Foire à la Brocante de la Madeleine — Saugues

The Foire à la Brocante de la Madeleine in Saugues

Saugues is a small town in Haute-Loire nestled in the heights of Margeride, at over 900 meters altitude. A medieval town with a remarkable English tower and an important stop on the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle pilgrimage route (GR65), Saugues is also known for its summer festive traditions. Among these, the flea market organized around July 22nd, near the Madeleine festival, holds a special place in the local calendar.

A medieval open-air flea market

The town center of Saugues, with its cobbled streets, basalt stone houses, and lively squares, forms an ideal setting for a flea market. Exhibitors set up in the heart of the village to offer antiques, collectibles, old furniture, books, crockery, and all sorts of treasures accumulated over time. The atmosphere is that of an authentic local market, far from the hustle and bustle of large urban gatherings.

The Madeleine festival, a local tradition

The Foire à la Brocante is part of the festive calendar of the Madeleine festival, celebrated every year around July 22nd in Saugues. This popular festival brings together locals and passing tourists for several days of entertainment, festivities, and commerce. The flea market is one of the highlights of these celebrations, adding its touch of conviviality and exchange to the festive program.

Saugues, between Margeride and the Compostela Way

Saugues benefits from an exceptional tourist position on the Via Podiensis, the Compostela Way starting from Le Puy-en-Velay. Thousands of pilgrims cross the town every year, contributing to its liveliness. The Margeride plateau, with its vast forests and open landscapes, offers an exceptional hiking setting. The Foire à la Brocante de la Madeleine is thus an opportunity for visitors to discover or rediscover this charming town in Haute-Loire full of character.