Penne Village Flea Market

Penne, a perched village at the Tarn's edge

Penne is an exceptional village, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Aveyron gorges. Its silhouette, crowned by the impressive ruins of its Cathar castle - witness to the Albigensian crusade - makes it one of the Tarn's major heritage sites. On the border with Tarn-et-Garonne and the Lot, Penne is a place to marvel, hike and wander steep alleys. Every summer, the flea market adds a tourist thread to this already popular destination.

A summer flea market in a unique setting

Traditionally held in early August, Penne's brocante unfolds its stalls under the castle, at the heart of the medieval village. Exhibitors - mostly villagers, nearby residents (Vaour, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Cahuzac) and summer visitors - unpack in a warm atmosphere. The contrast between modest bric-a-brac and the grand backdrop of castle ruins is the event's charm.

What you can find

Old crockery, embroidered linen, books, vinyl records, toys, comic books, old farm tools, Tarn postcards, rustic trinkets, clothes: the classic rural flea market range, enriched by holidaymakers sometimes bringing more unusual items. Lovers of curiosities may spot gems evoking the Cathar past or regional craftsmanship.

The spirit of a summer village

The Penne flea market fits the tradition of Southwest French villages that come alive in summer. Come for browsing but also for the village itself - a crêpe on the square, a castle visit, a walk on paths down to the Aveyron.

An exceptional natural setting

Penne sits in the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park and the heart of the Grésigne forest, one of France's largest oak forests. The Aveyron gorges, cliffs and hiking trails offer pure escape.