Journée Shadows de Decazeville

The Shadows Day: treasure hunting to the rhythm of rock'n'roll in Decazeville

Every year in June, the Salle du Laminoir in Decazeville transforms for a day into a vast flea market and car boot sale bathed in a retro 50s-60s atmosphere. Organized by the association Shadow's Live A Dream, based in Capdenac-Gare, this charity day brings together bargain hunters, bikers, vintage culture enthusiasts, and families in a spirit of solidarity and conviviality. All profits are donated to sick children and their families, giving every purchase and every activity a charitable dimension.

A car boot sale and flea market in a converted industrial setting

The Shadows Day car boot sale takes over the vast spaces of the Salle du Laminoir, a former industrial hall converted into a concert and event venue, located on avenue du 10 Août in Decazeville. Exhibitors, both individuals and professionals, set up their stalls from 7 am and offer a wide range of items:

• Vintage and retro objects from the 50s to the 70s
• Vinyl records, CDs, and musical memorabilia
• Vintage or second-hand clothing and accessories
• Tableware, trinkets, and decorative items
• Toys, books, and comics
• Small furniture and everyday objects
• Parts and accessories for motorcycles and vintage vehicles

The exhibitor pitch is available at a very affordable rate of €3 per linear meter, allowing everyone to participate in this day of solidarity. Entry is free for all visitors.

Entertainment and retro atmosphere throughout the day

The Shadows Day is not limited to the car boot sale. The association Shadow's Live A Dream, whose passion for American motorcycles and cars is at the heart of its identity, orchestrates a complete festive program that lasts until late at night. A gathering of American motorcycles and vehicles is displayed on the forecourt of the Laminoir, offering visitors a striking visual spectacle in a carefully recreated 50s-inspired setting. A pétanque competition is organized in parallel, adding a friendly and southern touch to the event. In the evening, a live concert takes over the Laminoir stage, extending the celebration until 1 am. Refreshments and food are available on-site throughout the day.

Decazeville: from mining heritage to popular culture

Decazeville is a commune in the Aveyron department, in the Occitanie region, whose history is inseparable from the industrial adventure of the 19th century. In 1826, Duke Élie Decazes, former Prime Minister under Louis XVIII, founded the Houillères et Fonderies de l'Aveyron with the polytechnic engineer François Cabrol. Around the coal mines and blast furnaces, a new town was born, officially created by royal ordinance in 1831, which would employ up to 9,000 workers at its peak in the early 20th century. The Decazeville coal basin would produce a total of some 110 million tons of coal before the final closure of La Découverte in 2001.

Today, Decazeville preserves remarkable classified industrial heritage: the headframe of the La Découverte mine shaft, the blowing engine building, the Notre-Dame church, the town hall, and the war memorial. The Museum of Mining and Industrial Heritage retraces this epic journey with a visit of over an hour and a half. The Salle du Laminoir, which hosts the Shadows Day, perfectly embodies the redevelopment of this industrial heritage into a place of culture and popular festivities.

Shadow's Live A Dream: solidarity on two wheels

The association Shadow's Live A Dream, founded in Capdenac-Gare, brings together motorcycle and American vehicle enthusiasts around a generous cause: funding projects for hospitalized children and medico-educational institutions. Throughout the year, the association organizes rides, gatherings, and festive events whose profits are entirely donated to sick children and their families. The Shadows Day is the highlight of their calendar, combining their passion for American culture and the 50s-60s with their commitment to solidarity.

Practical information for visitors and exhibitors

The Shadows Day takes place at the Salle du Laminoir, avenue du 10 Août, Decazeville (12300). Entry is free for visitors. Exhibitors can book their pitch for €3 per linear meter. Opening from 7:00 am, entertainment and concert until 1:00 am. Refreshments and food available on-site. For any information and booking: [email protected] or by phone at 06 81 40 20 84.