Fontanelles Spring Flea Market

A key date on Albi's spring calendar

In 2026 the Printemps des Fontanelles celebrates its fifteenth edition. Organised every year on a Sunday in April by the Fontanelles Neighbourhood Association, it has become one of the most popular spring flea markets in Albi. Its appeal lies in its setting: a residential district just north-west of the old town, welcoming and easy to reach, with tree-lined streets perfect for spreading out wares.

A neighbourhood turned giant open-air sale

On the day, Avenue des Fontanelles and rue Pierre Brossolette are closed to traffic and transformed into a huge outdoor market. More than one hundred exhibitors, almost all private individuals, set up their 3 by 2 metre pitches. You will find everything here: children's and adults' clothing, toys, books, crockery, vinyl records, trinkets, small furniture, comics, décor and family curiosities. Its popular character draws locals as well as bargain hunters from across the Albi area.

A true community vibe

What sets the Printemps des Fontanelles apart from large professional antique fairs is its human scale. Sellers are often neighbours, conversation flows easily, children play on the pavements and volunteers keep everything running smoothly. A refreshment stand serves food and drinks all day, and each exhibitor is offered a hot drink in the morning. It feels like a block party stretched to the size of a whole district.

In the heart of Albi the red

A visit to the event is also a chance to (re)discover Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Episcopal City, the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. The Fontanelles district is just a few minutes from the historic centre, so it is easy to follow up with a stroll along the Tarn river or a lunch in a downtown brasserie.

Tips for successful hunting

Arrive early — from 8am — to snap up the best finds, while exhibitors are still unpacking and before the crowds reach their peak. Bring small change, a sturdy bag and comfortable shoes. Parking nearby can get crowded, so use the surrounding streets or walk from the city centre.