The weekend of May 16-17, 2026 in Var is not just about the big weekly flea markets in Roquebrune or Saint-Tropez. Off the beaten track, more than 15 one-off events bring inland villages and small coastal ports to life.
Why step away from the classics? Confidential flea markets offer less competitive bargain hunting. Stallholders sell at fair prices. The atmosphere is more relaxed. And the Provençal settings are stunning.
Here is an 8-stop tour, from the foot of the Sainte-Baume to the lake at Besse-sur-Issole, via the Saint-Mandrier peninsula. Each one is strictly scheduled on May 16 or 17, 2026.
Saturday May 16 — the intimate morning
Hamlet bargain hunt at dawn - Montrieux — the secret chine
First favourite, almost confidential. The Brocante du hameau à la fraîche takes over the hamlet of Montrieux-le-Jeune, in the commune of Méounes-lès-Montrieux. The 2026 edition is on Saturday May 16 only.
Who is it for? Lovers of remote, wooded settings, near the Montrieux charterhouse. Intimate atmosphere typical of Var hamlet events. You bargain hunt in peace before the heat. See the page.
Garage sale at the foot of Sainte-Baume — Nans-les-Pins
Heading inland from Toulon. The CCSSB Garage Sale, run with the PEPS association, occupies the Cours du Général de Gaulle, the village's main artery. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday May 16, 9am-6pm.
Who is it for? Bargain hunters after fresh air. Postcard Provençal setting at the foot of Sainte-Baume, 20 minutes from Plan-d'Aups and the Mary Magdalene cave. Stallholder set-up from 7:30am. Rate: 5 € per linear meter. Sign up on 07 67 13 61 58. See the page.
Gonfaron garage sale - the storks' village
Still in the Var inland. The Gonfaron Festival Committee presents its second spring event on the Place de la Victoire, on Saturday May 16. Private sellers, Provençal bric-a-brac, books, toys, small furniture.
The advantage of the location? The plane-tree shaded square at the heart of the village. Festival committee bar on site. The area is also known for its nearby Tortoise Village. See the page.
41st Mineral, Fossil, Meteorite and Jewelry Fair of La Garde — for the sharp eyes
Specialised and sharp. The 41st Mineral Fair is held at the Gérard Philipe hall in La Garde over two days, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May. French and international exhibitors, rare pieces.
Who is it for? Collectors, parents with curious children, amateurs of geological pieces. Reference format in Var. Free entry. See the page.
Sunday May 17 — the ports and villages
Besse-sur-Issole watch fair — by the lake
An event for sharp amateurs. The Besse-sur-Issole watch fair takes over the multipurpose hall of this central-Var village nestled by its small lake. Edition scheduled for Sunday May 17, 2026.
On the programme: vintage mechanical watches, pocket watches, mantle clocks, watchmakers' tools, spare parts and documentation. Intimate village setting. Free entry or symbolic donation. See the page.
Le Brusc garage sale - 110 stalls facing the Embiez islands
The unsung port of the Toulon coast. The Brusc garage sale in Six-Fours-les-Plages brings together 110 private stallholders on Sunday May 17, 2026, 8am-5pm. Set-up on the port car park.
Why go? The panorama is exceptional, facing the colorful boats and the Embiez island. 4 km away, Cap Sicié and Bonnegrâce beach extend the seaside walk. See the page.
Pin Rolland garage sale - the peninsula district
Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer again, a lesser-known district. The Association Festive de la Presqu'île meets bargain hunters on the Saint-Asile car park in the Pin Rolland district on Sunday May 17, 2026.
Third Sunday of the month format. Private sellers and lovers of good deals in a friendly atmosphere. The Toulon harbour as a panorama, away from the big concentrations. See the page.
Spring garage sale of Taradeau — wine village between Lorgues and Les Arcs
A central-Var stop to finish. The Taradeau Tourist Office organises its spring garage sale on the Place des Boules, on Sunday May 17, 2026.
Small wine village nestled between Lorgues and Les Arcs. Typical Provençal atmosphere. One of the most charming villages in central Var. Stallholder registration on 04 94 73 01 07. See the page.
A few secondary highlights
For bargain hunters willing to push further:
- Le Brusc Kiwanis garage sale — charity, proceeds for children's causes.
- Champ de la Rose garage sale in Signes — between Sainte-Baume and the green Provence.
- Montauroux garage sale at Léonard de Vinci college — Pays de Fayence, 50 stallholders.
- Le Pradet garage sale — Tourist Office square, 10 € a stall.
