Foire à la Brocante des Gueux de Coupiac

La Brocante des Gueux: An Emblematic Event in Southern Aveyron

Since 1989, the Foire à la Brocante des Gueux has brought together thousands of treasure hunters, families, and curious visitors every first Sunday in August in the medieval alleys of Coupiac, a village in southern Aveyron nestled in the verdant Mousse valley. Organized by the Union des Commerçants et Artisans de Coupiac, this event has become, over the years, a must-attend summer gathering in Aveyron. From 7 am to 7 pm, the entire center of the village transforms into a vast open-air treasure market, where stands of flea market goods, car boot sale items, and regional products mingle.

A Medieval Village Dominated by a Gothic Castle

Coupiac is a village of character with about 350 inhabitants, located in the heart of the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park, near the Tarn valley. The village is dominated by its imposing medieval castle, a former possession of the counts of Rodez and Toulouse, whose "castrum" is mentioned as early as the 9th century. The current building, rebuilt in the mid-15th century by Louis de Panat, features remarkable flamboyant Gothic architecture: ribbed vaults, mullioned windows, and pointed arches form a harmonious ensemble crowned by two majestic round towers. The village itself is charming with its cobbled streets, corbelled houses, fountains, and washhouses, all small architectural treasures that create an ideal setting for the flea market.

A Medieval Parade in the Heart of the Hunt

One of the day's highlights is the medieval parade that crosses the village streets at 11 am. This costumed procession pays homage to the thousand-year history of Coupiac and its castle, adding a festive and spectacular dimension to the flea market. Visitors can pause their treasure hunt to admire the parade passing through the narrow streets lined with stalls, before resuming their search among the exhibitors' displays.

Finds for All Treasure Hunters

The Brocante des Gueux brings together private and professional exhibitors, offering a very wide range of goods:

• Antique furniture, country furniture, and flea market pieces
• Tableware, ceramics, and antique glassware
• Books, magazines, and old documents
• Vintage clothing and accessories
• Toys, games, and children's items
• Antique tools, DIY equipment, and everyday objects
• Bric-a-brac, decorative objects, and curiosities

The regional product stands allow visitors to discover the flavors of the Aveyron region throughout the day, between finds.

Coupiac, in the Heart of the Grands Causses Park

The village of Coupiac is ideally located for extending your visit beyond the flea market. The Coupiac castle, open to the public, houses a rural wood museum celebrating the traditional skills of local cabinetmakers and sculptors. The many furnished rooms and permanent exhibitions offer a glimpse into daily life in the Middle Ages. A few kilometers away, the Tarn valley, the foothills of the Monts de Lacaune, and the country of Roquefort offer countless opportunities for hiking, heritage discovery, and gastronomy.

Information for Exhibitors

Exhibitors wishing to book a spot are invited to contact the Union des Commerçants et Artisans de Coupiac at 06 88 58 48 35. Setup is possible from the early morning hours for a sales day from 7 am to 7 pm. Entry is free for all visitors.