Brocante de la Place du Bourg de Rodez

A Professional Flea Market in the Heart of Rodez

Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, from May to October, Rodez's Place du Bourg transforms into an elegant flea market reserved for professionals. Up to 30 exhibitors — antique dealers, second-hand dealers, and specialized merchants — set up their stalls in this historic square lined with half-timbered houses and Renaissance facades. From 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, visitors can freely browse the stalls and discover a varied selection of antique furniture, collector's items, trinkets, tableware, paintings, light fixtures, old books, and all sorts of curiosities.

The exclusively professional selection of exhibitors guarantees a higher quality of merchandise than a traditional car boot sale. Each event features a rotation of stalls, as dealers move between markets throughout the season. Entry is free for visitors, making this flea market an accessible and enjoyable event for both bargain hunters and curious strollers.

Place du Bourg, a Medieval Gem for the Flea Market

The Place du Bourg is one of the most emblematic squares in old Rodez. Located in the historic Bourg district, distinct from the Cité district centered around the cathedral, it retains a remarkable architectural ensemble blending medieval half-timbered houses, Renaissance private mansions, and facades from the 17th and 18th centuries. The famous Maison de l'Annonciation, a listed historic monument, adorns one of the corners of the square with its 16th-century sculpted facade.

This exceptional heritage setting gives the flea market a unique atmosphere, somewhere between an open-air market and an antique gallery. Stalls are set up on the cobblestones of the square, shaded by ancient facades, creating a striking contrast between the found objects and the centuries-old architecture surrounding them. On sunny days, the light of the southern Aveyron enhances the patina and reflections of the antique items, offering as much visual pleasure as commercial opportunity.

Rodez, a City of Art and History

Rodez, the prefecture of Aveyron and the department's capital, is a city of about 24,000 inhabitants perched on a promontory overlooking the Aveyron valley. Classified as a City of Art and History, it boasts exceptional architectural heritage dominated by the imposing silhouette of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Southern Gothic architecture built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Its 87-meter-high pink sandstone bell tower is one of the most beautiful in southern France.

Since 2014, Rodez has been home to the Musée Soulages, dedicated to the work of the Rodez-born painter Pierre Soulages (1919-2022), master of "Outrenoir" (Beyond Black) and a major figure of 20th-century abstract art. Designed by Catalan architects RCR Arquitectes (winners of the 2017 Pritzker Prize), the contemporary Corten steel building dialogues with the Aveyron landscape and attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. The Place du Bourg flea market is thus part of a rich cultural ecosystem, bridging medieval heritage and contemporary art.

Organization and Practical Information

The flea market is organized by the PReM association (341 rue de l'Église, 12160 Baraqueville) in partnership with the Cassiopée traders association. Exhibitor setup begins at 7:00 AM, under the supervision of the site manager. Pitches are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee is 30 euros for a 3-meter deep by 8-meter linear space. Vehicles are not allowed on the square during the flea market hours.

Registration can be done online on the puces12.fr website, by mail, or directly on-site during the flea markets. A reservation is only confirmed upon receipt of payment. The site manager verifies exhibitor identification on the day of the event. This rigorous organization ensures the smooth running of each event and guarantees visitors a quality market in a preserved setting.