If your idea of a perfect summer day is wandering through antique markets, picking up something unique, and grabbing a coffee somewhere cozy and relaxed, then you’re going to love this guide. These towns aren’t packed with tour groups or crowded squares - they’re smaller, charming places where you can slow down, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe even come home with a one-of-a-kind antique find.

Think quiet streets, friendly stallholders, and cafés where you can sit outside and take your time. These are towns where the markets feel personal, where artisan shops are full of thoughtful details, and where there’s no pressure to rush

So if you’re planning a summer weekend where you can wander at your own pace, explore beautiful streets, stop for coffee whenever you feel like it, and discover authentic local charm - these places are exactly what you’re looking for.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France — The laid-back antique capital of Provence

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is probably one of the most charming places in Provence to hunt for antiques. It’s a little larger and more popular than some of the other towns in this guide, so it can feel a bit busier - but visit early in the day and you’ll still find a relaxed, welcoming vibe that’s far from the typical tourist crowds. The town is full of canals, old stone bridges, and pretty squares shaded by plane trees. On summer Sundays, it turns into a antique lovers dream, as the antique market spills out onto the streets with stalls selling vintage linens, rustic wooden tables, glassware, old books, and more.

It’s the kind of place where you can browse all morning, stop for coffee at Café de France, then wander some more without feeling rushed. For lunch, Maison Jouvaud is a lovely spot with a calm courtyard where you can sit outside and enjoy a simple Provençal meal.

Beyond the markets, there are small artisan shops and independent galleries selling locally made ceramics, textiles, and vintage homewares. The whole town invites you to slow down: stroll along the canals, peek into a little workshop, or just grab a drink by the river and people-watch.

How to get there:
About 30 minutes by car from Avignon or an easy direct train from Avignon to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Planning a peaceful French escape this year?

We’ve put together a full 3-day itinerary for Uzès - one of the most charming market towns in southern France. It’s packed with cozy cafés, scenic walks, market-day tips, and relaxed local spots you’ll love.

Pézenas, France - Antique treasures in a sunny southern setting

Pézenas is a small town in southern France with a really well-loved antique scene. Every Saturday in summer, the streets fill with stalls offering antique furniture, vintage ceramics, old posters, and other quirky finds. The atmosphere is relaxed and local - it feels like a place where you could take your time and maybe stumble on something special.

Between browsing, you can pop into little artisan boutiques that line the narrow streets or stop at Les Palmiers, a welcoming café with a quiet terrace perfect for a coffee break. For something sweet, La Maison du Petit Four has fantastic pastries.

The town itself is a joy to wander: small stone streets, colorful shutters, and hidden courtyards. Many of the artisan shops here focus on handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and ceramics, so there’s plenty to browse even beyond the antiques.

How to get there:
Pézenas is about 40 minutes by car from Montpellier. Public transport is possible but limited - a car makes it easier.

Tongeren, Belgium — A peaceful market town with history

Tongeren is Belgium’s oldest town, but it feels calm and unhurried - and every Sunday it hosts the country’s biggest antique and brocante market. The whole town center turns into an open-air treasure hunt, with stalls winding through pretty streets and quiet squares.

Expect everything from antique furniture to quirky vintage finds. And because it’s not a huge tourist destination, you can browse at your own pace without the crowds you’d find in bigger cities.

After a morning of exploring, stop at Café Au Phare for a relaxed coffee or head to Intermezzo for a quiet lunch with a view of the square. Tongeren also has a few small artisan shops where you’ll find locally made candles, ceramics, and homewares — perfect for picking up something special.

How to get there:
About a one-hour drive from Brussels, or you can take a direct train to Tongeren in around 1h 20min.

Arezzo, Italy — A lesser-known Tuscan town with a big antique market

Arezzo is a lovely town in Tuscany that feels much less touristy than some of its famous neighbors - and on the first weekend of every month, it hosts a huge antique fair. The main squares and streets fill up with hundreds of stalls offering everything from antique jewelry to vintage prints and Italian ceramics.

Even outside market weekends, Arezzo is worth visiting. You can wander its small streets, visit artisan boutiques selling leather goods and hand-painted ceramics, or stop for a coffee at Caffè dei Costanti, a historic café where locals gather.

Lunch at Antica Osteria l’Agania is a good idea too: simple Tuscan dishes served in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

How to get there:
Arezzo is about 1 hour by train from Florence, making it easy for a day trip or a relaxed weekend.

Isle of Anglesey, Wales — Antique finds with a seaside atmosphere

Anglesey is a peaceful island off the coast of North Wales that’s full of small villages and a surprisingly good antique scene. The biggest market is at The Old Smithy in Amlwch, a laid-back place where you can browse everything from antique Welsh wool blankets to vintage kitchenware.

In Beaumaris, you’ll find small antique shops lining the streets — perfect for a relaxed afternoon of browsing. Be sure to stop at Red Boat Ice Cream Parlour for coffee and homemade cakes, or enjoy lunch at The Midland Tapas & Wine Bar, which has a casual but cozy atmosphere.

Anglesey is also just a beautiful place to wander: quiet lanes, small harbors, and sea views that feel like a true escape.

How to get there:
Anglesey is connected by bridge to mainland Wales and about a 2-hour drive from Liverpool. You can also take the train to Bangor and then a bus or taxi onto the island.

If you’re anything like us, we think you’ll like these guides as well…

5 Charming Villages in Southern France You’ve (probably) Never Heard Of

Discover Cabourg: The Romantic Normandy Gem You Must Visit This Year

Slow Travel in Tuscany: 4 Tranquil Towns for Cozy Cafés and Scenic Walks

Before you go

If you’re someone who just enjoys a relaxed weekend (wandering around at your own pace, browsing antique stalls, stopping for coffee, and enjoying places that feel easy and welcoming) these towns are well worth checking out. They’re small, calm, and full of character, perfect if you want a summer weekend that doesn’t feel rushed.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make these places special: a friendly local at a market stall, a tiny artisan shop you didn’t expect to find, or a quiet café where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling hurried. If that sounds like your kind of trip, you’ll find plenty more ideas to explore.

I’ve put together a full guide with even more peaceful towns across Europe that you might want to add to your list - you can check it out whenever you feel like planning your next getaway.

Your questions answered

When is the best time to visit antique markets in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue?
Sunday mornings are best - arrive early to enjoy a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere before it gets busy.

Is Pézenas antique market open all year?
The main antique market in Pézenas takes place every Saturday and runs throughout summer; some smaller shops are open year-round.

How do I get to Tongeren antique market from Brussels?
There’s a direct train from Brussels to Tongeren (about 1 hour 20 minutes) or you can drive in around an hour.

When is the Arezzo antique fair held?
The Arezzo antique fair happens on the first weekend of every month and fills the town with hundreds of stalls.

Are the antique shops in Anglesey open every day?
Most antique shops in Anglesey are small and have varied opening hours - check ahead, but weekends tend to be best for browsing.

What should I expect to find at these antique markets?
You’ll find a mix of vintage linens, ceramics, rustic furniture, old books, unique homewares, and smaller artisan items at each location.

Peaceful European towns with summer antique markets you’ll love