Car boot sale Grande Journée — Grèzes

La Grande Journée de Grèzes

In the heart of Margeride, at an altitude of 1,100 meters, the village of Grèzes (43170) celebrates a festive and popular day every first Sunday of August that is unlike any other. This unique event, supported by the Comité des Fêtes de Grèzes 43, combines a car boot sale, traditional gastronomy, a local market, and family entertainment in a magnificent mountain setting, typical of the high plateaus of Haute-Loire.

The car boot sale, from dawn

From 7 am, the Grande Journée begins with the setup of exhibitors for the car boot sale. Individuals and bargain hunters take their places in the alleys of the village of Grèzes to offer their treasures: agricultural tools, antique objects, books, clothes, trinkets, and various curiosities. Places are freely accessible, and the cool, invigorating morning atmosphere at this altitude invites leisurely strolls and good deals.

Tripes in the communal oven: a culinary tradition

One of the major originalities of the Grande Journée de Grèzes is the preparation of tripes in the communal oven from 7:30 am. This traditional dish of Auvergne cuisine, cooked in the communal wood-fired oven according to ancestral recipes, is served with charcuterie, potatoes, and cheese. The morning snack, offered at a price of around a dozen euros, allows you to eat with local products in an authentic, friendly atmosphere. This gastronomic moment is often cited as one of the highlights of the day.

Local producers' market

From 9 am, a market of local producers and artisans from Margeride complements the car boot sale. Cheeses, honey, charcuterie, garden vegetables, homemade jams, and artisanal products are offered directly by their creators. This local market reflects the agricultural and artisanal richness of the high plateaus of Haute-Loire and allows visitors to leave with delicious local flavors.

Entertainment for families

In the afternoon, from 2:30 pm, the program turns to families and the younger generation. A pétanque competition brings players together in a good-natured atmosphere, ponies are offered to delighted children, and face painting workshops add a colorful touch to this busy day. These afternoon activities extend the festivities and keep families there until the end of the day.

Grèzes and Margeride

Grèzes is a rural village in Margeride, a high granite plateau straddling Haute-Loire and Cantal. Its open landscapes, its summer pastures, and its black stone villages make it a territory of great authenticity, little affected by urbanization and preserved in its traditional character. The Grande Journée de Grèzes is one of the events that animate this rural territory throughout the summer.