bordeaux train station
- Breakfast, light lunch and dinner throughout the experience
- Entry and access to all major antiques events during the trip
- Curated market towns, brocantes, village fairs and dealer visits
- Personalized guidance and sourcing support throughout
- A welcome pack to help you prepare and source with ease
- Access during the planning process for questions and preparation
Guests arrange their own flights to and from Bordeaux and are responsible for travel insurance and the cost of personal purchases and shipping.
Professional shippers are available in the region for larger purchases. Guests are responsible for coordinating directly with their chosen provider.
Who It's For
This trip is for those who feel the pull of history in every worn handle and weathered patina. It is for the vintage reseller who wants to buy abroad with confidence, the designer seeking one-of-a-kind pieces for clients and the collector who loves the thrill of the hunt.
No prior experience is needed. Just curiosity, comfortable shoes and an eye for beauty.
Dates & Booking Information
September 3–8, 2026
$6100 USD for private accommodation $5,400 USD for shared accommodation
Reserve your place with a $1,995 USD non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance is due 60 days before travel.
Spots are limited to a maximum of 6 guests to ensure a small group experience with personal attention throughout.
Once your deposit is received, you will receive a welcome email with next steps and preparation details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this trip for? This trip is designed for antique lovers of every kind, whether you are a vintage reseller, interior designer or collector curating a personal home. You don't need industry experience to take part, just curiosity, an open eye and a love of beautiful things.
How much walking is involved? A fair amount, and it varies day to day. Markets, brocantes and village streets often mean several hours on your feet across uneven ground, cobblestone and open fields. The pace is relaxed and never rushed, but comfortable, broken-in footwear is essential.
What are the luggage guidelines? Each guest is asked to limit personal luggage to two large suitcases. This keeps ground transportation comfortable for the whole group and leaves room for what matters most, your finds. If you're planning to purchase in larger volume, please get in touch with me as early as possible so we can discuss your options and plan ahead.
What happens if I need to cancel? Your deposit is non-refundable, as it secures your place and covers trip planning. If you cancel before your balance is due, no further charges apply. Once the full balance has been paid, refunds are not available, though your spot may be transferred to another guest. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Where can I get more information? I'm happy to answer any questions before you book. Reach out via Instagram at @atelierchatelaine or by email at info@atelierchatelaine.com. If you're not sure whether this trip is the right fit, I'm glad to have a quick conversation to help you decide.
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Success Stories
Kathy is like a walking, talking treasure map. She's organized, full of insider knowledge, and an absolute pro at sniffing out the best finds. I had a list of things I wanted, and she knew exactly where to go to track them down.
Jocelyn
A life experience... You made this trip everything I wished for and more! Loved every second... Can't wait for the next one.
Becky
Frequently asked Questions
This trip is for anyone passionate about vintage and antiques. Whether you’re a reseller, collector, interior designer or creative entrepreneur, you’ll find inspiration and insider access to markets, dealers and trade-only events that will elevate your sourcing experience.
Not at all. This trip is perfect for both beginners and seasoned professionals. You’ll receive expert guidance throughout, from learning how to navigate fairs to negotiating with confidence and spotting the best finds.
You’ll arrange your own travel to and from the meeting point in France, travel insurance and the cost of any purchases or shipping fees you choose to incur.
This trip is intentionally small to keep the experience personal and relaxed. The group will be limited to a 6 person maximum, so you’ll have space to connect, source at your own pace and receive individual attention.
Yes you can! Please note, each person attending the trip must reserve a spot to ensure accommodation and transport are arranged for everyone in the group. If you are planning on sharing a room with someone, your final bill will reflect our shared accommodation price.
Markets and fairs often mean a fair bit of walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are essential. We’ll always move at a reasonable pace and build in time to rest, recharge and refuel. Please note, many French villages have uneven walking terrain, narrow stairs and limited parking, so walking is essential on this trip.
Yes. While the itinerary is curated around sourcing, each day includes moments to slow down and simply enjoy being in France. You’ll have time to wander and explore the area.
Many guests choose to pack treasures in their luggage, and often bring an additional suitcase. For this trip, you are limited to 2 suitcases and a carry-on, to ensure adequate comfort while travelling.
If you are intending to purchase large amounts, there are a number of professional shippers in the area who can assist you. Due to documentation needs for moving products from France, we strongly suggest you connect with a shipper before travel, set up an account, understand the pricing, process and your specific responsibilities. Please inform the shipper you will be purchasing in Paris and Amiens.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Yes. The coordination, cost and responsibility of this rental will be yours, if this is your choice. Ground transportation is included in your ticket, however, we recognize if you are extending your stay, it's often easier to rent a car for the entire trip.
Deposits are non-refundable. The remaining balance is due 60 days before travel and becomes non-refundable at that time, unless your place can be filled by another guest. Because these trips are booked far in advance with accommodation and vendor commitments, flexibility is limited, so travel insurance is essential.
Each day starts with breakfast. We’ll visit a brocante or selected dealers, explore nearby shops or towns, and enjoy French food and culture. Evenings are time to spend as you please. The pace is intentional, with time to soak in the charm of the country and the joy of the hunt.