Chorale Alégria Spring Car Boot Sale

A car boot sale at the foot of Mount Canigou

Every spring, the Chorale Alégria of Vernet-les-Bains organizes its annual car boot sale on the beautiful Promenade Albiot, a shaded and emblematic artery of this thermal spa town of Conflent. This associative event has become over the years a very popular meeting for Vernet residents and holidaymakers who come to enjoy the thermal waters and the proximity of Mount Canigou.

Vernet-les-Bains, the thermal spa town dear to Kipling

Vernet-les-Bains is a historic thermal spa town in Conflent, renowned for its sulphurous waters indicated for respiratory and rheumatic ailments. In the early 20th century, the village attracted a prestigious British clientele, including the writer Rudyard Kipling who stayed there several times. He is credited with this famous quote: "Canigou is a true and sincere god". The village's Anglican church, built in 1911, bears witness to this splendid era. Even today, Vernet-les-Bains retains its romantic Belle Époque charm, between thermal hotels, shady park and breathtaking view of the sacred Catalan massif.

The Promenade Albiot, a dream setting for bargain hunting

The Promenade Albiot is one of the most beautiful streets in Vernet-les-Bains, lined with century-old plane trees and crossing the thermal heart of the station. It is the ideal place for a car boot sale: shaded in case of heat, protected from the wind, and offering spectacular views of the first slopes of Mount Canigou. Exhibitors set up their stalls along the promenade, offering everyday items, books, tableware, vinyls, clothes and trinkets.

Chorale Alégria, an association at the heart of local life

The Chorale Alégria is a Vernet association that has been bringing choral singing to life in Conflent for several years. Its singers regularly give concerts in the churches and heritage sites of the region, notably in the Anglican church of Vernet-les-Bains. The annual spring car boot sale helps fund the choir's activities, scores, travel and musical events. A great opportunity to support local culture while hunting for bargains at the foot of Mount Canigou.