Grand Car Boot Sale and Street Sale of Villedieu-les-Poêles

Grand Car Boot Sale and Street Sale of Villedieu-les-Poêles

The association Villedieu Dynamic organizes the Grand Car Boot Sale and Street Sale of Villedieu-les-Poêles (50800), which brings together over 120 exhibitors. This annual event combines the commercial street sale of local shopkeepers — offering sales and promotions on the sidewalk — and the popular car boot sale by individuals, for a festive and lively day in the heart of the "Copper City".

In the street sale, Villedieu's shopkeepers set up their stalls on the sidewalk and offer attractive special prices. Copper and cutlery artisans, a historic activity of the town, are often present. In the car boot sale, individuals set up their stalls to clear out their attics: furniture, tableware, clothing, toys, tools, books, and all the objects that have been part of the daily lives of Villedieu families and the surrounding Manche countryside.

Villedieu Dynamic is the association for the promotion of commerce and events in Villedieu-les-Poêles. Its mission is to maintain a vibrant commercial fabric in this tourist town by organizing events that attract visitors and customers. The Grand Car Boot Sale and Street Sale is one of its annual highlights, the one that mobilizes the most exhibitors and generates the most visitors.

The town of Villedieu-les-Poêles is a recognized tourist destination thanks to its age-old craftsmanship. Coming to the street sale is also an opportunity to visit the Cornille-Havard Bell Foundry (the only artisanal bell foundry in operation in France), the Copper Workshop, and to stroll through the picturesque streets of this listed medieval city.

Villedieu-les-Poêles, city of copper and bells

Villedieu-les-Poêles (50800) is a city of art and history with some 3,500 inhabitants, famous worldwide for its traditional craftsmanship: bell making at the Cornille-Havard Foundry (bells for Notre-Dame de Paris, among others), copper work, cutlery, and sharpening. The town is a member of the National Association of Cities and Countries of Art and History.

Its name evokes its history: "Villedieu" is a name linked to the Knights of Malta who founded the town in the 12th century; "les Poêles" recalls metal craftsmanship. Its medieval streets, artisan workshops, and granite architecture make it one of the most beautiful towns in the Manche.