Montmorillon Summer Sale

Montmorillon summer sale

Montmorillon, sub-prefecture of Vienne with around 6,000 inhabitants, is known as the City of Writing and Book Trades. This original cultural identity, developed since 2000 in the Old Town, attracts thousands of lovers of reading, calligraphy, typography and book arts each year. In this strong-identity town, the summer sale takes place each year — a commercial event mobilising town-centre retailers for a big animation day.

Braderie vs. flea market

Unlike a flea market where individuals sell personal items, a braderie is traditionally commercial. Montmorillon shopkeepers bring stock outside, offer exceptional deals, end-of-season and promotions. The atmosphere is festive, streets pedestrianised, and the event draws from beyond — Poitou, Limousin, neighbouring Brenne.

What to find

• End-of-line and local retailer promotions
• Adult and children's clothing at reduced prices
• Home goods, decor, linen
• Shoes, leather goods, accessories
• New and second-hand books (fitting the local identity)
• Regional and gourmet products
• Local craft and designer stands
• Occasional brocante and antiques stands

Discovering the City of Writing

Montmorillon deserves more than a sale visit. The Old Town across the Gartempe concentrates over fifteen bookshops, calligraphers, bookbinders, stationers and book-related workshops. Saint-Martial Abbey, Notre-Dame Church and the mysterious Octagon (Romanesque building) are must-sees. The town is also famous for its almond macarons (18th-century recipe).

Festive atmosphere

The braderie comes with animations: music, concerts, kids' activities, tastings. A strong moment of local life — people meet, chat, share a drink on terraces. Afternoons are busy; early arrival recommended.