Car boot sale of Cabriès

The Vide-Grenier de Cabriès: Bargain hunting in a medieval perched village

The Vide-Grenier de Cabriès takes place every year on May 1st, an ideal public holiday to stroll through the stalls set up in the narrow alleys and squares of this medieval fortified village in the Bouches-du-Rhône. Perched on its rocky outcrop, Cabriès offers a unique setting for a car boot sale, combining historical heritage and authentic Provençal atmosphere.

A village of character between Aix and Marseille

Located 14 kilometers from Aix-en-Provence and 21 kilometers from Marseille, Cabriès is a perched and fortified village whose name evokes the goats (caprins) that alone could climb this limestone outcrop. The castle, whose foundations date back to the 8th century, overlooks the village and today houses a museum dedicated to the painter Edgar Mélik as well as a collection of Gallo-Roman remains discovered in the commune. The primitive village, built at the foot of the castle on the west side, still retains part of its ramparts and a gate of the medieval city.

Remarkable heritage to discover

Alongside bargain hunting, visitors to the car boot sale can discover the rich heritage of Cabriès: the Sainte-Marie-de-la-Nativité church from the 12th and 13th centuries, in Provençal Romanesque style, which contains a 16th-century triptych and a gilded altarpiece from the 17th century; the Notre-Dame-de-La-Salette chapel in Calas, whose origins date back to the 5th century; or the Oustaù per Touti, an old 13th-century farm in Trébillane converted into a cultural and artistic space.

Finds for all tastes

The stalls at the Cabriès car boot sale offer the usual variety of Provençal car boot sales: crockery and earthenware, books and comics, clothing and accessories, toys and board games, knick-knacks and decorative objects, small furniture, and gardening tools. Flea market enthusiasts particularly appreciate the unique atmosphere of this perched village where every alley holds a surprise.

A commune with multiple faces

The commune of Cabriès covers more than 36 km² and includes, in addition to the historic perched village, the districts of Calas (formerly Trébillane) and Les Cadeneaux. This diversity of landscapes, between plains and wooded hills, enriches the offerings of the commune, which now has more than 9,000 inhabitants. The Réaltor basin, a body of water surrounded by pine forests, and the Grand Vallat valley complete this preserved natural setting on the outskirts of the Aix metropolis.

May 1st: an ideal day for bargain hunting in Provence

The choice of May 1st, Labor Day, allows a large public to enjoy this day of outdoor relaxation. The Provençal spring offers ideal weather conditions, with generally clear skies and mild temperatures. Visitors can combine their visit to the car boot sale with a walk in the old village, a visit to the castle-museum, and lunch in one of the local establishments.