Where to stay: La Divine Comedie offers five antique-filled bedrooms close to Avignon’s Palais des Papes.

Ostuni, Puglia

© Massimo Ripani/4Corners ImagesOstuni Antique Market, Puglia

When and where: The second Sunday morning of every month in the historic centre – normally gets going by 8am.

What you need to know: The majority of Puglia’s picturesque towns have Sunday markets, but Ostuni, the region’s ‘white city’, has one of the biggest with around 100 stalls gathering on a monthly basis. Expect to find great ceramics, affordable table linen, woven baskets and copper pots.

Make a trip out of it: Charming Ostuni with its whitewashed buildings and labyrinth of streets is both a destination itself and a great base for exploring Puglia. The town has an impressive 15th-century Gothic cathedral and some standout eating options (like Osteria del Tempo Perso) while there are spectacular beaches stretching either side of Marina de Ostuni and many other nearby towns to explore – head to Alberobello for its famed trulli houses or Grottaglie with its rich ceramic heritage and artisan workshops.

Where to stay: Masseria Cervarolo, a 16th-century masseria with a set of four adorable trulli, 15 minutes outside of Ostuni.

Grote Markt square, Antwerp

© Massimo Borchi/4Corners ImagesBrocAntwerpen, Antwerp

When and where: Held around eight times a year at Grote Markt square. Find the calendar here. Starts at 10am.

What you need to know: Belgium has a rich tradition of flea markets, and in design-forward Antwerp, the regular BrocAntwerpen sees a curated selection of antiques, vintage and collectibles being sold in the city’s historic main square against the backdrop of ornate facades.

Make a trip out of it: In Belgium’s second city, cobbled lanes meet leafy boulevards and its mediaeval history and modern creative spirit sit side by side. Spot the Flemish masters at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA), visit the former home and lovely garden of the city’s most famous export, Ruben (Rubenshuis) or check out some of the excellent shopping – I particularly love Ganterie Boon, a 140-year-old family-run glove emporium. Feasting on Antwerp’s speciality, moules frites are a must and classic Fish a’Gogo does it well. Brussels, the capital host of and the world’s only daily flea market, Jeu de Balle Flea Market, is an hour drive away and a good add-on for a two-city shopping trip.

Where to stay: Hotel Flora with its bold colour choices and whimsical details.