Everyone loves a holiday, and when you’re away from home soaking up the sun, there is nothing better than having a potter in the local shops.

While finding a gem and turning a profit may not be top of our list of priorities during these searches, it is possible to uncover some great finds when abroad.

Andrew Blackall, an English antique dealer with more than 30 years of experience, told us about some of his experiences hunting for antiques in France.

I have great memories of childhood holidays in France with my mum, dad and brother. The cross-channel ferry, the French rail network and mademoiselle Nellie the waitress taking a shine to me.

From the Victorian seaside town of Wimereux just across the channel to the Paris metro and the south of France and Marseille and the vineyards around Najac.

(Image: Andrew Blackall)

I have it on authority that Colonel Gadaffi asked our late Queen why the British and French had warred so much, the Queen replied: “Because we are so alike.”

And although there are cultural and lifestyle differences, of course, the Queen was right. Mostly, I’ve found the French charming as indeed are most people.

France offers a rich vein of antiques that have become popular as Brocante in the U.K. in recent years and the French flea markets and antique markets offer an opportunity to buy antiques not just from France but from all over Europe, especially Belgium and the Netherlands, Italy and Spain. In fact, Brocante basically translates to Flea Market.

Buying antiques in Nice is a joy, especially for the sunshine and at Place du Palais de Justice, Nice, you’ll find an antique & second-hand book market on the first and third Saturday of every month and it’s on all day.

If you’re lucky enough to have a car or van, Les Corniches (The Cliff Roads) are three coastal roads along the Côte d'Azur, between Nice and Monaco. Take some bread, cheese and butter and some cold drinks to pull over for a picnic and breathe the Mediterranean in.

The sea views are endlessly beautiful and once in Monaco, Les Puces de Fontvieille market is open on Saturdays and starts at a much more civilised 9.30am.

It’s a real mixture of bric-a-brac and smalls with a mixture of antiques too; like anywhere don’t go shopping when you are hungry and set yourself a budget.

Also, remember you’re buying in Euros not pounds sterling and treat it just like a British antique market and haggle a bit.

In Paris, Les Puces Paris Flea Market of Saint-Ouen is a must visit with lots of knowledgeable dealers selling stock of all types and all prices.

I love the hustle and bustle of these places, buying a vinyard map, oil paintings of severe ladies, lamps and glass, 1960s and 1970s chic cafe items of The Persuaders era and old shutters and bits of architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries.

(Image: Andrew Blackall)

Then a street cafe in glorious sunshine and a pastry and a coffee or beer or glass of wine. Such a civilised way to while away a day buying.

None of this has to cost you a fortune. There are lots of small hotels and guest houses to stay in and above all it’s an adventure. I’ll be honest, my French isn’t great, but I get by and if I’m greeted by raised eyebrows and “English” I laugh and agree. It generally breaks the ice.

By now, if you’re driving you’ve probably stuffed your car with more wine than antiques! Well here’s a tip! Find a U.K. based courier who will ship back a van load. It saves a lot of stress and isn’t as expressive as it sounds if you use an independent.

Top tips are to wander off the beaten track, ask locals and of course, have a Google!

Andrew Blackall is an English antique dealer with more than 30 years of experience selling period furniture and quirky collector's items to clients across the globe. He has written and produced award-winning film and television productions. He was born in St John’s Wood, London and he grew up in and around London. He currently lives in Avebury, Wiltshire. His love of antiques stems from an early fascination with history and from visiting country homes throughout old England and the British Isles. Many of Andrew’s clients are well known on both sides of the pond, patronising his ability to source antiquities with provenance and appeal. His stock has appeared in a number of films and TV shows. Andrew has two styles of business: one selling high-end decorative antiques at The Blanchard Collective, the other selling affordable collectables at The Malthouse Collective.