Car boot sales of the Place de la Halle de Cologne

Cologne Car Boot Sales: 200 Exhibitors Under the Medieval Hall

The bastide of Cologne (32430) organizes large-scale car boot sales several times a year in its magnificent Place de la Halle. With around 200 exhibitors at each event, these are among the most important in the Gers department. Stalls are set up under the 14th-century medieval hall, under the stone and brick arcades surrounding the square, and in the adjacent streets of the bastide. The offerings are rich and varied: tableware, trinkets, furniture, clothing, toys, books, tools, collectibles, and attic curiosities.

A 13th-Century Bastide, Petite Cité de Caractère

Founded in 1284 by a co-lordship between Odon de Terride and Eustache de Beaumarchais, representing the King of France, Cologne is one of the best-preserved bastides in Lomagne, Gers. Its central square, typical of royal bastides, is lined with arcades and 15th and 16th-century houses where stone and brick blend harmoniously. In the center, the medieval hall with stone pillars, topped by a small pepper-pot belfry housing an old bell from 1607, is one of the emblematic monuments of the Gers heritage. Cologne is classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère, a label that distinguishes towns with remarkable heritage and active cultural life.

Two Major Events in 2026: March 31 and May 1

In 2026, the two key dates are March 31 (spring car boot sale) and May 1 (lily of the valley car boot sale). These two events draw a considerable crowd from all over the Gers, neighboring Tarn-et-Garonne, and beyond. The proximity of L'Isle-Jourdain, Mauvezin, and Auch makes Cologne easily accessible, and it also benefits from the tourist appeal of Lomagne. Other car boot sales are organized during the year, especially in the summer.

A Unique Heritage Setting for Bargain Hunting

Hunting for treasures under the arcades and the hall of Cologne is a unique experience: the stone arches, half-timbered houses, the pepper-pot belfry, and the medieval facades create a timeless atmosphere. The fee for exhibitors is €2 per linear meter. Entry is free for visitors. The restaurants and shops in the bastide welcome bargain hunters for lunch or coffee between finds, offering an opportunity to taste Gascon cuisine in an authentic setting.