Things to Do in Europe

Marbella: the very name is enough to conjure an expensively scented whiff of the rich and famous who have flocked here since the 1960s and 70s. Sean Connery used to come here to play golf; Joan Collins lived here too. The cream of the stars may have moved on, but there's still plenty of money in Marbella - hence the prices.

The city still has a hearty whack of chic, despite the inevitable ugly over-developments and overcrowded beaches. And if you want to know why everyone started coming here in the first place, you have only to wander along to the old part of town, with its whitewashed houses, palm trees, jasmine and geraniums. 

One of largest and most varied antiques and flea markets in world, stretching over an incredible seven hectares, the Marché aux Puces de Saint Ouen (Saint Ouen Flea Market) is more than just a market: it’s a Parisian institution. Listed as a French urban heritage site, the weekend market encompasses up to 3,000 exhibitors and is split into fifteen separate sections, each with a unique atmosphere and array of goods.

With everything from antique furnishings retailing for tens of thousands of Euros to cheap and cheerful souvenirs for less than a Euro, the variety at the market is truly unbeatable. For antique and vintage pieces, the Marché Malassis and Marché Paul Bert areas are most popular, while eccentric treasures abound in the Marché Vernaison, where Moroccan rugs, Chanel perfume decanters, 19th-century ornaments and even French military wares are among the unique finds. Porte de Clignancourt houses the bulk of the bargain clothes stalls, but try Marché Dauphine or Marché Serpette for vintage clothing and jewelry, and for general bric-a-brac and clearance items the Marché Lecuyer has some great bargains.
The historic markets date back to 1885, when a jumble of stalls took over the plot on the city outskirts but today the stretch is more like a rambling village, where jovial banter and heated haggling offer a glimpse of traditional France at its most authentic.  You’ll need to work hard for your bargains though -- with thousands of visitors attending each week, vendors save the best deals for those willing to attempt a bit of local lingo.

Located on the limits of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department on the edge of the Luberon, Manosque is an old walled town filled with ancient doorways, fountains, meandering streets and charming squares like Place du Terreau, Place Marcel Pagnol and Place du Contrôle. Furthermore, Manosque has numerous historical buildings like Hôtel d’Herbès, the Town Hall, Hôtel de Gassaud, the Gothic-Romanesque Saint-Sauveur Church and, of course, the Notre-Dame-de-Romigier Church, which was built in the 10th century.