Anna Wright Vallée du LoirAnna Wright Vallée du Loir
©Anna Wright Vallée du Loir|STEVAN_LIRA

Go antique hunting in the Loir Valley

Small joys abound in the Loir Valley and especially in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir.

With its châteaux, old buildings, vineyards and gourmet products, it has a unique festive atmosphere and is the perfect place for bargain hunting, exploring the little back streets. Second-hand shops, cloth, multi-coloured fabrics, furniture etc. There really is something for all tastes.

 

 

It’s a paradise for bargain hunters

In and around La Chartre-sur-le-Loir you’ll find numerous antique dealers, second-hand shops, artists’ studios etc. Every object for sale is a one-off.

Lovers of “old” furniture are sure to find what they’re looking for at Armel Labbé. The business, located in the heart of La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, was founded in 1925 and sells a variety of objects that have been restored in its workshops including: dressing tables, pedestal tables, armchairs, wing-back chairs etc.

A few steps away, you’ll also find a variety of other shops, such as Kustom Design which sells industrial-style vintage furniture and designer objects and Grégoire Courtin which sells knick-knacks and curios. This collector certainly knows how to exhibit his finds, as demonstrated by his unique well-illuminated, window displays with their plaster busts and portraits, shells, boxes and bits of string in glass cases.

 

A variety of objects made in the “Loir Valley”

The galerie Nocogo, which has a totally different atmosphere, complements La Chartre’s existing offer. Here Laurent Sutter sells many thousand volumes of books. Displayed on the shelves, you’ll find second hand books as well as rare and out-of-print copies. Some collectors even leave a wish list with Laurent who tries his best to accommodate their requests.

Let’s leave La Chartre and head for Le Lude where we’ll find an almost identical collection of shops.

 

Danielle, an admirer of beautiful objects, has set up her home décor shop, “A comme bonheur” in an old house, near the château du Lude. She sells a variety of limited edition objects from a range of brands, renowned for their chic, timeless appeal. Every room in the house represents a small, discrete universe where everything is for sale: lingerie, accessories, decorative items, candles and presents.

If you enjoy treasure hunting, we strongly recommend “La petite brocanteuse du Lude”. Renowned for its dressing tables, chests of drawers, bookcases and bedside tables, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in this shop.

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