‘Le Grand Jardin’ opens the doors of its enchanted property for its annual Holiday Season Antiques Market. The unique country-style antiques market is located at the foothill of Fayence, one of nine perched villages on the French Riviera, a short 30minute drive from Cannes. The 19e century family-owned property is home to one of the most intriguing antique markets on the Riviera.
Some three decades ago, France and Michel Allongue, both passionate antiquarians, fell in love with the property and decided this was the ideal location to organize antique fairs around the year.
The house’s history goes back to a Napoleon general, who offered his wife the Marquise de Villeneuve this lovely property. The Marquis had made a fortune discovering a silver mine on the New Continent. According to the legend, he spent long periods of time away from home. As a token of his devotion and more probably in a gesture to be forgiven, he offered his wife this charming country house.
The property has remained intact. Ancient plane trees still protect the terrace, home to an ephemeral restaurant, while low buildings circle the open court, creating a small village within the garden in which to browse and look for a unique find.
Today, Rose, Elise and Jeanne, the founding couple’s daughters continue the tradition of bohemian French lifestyle, in chic yet convivial surrounds.
