Car boot sales From the Cellar to the Attic

The car boot sales of De la Cave au Grenier, Place Paoli in L'Île-Rousse

The association De la Cave au Grenier regularly enlivens the Place Paoli in L'Île-Rousse with its Sunday car boot sales. These events, organized on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., bring together private sellers and members of associations offering clothes, household items, toys, books, and all sorts of second-hand items. Pets are welcome.

The setup is accessible and friendly: sellers set up freely in the square, in a typical Corsican village market atmosphere. The association has also organized charity events, notably in August — a charity car boot sale on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 —, showing its integration into the social and solidarity life of L'Île-Rousse. To participate as a seller, simply contact the association at 07 61 37 42 20 or by email at [email protected].

Place Paoli, the heart of L'Île-Rousse

Place Paoli is the central and symbolic space of L'Île-Rousse. Named in honor of Pascal Paoli, the father of the Corsican nation and founder of the city in the 18th century, it is adorned with his statue and lined with century-old plane trees and lively cafes. It is a daily hub for the inhabitants of L'Île-Rousse, as well as a landmark for the many tourists who visit the city in summer thanks to its red sand beaches and its ferry connections to Nice. The adjacent covered market — one of the most beautiful in Corsica — is also a must-see for visitors.

Holding a car boot sale in Place Paoli is a privilege: its neat architectural setting, shaded alleys, and natural liveliness make it one of the most pleasant public spaces in Balagne. Sunday market passers-by easily become car boot sale visitors, ensuring good attendance for the event.

L'Île-Rousse and Balagne

L'Île-Rousse (Isula Rossa in Corsican) is a commune of 3,500 inhabitants on the northwest coast of Haute-Corse, in the Balagne region. Founded by Pascal Paoli in 1758 to compete with the Genoese trade of Calvi, it derives its name from the pink granite rocks that make up its promontory. The city is served by the Balagne Railway (Chemins de Fer de la Corse) which connects it to Calvi, and by seasonal ferry services. Its marina, its beaches, and its proximity to the villages of the Balagne hinterland make it an essential stop on any tour of Corsica.