Meet Libs Nicholls
Libs Nicholls, founder of Domestic Science, brings a stylist’s eye and a deep-rooted love of storytelling to every antique she sources. With years of experience in the interiors world, she knows exactly how to spot pieces that balance character with versatility – a skill that serves her well at French brocantes, where intuition, patience, and a sharp sense of style make all the difference.
‘There’s a certain magic to shopping at French brocantes that’s hard to beat. Wandering cobbled village lanes or sun-drenched town squares, weaving between trestle tables piled high with vintage linens, crockery and enamelware – it’s a treasure hunt, a holiday and a history lesson all rolled into one. I’ve been hooked since my children were small, when holidays to Normandy with friends doubled as sourcing trips for the shop. We'd leave space in the car just in case we stumbled across something special, which, of course, we always did.
Over the years, my love of brocantes has grown into something of an obsession. I’ve rummaged through barns in the Ardèche, chatted to dealers over wine in plastic cups, and squeezed more than one oversized bamboo mirror into the back of my estate with fingers firmly crossed.
I buy with both my shops, Domestic Science, and my own home in mind, though I often end up keeping things “on loan” before I’m ready to part with them. Shopping at brocantes isn’t just about the bargains – although there’s plenty to be found. It’s about the stories behind the objects, the joy of the unexpected, and bringing something truly one-of-a-kind home that carries with it the memories of your holiday.’
Three of Libs’ favourite French brocantes
Barjac Antiques Fair
Set in the town square, it sprawls through all the little mediaeval side roads and upper terraces with fabulous views. Prices are higher at the start, but you also get the pick of the bunch. You get what you pay for!
Date: From 14–18 August
Location: Barjac, Le Gard
Carpentras Flea Market
There’s a great variety of things for sale – I found lots of wonderful old quilts here. There’s not much shade though, so remember your sun cream!
Date: Every Sunday, 10am-4pm (it’s busiest before lunch, and some stallholders don’t stay all afternoon)
Location: Les Platanes (Allées Jean Jaures), Carpentras
Bayeux Flea Market
A lovely historic town with lots to see.
Date: Sunday 11th August
Location: Place Saint-Patrice, Normandy
Five things to know before you go
1. Be ready to rummage
Don’t expect everything to be neatly displayed. The best finds are often hidden behind or underneath something else. You’ve either got the bug for a good rummage, or you haven’t!
2. Have a mental shopping list
It helps to go in with an idea of what you’re looking for, whether it’s kitchen chairs, bedside lamps (these will need rewiring)or old French linens. Some brocantes are huge, and having a rough wishlist keeps you focused. That said, I always leave room for a spontaneous purchase or two.
3. Come prepared
Measure up before you go, and take photos of the space you're sourcing for – with minimum and maximum dimensions. That way, you’ll avoid the heartbreak of discovering your dream piece doesn’t fit. I never go without a tape measure, and a notebook is handy for tracking stall locations and prices.
4. Cash is king
Most sellers prefer cash and will be more likely to cut you a better deal if you come armed and ready to buy.
5. Trust your instincts
If you love it, and the price feels right, go for it. Ask yourself whether you’ll regret leaving it behind. What would you pay for a new one, and would it have the same charm or quality? Many of the best vintage pieces hold their value and have a finish and character you simply can’t find in modern equivalents.
Five of the most useful terms to know before you go
1. Marché aux Puces: A flea market.
2. Vide grenier: A loft clearance or garage sale.
3. Brocante: Generally an open-air flea market but can refer to a bricks-and-mortar antique shop.
4. Foire a Tout: The equivalent to an English boot sale.
5. Depôts Vente: Buildings where second-hand goods are sold. Some small, some large, selling a mixture of new and old. Quite often selling on commission for customers, so prices are not always negotiable.
Libs’ five favourite flea market finds
1. A wonderful shell-shaped basin: It’s such a brilliant, unique piece.
2. Wooden stools: You can never have too many! Use them as side tables, bedside stands, or to perch on in the kitchen.
3. 1970's recessed ceramic soap holder: I love how something so everyday can be made beautiful, and they always come in great colours.
4. End-of-roll vintage wallpapers: These formed the inspiration for my debut wallpaper collection that launched last year, but can also be used as luxury wrapping paper or to line cupboards.
5. Beautiful antique textiles: …I can never resist!
Find more beautiful vintage homewares sourced from Libs’ trips to France at Domestic Science.
