From the huge Ceyzériat farfouille to the Pont-de-Vaux flea market, our pick of the unmissable bargain-hunting stops in Ain during the May 8th 2026 long weekend.
The May 8th 2026 long weekend lines up perfectly for bargain hunters in the Ain département. Friday is a public holiday in France, then Saturday and Sunday: 3 full days to comb flea markets, garage sales and vintage fairs across the department.
Spring usually settles in across the Bresse and Dombes plains by early May. The season of village farfouilles is in full swing. The 2026 calendar is dense: over 20 documented events on this single long weekend.
For early birds? Real bargains go in the first hour, often before 7am. For wanderers? The atmosphere stays pleasant until noon. Here is an 8-stop tour, from the Pays de Gex to the Bresse via the Bugey.
Friday May 8 — the big day
Farfouille du CSC Basket de Ceyzériat — 300 stalls near Bourg-en-Bresse
This is the bargain-hunters' event of the long weekend. The Farfouille du CSC Basket de Ceyzériat brings together over 300 private stallholders every May 8th at the Georges Evieux sports complex. Opens at dawn, free parking, snack bar run by the basket club.
Why go? The sheer scale draws thousands of bargain hunters from across the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The 2.50 € per linear meter rate (no reservation) explains the appeal for amateurs: everyone takes part and really empties their attics. See the page.
Vide-greniers de Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey — flea market with Alpine view
Total change of scale above the Ain plain. The Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey garage sale takes place at the Janin stadium, on Chemin du Vivier, on May 8th only. About 100 stalls, opening 8am-6pm.
The interest stretches beyond the bargains. The hilltop village offers a panorama over the Alps, including Mont Blanc on clear days. Combine it with a stroll through the medieval lanes by late morning. Online reservation required for stallholders. See the page.
Brocante de Rignieux-le-Franc — for the Sou des Écoles
Smaller but heart-warming: the Brocante de Rignieux-le-Franc, run by the school parents' association on May 8th. Proceeds fund swimming lessons, school trips and equipment for the village kids. Snack bar and food on site. See the page.
Saturday May 9 — the original one
Vide-grenier et foire aux plantons de Saint-Jean-de-Gonville — bargains plus garden
A rare combo in the Pays de Gex. The garage sale and vegetable seedling fair mixes a classic flea market (50 to 100 stalls) with a fair for vegetable and flower seedlings. Village hall, second Saturday of May.
Who is it for? Bargain hunters who also need to fill the spring vegetable garden. Indoor stalls (10-15 €) and outdoor stalls (9 €). Children's activities. See the page.
Sunday May 10 — the busiest day
Farfouille du Sou des Écoles de Péronnas — between 200 and 400 stalls
Second heavyweight of the long weekend. The Farfouille de Péronnas takes over the village hall car parks (450 allée de la Grange Magnien) with 200 to 400 private stallholders. Exceptional opening from 4am for the truly early risers.
No reservation, 3 € per meter, ID card required. Snack bar, food and Bressan atmosphere. See the page.
Marché aux puces de Pont-de-Vaux — 100 to 200 stalls in the Bresse
The Pont-de-Vaux flea market, run by the Anime Joubert association, occupies the promenade, avenue Adrien Thierry, the Arquebuse courtyard and rue de la Verchère. A real bargain-hunting trail through the small Bressan town.
What stands out? One of the largest markets in the Bresse louhannaise. Stall slots at 2 € per meter for exhibitors. See the page.
Vide-grenier de la fête de printemps de Péron — 120 stalls at the foot of the Jura
Pays de Gex again with the spring fair garage sale in Péron. 120 stalls in the Champ Fontaine hall car park, organized by the local festival committee. Stunning natural setting at the foot of the Jura range.
The plus: live music, a local producers' market and craft stands. Bargain hunting and lunch on site. See the page.
Vide-grenier du centre-ville de Gex — the Jura must-do
Not to be confused with Péron: the Gex town centre garage sale takes over the pedestrian streets of the Pays de Gex sub-prefecture for 8 days around the long weekend. The historic core turns into an open-air flea market.
The event is sized for wanderers who like to bargain hunt without a fixed plan. Cobbled streets, terraces, a glimpse of Lake Geneva on the way down. See the page.
A few secondary highlights
For bargain hunters willing to drive a bit further:
- Vide-grenier de Confrançon (May 10) — 50 stalls, village vibe between Bourg-en-Bresse and Mâcon.
- Vide-grenier de Garnerans (May 10) — 45 stalls, Saône plain.
- Vide-grenier du Sou des Écoles de Perrex (May 10) — village main street.
Practical tips for the long weekend
How do you make the most of the weekend? Three simple rules from seasoned bargain hunters.
Arrive early. 7am is already late for rare pieces. Most events open at 6am, some at 4am (Péronnas). Pros are there at dawn with head torches.
Group by day. May 8th is centered around Bourg-en-Bresse (Ceyzériat, Rignieux). On Sunday May 10, switch to the Bresse (Péronnas, Pont-de-Vaux) or the Pays de Gex (Péron, Gex). No need to do everything.
Bring cash and bags. Many small stallholders don't take cards. Budget 5-10 € for a decent object, more for furniture. Sturdy bags are a must.
To sum up
What stands out about this May 8th long weekend in the Ain? 8 structuring events, 800+ cumulative stalls over 3 days, very varied settings (hilltop village, Bressan hall, medieval streets, village hall car parks).
To explore more events, browse all the flea markets in Ain.
