Lille: the tradition of the braderie and its mussels and fries is back

She was made to wait for this clearance sale. We have to go back to 2019 to find its last sign of life. Since then, the Covid pandemic and health restrictions have got the better of this popular festival. But the second-hand goods dealers will be back on Saturday, September 3, in the streets of Lille (Nord) to satisfy the two million people who should be there. “I’m really really excited”admits Alexandre Frutos, antique dealer in Annoeullin (North). “I have at least three or four old pieces of furniture that no one wants anymore, a few comic books, finally a clearance sale”is already preparing Michel Cozyn.

Capital of antiques for a weekend, Lille intends to reconnect with tradition. That of the flea market, but also that of mussels and fries, a typical dish of these festive weekends. Olivier Delannoy, restaurateur, intends to sell a ton. For him, this sale represents “a very good turnover, but also a very nice party”. Festivities and mussels that some have already started on the eve of the official start of the sale which should bring together 2.5 million people. “They are super good, they were mussels in Maroil so it was very good”raves a customer. “It’s my favorite dish in the whole world”, adds a Briton. The reputation is international!