APE Renaudot School Garage Sale - Loudun

A solidarity garage sale in Loudun

Loudun, Vienne sub-prefecture and historic Loudunais town (around 6,500 inhabitants), hosts the annual garage sale of Théophraste Renaudot school's APE (parents' association) on Sunday 26 April 2026. The proceeds support the school, an important spring event for Loudun families and their north-western Vienne neighbours.

Renaudot school, tribute to Loudun's great son

Théophraste Renaudot (1586-1653), born in Loudun, is considered the father of French journalism: in 1631 he founded La Gazette, the first French periodical. Also a physician, he ran Paris's first address bureau and free medical consultations. The Renaudot school is named after him. The APE organises this sale to fund school projects and trips.

What to find

• Adult and kids' clothing
• Dishware, glassware, small appliances
• Books, comics, magazines
• Toys, board games, plush
• Baby gear, pushchairs
• Decor, frames, knick-knacks
• Tools, garden gear
• Bikes, scooters
• Vinyl, CDs, DVDs

Loudun, art and history city

Major heritage city of the Vienne: Sainte-Croix collegiate (12th c.), 31-metre square tower (11th c., medieval fortress), Sainte-Anne chapel, governor's house, old quarters. Stage of the 17th-c. Urbain Grandier case (1634 devil possessions), a city of memory. Also famed for its Pascal Encounters, Sunday market, strategic location between Poitiers (50 min), Saumur (40 min) and Chinon (30 min). Loudunais chief-town of vineyard hills, castles and medieval churches.

APE role

APEs are voluntary parents' associations that work with teaching teams to enrich school life: parties, trips, fundraising, equipment purchase, support for class outings. The garage sale is a key tool — mobilises the school community, builds inter-generational bonds and raises funds.

Visiting tips

A perfect day out: morning at the sale, lunch on the market square, afternoon heritage tour (collegiate, panoramic tower, Charbonneau-Lassay museum). Nearby: Oiron castle (Contemporary Art Centre) and vineyard hills.