Sunday's brocante down by the riverside

On Sunday we went over to the brocante at Vicq-sur-Gartempe. We like its riverside location and it is just about the perfect size with regards to stall holders who tend to be a mix of professional and non-professional.

I often feature the abandoned / unloved cuddly toy on my brocante posts, now I know who buys them! They had these plus another van full...packed so tight that some of the poor things were struggling for air!

This was something I hadn't seen before...a snailsman...fattens them up for resale,though did say trade was a little slow!

This lonely wheel of misfortune was looking for a barrow. 

This 'collections' stall had this rather enticing selection of empty beer cans but I wasn't tempted! 

Noticed this little fellow(?) on the way out who appeared to have been abandoned,perhaps an impulsive buy?

New Bridge...old skills

This is the new bridge at Vicq-sur-Gartempe showing that stonemason skills are very much alive and well. We see many examples of it in the renovation work that goes on but it is good to see a larger project. This is actually a 'dry bridge' which leads on to the main bridge over the Gartempe river,

One of the finest renovations to stonework we have seen was at the church at Faliase in Normandy.I used to to be one to say " don't think we could do this nowadays" while looking up in the beautiful churches and cathedrals we have visited ...now I know they can!

Sunday's brocante...

Yesterday we popped over to the annual brocante at Vicq-sur-Gartempe and its lovely location under the trees by the river.

Liked this

Not the best presented stall we've come across, not sure if seats were for sale or she was waiting for some help to lay out her goods and chattels.

Could make a barbed comment about this item but will resist.

Wasn't tempted by this 'hand-held' video camera!

Could've had anyone of these...

There was a charge levied on these items. 

ToysRus

Sunday's brocante...

Went over to Vicq-sur-Gartempe on Sunday for a browse. 

 There was a good mix of 'treasures' on show.

 With equipment to take them home in

Pauline wasn't tempted by these...

...or madam

 Usual soft toys...though the elephant isn't riding the unicycle which unsurprisingly has only had one careful owner.

Unlike this rusty bike I actually bought for a garden

A walk around... brocante at Vicq-sur-Gartempe

We visited the annual brocante at Vicq-sur-Gartempe on Sunday it is always a good morning out as its situation on the bank of the river is delightful and the event itself is normally of good quality as it consists of exhibitors both amateur and professional.

Would love to see bottle the corkscrew in the middle of pic. below is used on! 

This year there was the added attraction of a motorbike rally...

...the last bike is obviously the owner's udder form of transport (sorry!).