Car boot sale and Plant Sale of Martiel

The Floralies of Martiel: treasure hunting and gardening on the Aveyron causse

Each spring, the village of Martiel hosts its annual car boot sale combined with a sale of plants and flowers in the schoolyard, an event called Les Floralies. Organized by the APE of the Martiel school, this event brings together families, bargain hunters, and gardening enthusiasts for a warm day in the heart of the Aveyron causse. Private sellers offer everyday items, clothing, toys, books, and trinkets, while horticultural stands offer a wide selection of vegetable plants, herbs, and flowers to brighten gardens and balconies.

A village on the causse rich in heritage

Located between Villefranche-de-Rouergue and Cahors, Martiel is one of the last villages in Aveyron before the border of the Lot department. This area of the causse du Quercy, on the border of the Terrefort Rouergat, holds exceptional heritage. Martiel holds the departmental record for dolmens, with nearly forty megaliths listed, testifying to Neolithic prehistory. The tower of the Martiel fort, a medieval building 24 meters high, dominates the village with its imposing silhouette. Nearby, the abbey of Loc Dieu, founded at the beginning of the 12th century by thirteen Cistercian monks, is classified as a historical monument and combines Romanesque, Gothic architecture, and 15th-century fortifications.

The APE of Martiel: an association serving the school

The APE of the Martiel school is a dynamic association bringing together parents of students from Martiel and the neighboring communes of Saint-Jean-de-Laur, Laramière, and Puyjourdes. The funds raised during the Floralies and other association events help finance ambitious educational projects: biennial discovery classes, artistic workshops (circus, dance), theater outings, and sports activities for the schoolchildren.

Finds and plants for everyone

The car boot sale offers a wide variety of items at low prices: crockery and decorative objects, books and comics, clothing and accessories, toys and games, small furniture, and gardening tools. For plants, visitors can find tomato plants, lettuce, zucchini, aromatic herbs, and a selection of seasonal flowers, ideal for May planting. This dual offering is the originality of the event and attracts a diverse audience of bargain hunters and gardeners.

Refreshments, food, and conviviality

A refreshment stand and a food area are set up on site, allowing visitors to eat between discoveries. The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed, reflecting this small Aveyron village where social connection remains vibrant. In case of bad weather, the event is moved to the village hall of Martiel, ensuring the smooth running of the day regardless of the weather conditions.

Practical information for visitors and exhibitors

The car boot sale and plant sale take place from 9 am to 5 pm in the schoolyard of Martiel. Entry is free for visitors. Stall spaces for exhibitors are offered at €8 for 3 meters and €15 for 6 meters. Booking is recommended. Martiel is accessible from Villefranche-de-Rouergue in about twenty minutes via the D911 then the D926.