Brocante Vide-Grenier of Camarès

The Brocante Vide-Grenier of Camarès: Festive Treasure Hunting in the Heart of Rougier

Every May 8th, Victory Day, the village of Camarès comes alive with a large flea market and car boot sale that attracts bargain hunters, families, and curious visitors from all over southern Aveyron. Over a hundred exhibitors — individuals and professionals — set up their stalls in Tixier, Foirail, and Pont Vieux squares, Barry street, and on the quay along the Dourdou. From 9 am to 7 pm, the aisles buzz with conversations, friendly negotiations, and discoveries: antique tableware, furniture, books, clothing, toys, tools, trinkets, and unusual objects make up a varied display where everyone can find something they love.

Camarès, a Village of Character on the Banks of the Dourdou

Camarès, a commune of nearly a thousand inhabitants nestled in the Dourdou valley, is the beating heart of Rougier, this unique territory with its red ferruginous soils that create flamboyant landscapes, unique in Europe. Once a prosperous industrial town — wool spinning mills, tanneries, sheepskin tanneries, and soap factories once lined the banks of the Dourdou in the Cloque district — Camarès was the capital of a Carolingian viguerie mentioned as early as 883. The village has preserved remarkable heritage: the Pont Vieux (also known as Pont Neuf) from the 11th century gracefully spans the Dourdou, while the statue of Notre-Dame, erected in 1946 on the former bell tower of the Saint-Michel church, offers a magnificent panorama of the red roofs and the Rougier hills.

A Grand Natural Setting: The Rougier of Camarès

The Rougier of Camarès is the largest expanse of red earth in Europe. These sandstone argillites with hues of ochre and fire create changing landscapes throughout the seasons and light, appearing at times like a scene from a Western or an Impressionist painting. Hikers, photographers, and lovers of wide-open spaces will find an exceptional area for exploration. The village's historical circuit allows visitors to discover the remains of the upper town, perched on its steep hill, and the old workshops on the banks of the Dourdou. A few kilometers away, the Gorges du Dourdou, the Roquefort region, and the foothills of the Monts de Lacaune offer countless opportunities for hiking and discovery.

Finds for All Tastes

The flea market and car boot sale in Camarès offer the richness and diversity characteristic of large rural events in Aveyron. Stalls from individuals are found alongside displays from seasoned treasure hunters: tableware and ceramics, old books and magazines, clothing and accessories, toys and children's games, tools and DIY equipment, furniture and decorative objects, trinkets and curiosities. The layout across several squares and streets in the village center creates a true treasure-hunting route, punctuated by stops at café terraces and gourmet breaks.

Food and Camaraderie

The refreshment stand and on-site catering allow visitors to eat throughout the day, in the warm and relaxed atmosphere typical of Aveyron village festivals. The exceptional setting of Camarès — the murmur of the Dourdou, the red sandstone facades, the medieval bridge — adds a rare heritage dimension to this day of popular treasure hunting. The May 8th car boot sale has become a true highlight of local life, a moment of sharing and conviviality where residents of Camarès, visitors from neighboring towns, and tourists passing through Rougier gather.

Information for Exhibitors

Exhibitors wishing to book a spot are welcome from 6 am for setup. The price is €4 per linear meter. Bookings must be made by April 30th at the latest, with the organizer at 07 73 14 92 40. Entry is free for visitors.