As a Markets of Provence enthusiast, I was delighted to read an "affiche" (poster),  on the door near the Bibliotheque announcing a "Vide Grenier" in Sablet during July. 

Although we’ve been there for the Brocantes that take place a couple of times during the Spring/Summer, this was our first Sablet Vide Grenier!

What’s a Vide Grenier?

Vide means empty. Grenier means attic. Literally translated it means empty attic….. get the drift? 

A Vide Grenier – held in many towns and villages around Provence - is like a village-wide yard sale or the peddler's fairs in some small towns, all with the delightful twist
that many of the “greniers” when emptied, produce beautiful antiques – furniture, china, silverware, tools etc. 





Along with the residents of the village, outside semi-professional vendors who have access to what the French call “brocante” from houses that are being remodeled etc., bring their items for sale.

We were on the look out for items for the newly purchased La Baume des Pelerins – and our fellow Sabletains did not disappoint.

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Amongst it all we found some "must have" items.  First was a beautiful 18th Century porcelain font. 
Designed to be placed in a corner and decorated with a burgundy scroll like pattern on a cream background  - finished with a dainty brass faucet. This was just perfect for La Baume des Pelerins! 

Next was something I had wanted for a long time - an old copper preserving pan! 
I just couldn't resist taking it right back up and starting a batch of Plum and Rosemary Jam. 
The plums from the Market and the Rosemary from our own courtyard at Maison des Pelerins.  
The preserving pan is something that would have been seen in farm kitchens
and a perfect size for a batch of preserves. 
This wonderful find came home to California with me to assist in making many more jams, relishes and pickles.
We are just getting ready for a new batch of Apple Jelly with apples fresh from one of our trees - some thyme from the herb garden will add lots of flavor to it.





A yellow traditional Provencal Boutis, a "tapis" (an area rug),
an ochre wall light fixture and some pottery completed our day's shopping at the Vide Grenier. 
What a fun day - time well spent with very economical shopping.  I can't wait for the next one!






Sablet - Provence - Vide Grenier - Something for everyone!



Shoppers spending a warm afternoon looking for treasure at the Vide Grenier - Sablet

One of our purchases - a lovely pottery pitcher -  very much at home in a niche
at the entry of La Baume des Pelerins

If you're planning to be in Provence at any time - be sure to look out for the "affiches"
advertising  vide greniers in local villages - they are a lot of fun!