On September 5th (local time), the annual Lille Braderie 2026 used goods fair officially opened in Lille city, northern France, becoming the focus of attracting international tourists to experience local culture. This is one of the largest used goods market events in Europe, appearing from the early 12th century and held at the end of August and early September every year.
This year's event takes place for 34 consecutive hours throughout the two days of September 5 and 6, turning the entire central area and Old Quarter of Lille into a bustling outdoor trading festival.
With a total of more than 50km of stalls and nearly 5,000 units participating in the exhibition, the fair is estimated to welcome about 2.5 million domestic and international visitors. The large number of visitors helps the city strongly stimulate the chain of accommodation, dining and commercial services, when tourists flock to pedestrian streets to hunt for antiques, used household appliances and unique cultural memorabilia.
Not only a shopping paradise, Lille Braderie also promotes the role of a unique cultural - culinary tourism product when consuming an estimated 500 tons of parrots and 30 tons of traditional french fries on a weekend day.
The city organizes a variety of experiential spaces serving many tourist groups, from the children's second-hand market at Saint-Sauveur station, the recycling village at République Square to the amusement park at Champ de Mars Square. To serve the huge flow of visitors, a public transport network including subways, electric cars operating overnight and about 50 additional regional trains has been deployed.
Originating from a medieval fair from the 12th century and officially named "braderie" from the 13th century, this cultural and historical event is now also oriented by local authorities to promote circular economy, ban disposable plastics and collect leftovers to serve community charity meals.
