The entrance to the Volgre Farm second-hand market village, overlooking the fields
The market is set up directly on an open lot
A wide variety of antiques and second-hand goods are available
You might even find a famous painting—it all depends on your luck
An affordable and practical second-hand market with a lively atmosphere
As children grow up, these toys need to be cleared out for sale
Local bands playing along the street to add to the festive mood

Text and Photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. Urbanites relocated to Champvalon, helping friends in the countryside while taking a leisurely vacation. In this fine summer weather, throughout the Burgundy region, aside from the busy harvest and grape picking seasons, almost every village, large or small, takes turns hosting clearance second-hand markets. Unexpectedly, on a weekend, I took a walk with my wife through the fields. Following paths past harvested fields, sunflower gardens, orchards, vineyards, and patches of grassland, we wandered aimlessly toward the wooded hills. Under the shade of trees, we enjoyed the breathtaking natural scenery. Standing atop the hills, the magnificent panoramic view unfolded before us, bringing immense joy. We noticed many cars parked at the entrance of our neighboring village, suggesting some local event.

After lunch, accompanied by friends, we went to investigate the adjacent village. This small village, nestled in the quiet fields, is named Volgre. Usually sparsely populated with only a few households in this traditional farming area, today it had set up a temporary parking lot in the open space before entering the village. It was filled with cars from all directions, along with trucks and vans for the market. The second-hand market featured everything from professional antique dealers to local clearance sales, offering a dazzling array of goods ranging from daily necessities to agricultural tools, local produce, and products. Professional junk dealers were particularly interesting, while children’s stalls were the most fun and entertaining—economical and practical, yet overwhelming with so much variety. It seemed there were more vendors than shoppers, creating a festive atmosphere akin to a farm celebration.

In the center of the farm was an open-air restaurant surrounded by coffee stalls, crowded with people. A local band played music along the street, adding to the lively ambiance. The second-hand market became a major holiday for villages during the summer, gathering villagers, passing tourists, and vacationers, becoming a highlight of simple rural life. With food, drink, and things to see and buy, it was a delightful day. We purchased fruits, daily necessities, and some cheap tools, spending a wonderful day together.