An extraordinary auction held on January 1, 2026, in the coastal town of Saint-Valéry-en-Caux in France's Seine-Maritime region transformed the traditional New Year's sale into an internationally significant event. Nearly 300 objects crossed the block at this memorable sale orchestrated by veteran Norman auctioneer Bruno Roquigny, whose family has operated in the region for three decades. The auction featured an unprecedented collection of eight Picasso works alongside a rare late-nineteenth-century carousel, attracting both devoted locals and global collectors. Approximately 1,400 online bidders participated through phones and computers, competing with floor buyers from around the world in a lively, multifaceted event that blended small-town tradition with high-stakes art market drama.
The Picasso collection originated from Marie-Claude Michaud, who inherited the works from her father-in-law Laurent Casanova, a prominent minister and high-ranking official in the French Communist Party. Michaud, who still resides in the Rouen region, decided to consign the pieces to Roquigny's annual New Year's sale, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the auction house. The eight works, which include drawings, ceramics, and sketches, were authenticated by the official Picasso Committee following proper procedures. Roquigny expressed his excitement, noting that throughout his career, the phrase he heard most often was "Rest assured, sir, I don't have any Picassos!"—making this consignment of eight pieces truly remarkable for the January 1 event.
Among the standout lots was a small book whose first page bears a personal dedication from Picasso to a young girl, now the elderly Michaud. The collection includes a delicate drawing titled "Bouquet of Flowers in a Vase" inscribed to Michaud, along with sketches the artist made on his cigarette packages, offering intimate glimpses into his daily creative process. A unique terracotta dove, signed and dedicated by Picasso, carries an estimated price of 50,000 to 60,000 euros. These personal touches and the collection's impeccable provenance from a notable French political family significantly enhanced the works' appeal to collectors seeking both artistic merit and historical significance.
The auction's centerpiece was a magnificent fairground carousel dating from the late 1800s, stored in what Roquigny described as "Ali Baba's cave" of auction house storage. The ride operated for decades at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in Paris until its owner retired it in the late 1970s. The carousel remains remarkably complete, missing only its motor and central mechanism, with 28 of its original 32 animals surviving alongside all decorative panels, iron bars, and wooden beams. Such intact carousels appear on the French market only once every twenty years, making this lot extremely rare with an estimate of 50,000 to 80,000 euros, though finding a buyer proved more complicated than for the Picasso drawings.
The sale attracted substantial international attention, with 1,400 buyers placing bids online from across the globe while local enthusiasts filled the auction room. Roquigny's engaging style and playful banter created an entertaining atmosphere that has become a hallmark of Saint-Valéry-en-Caux's New Year's tradition. The auctioneer noted that while many people expressed interest in the Picasso works, potential buyers for the carousel were considerably scarcer, reflecting the specialized market for large-scale antique amusements. Despite the global reach, the event maintained its communal Norman character, where serious business mixed with local camaraderie.
The Saint-Valéry-en-Caux New Year's auction has become a cherished regional tradition, but the 2026 sale will be remembered as truly exceptional. The combination of museum-quality Picasso works with a piece of Parisian entertainment history created a unique convergence of art and popular culture. As Roquigny observed, the atmosphere in Saint-Valéry is special—people laugh and enjoy themselves, which is priceless. The success of this auction demonstrates how regional French auction houses can achieve international impact while preserving local identity, setting a high standard for future New Year's sales and reinforcing Normandy's position on the global art market map.
