Car Boot Sales of the Quilles Sport of Saint-Geniez-d'Olt

The Easter gathering for bargain hunters in the Lot valley

Every Easter Monday, the small town of Saint-Geniez-d'Olt-et-d'Aubrac comes alive to the rhythm of its traditional car boot sale, organized by the Sport Quilles de Saint-Geniez-d'Olt association. This club for eight-pin bowling, an emblematic sport of Aveyron and the second most popular sport in the department after football, organizes this popular event to fund its activities and bring the local community together for a festive and friendly occasion.

Three emblematic locations for a day of treasure hunting

The car boot sale takes place across three sites in the heart of the historic village: the Place du Général de Gaulle, the beating heart of the town, the cloister of the Augustins, a remarkable 1347 building that now houses the tourist office and some municipal services, and the Cours Haut, a tree-lined promenade offering a panoramic view of the Lot valley. This distribution across several areas allows for a large number of exhibitors and offers visitors a varied treasure-hunting route, punctuated by the discovery of the town's architectural heritage.

Saint-Geniez-d'Olt: jewel of the upper Lot valley

Nestled in a meander of the Lot, at the edge of the Aubrac and the Causses, Saint-Geniez-d'Olt-et-d'Aubrac is a town of character with exceptional heritage. Its Renaissance private mansions, its medieval bridges, the Augustins monastery, and the tree-lined banks of the Lot create an enchanting setting for strolling among the car boot sale stalls. The town, once prosperous thanks to the Serge and wool trade, retains an authentic charm that captivates visitors who come to hunt for treasures on Easter Monday.

Eight-pin bowling: a living heritage

The game of eight-pin bowling is more than just a sport in Aveyron: it is a true intangible cultural heritage, inscribed in the inventory of France's intangible cultural heritage. Born in the Espalion region, this traditional game brings together nearly 4,500 licensed players across the department. The Sport Quilles de Saint-Geniez-d'Olt association perpetuates this sporting tradition and uses the Easter Monday car boot sale as a time for sharing and funding its activities throughout the year.

A variety of items to discover

The car boot sale stalls offer a wide variety of items: tableware and ceramics, books and comics, clothing and accessories, toys and board games, tools and gardening equipment, furniture and decorative objects, vinyl records and discs, trinkets and curiosities. Savvy bargain hunters particularly appreciate finds related to local culture: Aveyronnais pottery, Laguiole knives, Aubrac wooden objects, or old regional publications.

Practical information for visitors

The car boot sale takes place all day on Easter Monday. Entry is free for visitors. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning to take advantage of the best deals. In case of rain, the event may be cancelled. Saint-Geniez-d'Olt is accessible from Rodez (about 45 minutes) or from the A75 via the Séverac-d'Aveyron exit. Free parking is available on the outskirts of the town center.