One week after the close of the Lille Braderie 2025, it is time to take stock of this exceptional edition in figures. Records were broken in almost every category, confirming the Braderie's status as Europe's largest flea market.
2.5 million visitors
The official estimate puts attendance at 2.5 million visitors over the entire weekend, a figure up 8% compared to 2024. This record is due in part to clement weather and enhanced communication from the European Metropolis of Lille. Visitors came predominantly from the Hauts-de-France region (45%), Île-de-France (20%), Belgium (15%) and the rest of France and abroad (20%).
10,000 exhibitors spread across 100 km
Nearly 10,000 exhibitors, both professional and private, took their places along the 100 kilometres of pavements dedicated to the Braderie. Among them, approximately 3,500 were professional antique and second-hand dealers, whilst 6,500 private individuals had obtained their pitches. The Vieux-Lille and the Wazemmes neighbourhood remain the most sought-after areas, with waiting lists for obtaining a pitch.
500 tonnes of mussels devoured
Tradition was upheld: over 500 tonnes of mussels were served in the city's restaurants and brasseries. That is the equivalent of nearly 30 million individual mussels. Restaurateurs also served approximately 200 tonnes of chips to accompany this monumental feast. The unofficial competition for the tallest pile of shells was won this year by a brasserie on Rue de Béthune, with a mound reaching 2.80 metres.
Economic impact estimated at 160 million euros
The economic impact of the Braderie on the Lille metropolitan area is considerable. Direct and indirect economic benefits are estimated at 160 million euros, including hospitality (98% occupancy rate within a 30 km radius), catering, retail and transport. Hoteliers report average rates up 35% compared to a standard weekend.
An unprecedented security operation
To ensure the safety of this event, more than 3,000 security agents, police officers and firefighters were mobilised. The security arrangements also included 150 additional CCTV cameras and anti-vehicle bollards on the main access routes. On the cleanliness front, 800 cleaning operatives worked from Sunday evening to restore the city to order, collecting approximately 180 tonnes of waste.
These figures confirm that the Lille Braderie remains a major popular event in France, rivalling the country's largest festivals in terms of attendance. Already, preparations for the 2026 edition are underway.