The Vintage French Farmhouse

The series tracks three antique dealers as they set off for a French farmhouse, using the base as a hub for a buying expedition across the region’s most celebrated antique markets. Their mission is to scout and acquire noteworthy pieces, with each stop offering a glimpse of local craftsmanship and history. In the inaugural episode, the trio arrives in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, where they begin their search amidst the town’s market stalls and surrounding countryside. The episode establishes the format of the show, highlighting the dealers’ expertise as they assess items and negotiate purchases, all framed by the rustic charm of the farmhouse setting.

Ian Humphries, Viki Knott and Moses Otunla set off from the Provençal region and head east into the neighbouring area of Occitanie. Along the way they pass rolling vineyards and historic villages, underscoring the region’s charm before arriving at the market grounds. Their destination is the biannual market that springs to life in the town’s streets, drawing more than a hundred merchants who line the thoroughfares with stalls. The trio explores the bustling scene, where local produce, crafts and wares are displayed amid a lively crowd. As the market only runs twice a year, the visit offers a rare glimpse into this vibrant commercial tradition in southern France.

Ian Humphries, Viki Knott and Moses Otunla set off from the Provençal region and head east into the neighbouring area of Occitanie. Along the way they pass rolling vineyards and historic villages, underscoring the region’s charm before arriving at the market grounds. Their destination is the biannual market that springs to life in the town’s streets, drawing more than a hundred merchants who line the thoroughfares with stalls. The trio explores the bustling scene, where local produce, crafts and wares are displayed amid a lively crowd. As the market only runs twice a year, the visit offers a rare glimpse into this vibrant commercial tradition in southern France.

Melissa Drabble, Lucy Ryder Richardson and Jon Swanston travel to Carpentras, a town that has served as a trading hub since the era of ancient Greece. While exploring the historic market town, Melissa discovers a pair of vintage compasses, adding a tangible link to its long‑standing commercial past. The trio wanders through Carpentras’s winding streets, absorbing the atmosphere of a place where merchants have gathered for centuries. Lucy and Jon accompany her, sharing their curiosity about the relics that once directed caravans across the region. The find underscores the town’s enduring connection to navigation and trade, and provides a glimpse into the artefacts that have guided travellers through its storied lanes.

Antiques dealers Ian Humphries, Harry Khwaja and Jo Roberts journey to the Provençal town of L'Isle‑sur‑la‑Sorgue, intent on uncovering curios and collectibles that could find a market back home in Britain. The trio combs the local stalls, antique shops and markets, seeking objects with the right blend of charm and commercial appeal for British buyers. Their expedition focuses solely on sourcing pieces that might resonate with collectors and enthusiasts across the Channel, hoping to bring a slice of French heritage to the UK market. Their goal is to bring back items that not only attract collectors but also enhance the aesthetic of British homes, blending continental flair with familiar sensibilities.

Three dealers travel to Vauvert, a wine‑producing town, with the purpose of sourcing antiques, curios and other collectibles they believe will be attractive to the British market. Their objective's to find objects they think will resonate with buyers in the United Kingdom, selecting items they assess as suitable for that audience. The journey takes them to this region, where they're intent on acquiring a range of historic and unusual pieces, hoping these will meet the preferences of collectors back home. In short, the trio’s mission's to locate and procure items in Vauvert they expect will sell well, clearly in Britain.

Three antique dealers travel to the south‑French town of Pézenas with the aim of sourcing distinctive pieces for their collections. While exploring the town’s market stalls and specialised shops, they manage to acquire a French mirror designed to imitate the texture of bamboo, its reflective surface offering a striking visual effect. In addition, they pick up a pair of mustard‑yellow chairs dating from the 1930s, the bold colour and period design highlighting the era’s aesthetic. The dealers’ brief excursion therefore yields two notable acquisitions that illustrate the blend of vintage charm and unexpected style they were hoping to find today.

James Gooch, Jacqui Harris and Adi Higham travel to the historic Fort Saint‑Andre in Villeneuve‑les‑Avignon, intent on exploring its aged walls and hidden corners. The three presenters move through the fortress, navigating narrow passageways, climbing stone staircases and peering into dimly lit chambers as they examine the architecture and search for long‑forgotten artefacts. Their mission is to locate concealed antique treasures that they can later showcase to their loyal customers, hoping the discoveries will delight and impress the regular clientele. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as they compare notes on possible hiding spots, and they treat each potential find with respect for the fort’s historical significance, aiming to bring a fresh sense of wonder to their audience.

James Gooch, Jacqui Harris and Adi Higham travel to the historic Fort Saint‑Andre in Villeneuve‑les‑Avignon, intent on exploring its aged walls and hidden corners. The three presenters move through the fortress, navigating narrow passageways, climbing stone staircases and peering into dimly lit chambers as they examine the architecture and search for long‑forgotten artefacts. Their mission is to locate concealed antique treasures that they can later showcase to their loyal customers, hoping the discoveries will delight and impress the regular clientele. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as they compare notes on possible hiding spots, and they treat each potential find with respect for the fort’s historical significance, aiming to bring a fresh sense of wonder to their audience.

Jo Roberts, Ian Humphries and Harry Khwaja spend time at a riverside market in the town of Sommieres. While wandering the stalls they come across a sculptor’s stand displaying his work, a lamp crafted from brass and glass, and a case packed with lace collars that are offered for sale. The trio examines each of these finds, noting the craftsmanship of the sculpture, the shine of the brass and the delicate pattern of the lace. Their visit highlights the variety of goods available at this modest market setting. The riverside setting offers a peaceful backdrop, with the water glimmering as they’re wandering. The lamp’s brass and glass catches the light, while the lace collars display fine regional craftsmanship.

A team of antiques specialists travel to the Provençal town of L'Isle‑sur‑la‑Sorgue, where they source a selection of objects for resale. Among the pieces they acquire are a gilt crucifix set within a glass dome and a vintage medicine cabinet, both representative of the market’s demand for historic decorative items. The acquired items are then prepared for shipment across the Channel, with the aim of introducing them to the British market where collectors and enthusiasts can purchase them. They handle each piece with care, ensuring the delicate glass dome and the aged wooden cabinet they're safely packed for the journey.

Antiques specialists Ian Humphries, Viki Knott and Moses Otunla travel to Pézenas to explore Le Grand Déballage, also referred to as The Big Unpacking. The event is a bi‑annual market that draws more than one hundred individual traders. While there, the trio examines the varied wares on offer, ranging from vintage furniture to assorted collectibles. Their visit showcases the bustling atmosphere typical of this regional fair. The market’s twice‑yearly schedule means it becomes a focal point for dealers and buyers alike. They mingle with other sellers, observing the lively exchanges that define the gathering. By attending, Humphries, Knott and Otunla gain insight into the diverse inventory that the hundred‑plus merchants present.