While the city centre welcomed 2.5 million visitors, another event was taking place away from the crush: the children's Braderie at Saint-Sauveur station. Its 2026 results are worth a look.
The figures
The city counted 90 stalls offered to young sellers and 18,500 visitors on the Saturday alone. Relative to the size of the site, that is dense attendance — but nothing like the pressure in the centre.
The principle: the children do the selling
The rule is simple and unchanged: children run the stall. Toys, books, board games, outgrown clothes — families empty the cupboards and young sellers learn to present, explain and negotiate their prices.
Many parents see it as a first practical economics lesson: setting a price, accepting a counter-offer, understanding that an object is worth what someone will pay for it. Our guide to haggling applies to them too.
Why it works
The formula succeeds for three reasons. The site first: Saint-Sauveur station offers an enclosed, shaded and supervised space, away from the main flow. Then the timing, concentrated on the Saturday and compatible with young children's rhythms. And finally safety: you can get around with a pushchair there, which is not the case on Rue Esquermoise at 3pm.
Our articles on the Braderie with family and on accessibility cover the other areas that work with children.
For 2027
Registrations usually open in early summer, and places go quickly. The children's Braderie page will be updated as soon as arrangements are announced for the edition of 4 and 5 September 2027.