It is impossible to pass through La Bernerie-en-Retz without stepping inside the Kifkif shop... and meeting Rodolphe. Behind this now unmissable address lies a man who is passionate about objects and stories, a second-hand dealer with a keen eye, a creator at heart, and a local figure to whom we owe, among other things, the return to favour of the legendary Pop-Pop boats in our region.
Curious, generous and deeply attached to the Pays de Retz, Rodolphe is one of those personalities who give a place its soul. We met him so he could tell us about his career, his finds and his love of second-hand goods, while sharing his tips for discovering La Bernerie and the Pays de Retz like a local.
My name is Rodolphe Perrodeau. I have been a shopkeeper in La Bernerie-en-Retz since 2004, working in the world of antiques, second-hand goods and decoration.
But before that, I was a designer. Metal, such as pewter and lead, was my favourite material. I made lamps, photo frames and jewellery stands. Flea markets were already part of my work, as a source of inspiration for shapes and materials.
Not exactly. I've always been attracted to antique objects, but originally I was really a designer. I would pick up pieces at flea markets for inspiration, transform them and incorporate them into my creations. Flea markets have always been part of my daily life, even before I opened the shop.
When I opened Kifkif in 2004, I mainly sold my own designs and worked with around twenty shops in the west of France. Gradually, other items started to appear: metal toys, antique pieces... and above all the famous Pop-Pop boats.
Initially, these pieces were used to showcase my creations. But customers quickly showed their preference for furniture and display stands. Second-hand goods became an obvious choice, driven by the pleasure of meeting visitors and sharing my passion.
It's the mix of creativity and second-hand goods, with unique pieces and unusual items. Not to mention the famous Pop-Pop boat, which has been there since 2004 and attracts lots of curious visitors, and the magnificent vintage posters created by Yohan Gaborit, an illustrator from Bern. We also work with suppliers that you won't find anywhere else. Each object is unique and tells a story. At Kifkif, there's always something to discover, whether you're a collector or just curious.
We love objects from the 1930s to the 1960s, especially those made of wood or bronze. Art Deco and the 1950s remain our favourites, but we don't turn down a few pieces from the 1980s. Every object has its place if it has charm and tells a story.
Among the designers who inspire me, Marcel Gascoin occupies a special place. He worked extensively with wood and left his mark on French design.
About ten years ago, while working on a book project about Pop-Pop boats, I had the idea of using sailor's skittles to display the photos.
They became real little works of art. Once the skittle families were assembled, I displayed them in racks or placed them under glass domes.
These ‘little blended families’ show that very different objects can coexist harmoniously, a beautiful and joyful metaphor for society.
It was at Le Sud café-restaurant in La Bernerie, with my friend Étienne. He had bought some Pop-Pops in Nantes and we tested them in an aquarium on the bar... it was love at first sight !
Since 2004, Pop-Pop has become the star of its new home port, La Bernerie-en-Retz. Are you familiar with these little boats that are powered by a mini water boiler fuelled by a candle ? Invented in 1891 during a Lépine competition, this metal toy was very popular in Europe between the two world wars, before almost disappearing. Today, it still appeals to young and old alike with its ingenious and playful design.
Follow Rodolphe's tutorial : how the Pop-Pop boat works
Every year, in partnership with the Cap'tain Pop-Pop association, I organise the Pop-Pop World Racing Championship. It's a race not to be missed ! Fun, cheerfully serious and open to all, it transforms La Bernerie-en-Retz into a playground for young and old alike, celebrating an old toy that's not as silly as it seems.
See you at the Pop-Pop World Championship !
I would advise them to drive along the coast, from Le Collet to Pointe Saint-Gildas, and marvel at the diversity of the landscapes: beaches, fisheries, marshes, schist cliffs... and a wild sea almost reminiscent of Brittany.
I also love the inland area around Rouans, which is perfect for cycling or walking. The marshes, wildlife, flora and charming villages make the Pays de Retz a real treasure trove of discoveries.
The fishing route : a wonderful event organised by Territoires imaginaires with the Association for the Conservation of Traditional Fisheries on the Jade Coast.
It usually takes place over two days in September and invites visitors to rediscover the coastline in a poetic way through an artistic spotlight on the iconic fisheries of our coast. I've never seen it in person, but everyone talks about it !
Les Grands Rendez-vous
I always advise my visitors to take a gourmet break at 1001 Dégustations, an oyster bar in an exceptional setting, right by the sea, in the oyster farming area of La Sennetière in La Bernerie-en-Retz. Here you can enjoy fresh oysters, as well as a wide variety of seafood, accompanied by local wines that perfectly complement each flavour. It's a family business: Stéphanie Moulin and her son Tiéphen run the bar, while Frédéric Moulin and their son Samuel manage the oyster production with Les Mille et Une Huîtres. For me, it's the ideal place to sample local produce, enjoy the view of the oyster beds and have a really convivial time.
More info : Les 1001 dégustations
Located in the heart of La Bernerie-en-Retz, a stone's throw from the ocean, this restaurant has a warm and intimate dining room, perfect for enjoying creative, seasonal cuisine. Chef Samuel Duchêne showcases local produce: coastal fish, root vegetables, free-range eggs, and more. I particularly like his wild sea bass with einkorn wheat risotto, or the spiral of squash and butternut, subtly enhanced by a beurre blanc with Siltimur berries. In my opinion, he's a future Michelin-starred chef !
More info : Au G'Retz des Saisons restaurant
If you're passing through La Bernerie-en-Retz, don't miss Kifkif. Step inside, take the time to chat with Rodolphe, marvel at the objects, each of which tells a story, and don't forget to take a look at the famous Pop-Pop boats. You'll always leave with an unexpected discovery, an object that makes you smile, or simply the desire to return.
Kifkif shop - second-hand goods and decoration, 8 rue du Maréchal Foch, 44760 La Bernerie-en-Retz
Take the opportunity to explore the coast and the hinterland: beaches, marshes, charming little villages... La Bernerie-en-Retz and the Pays de Retz are best discovered when you take the time to stroll around. Let your desires be your guide, open your eyes wide and savour every moment in our region.
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