Car boot sale of August 15 — Allègre

The August 15 Car Boot Sales in Allègre

Allègre is a Petite Cité de Caractère (Small Town of Character) perched at nearly 1,100 meters above sea level on an ancient volcano on the Devès plateau in Haute-Loire. A strikingly beautiful medieval village, it is dominated by the impressive ruins of its 14th-century fortress, whose “Potence” — a machicolation line suspended in the void — is one of the most striking architectural symbols of the region. Its black volcanic stone alleys, vaulted passageways, and houses with sculpted facades make it one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Haute-Loire.

A car boot sale in the heart of summer

Around August 15, Allègre comes alive with a special summer buzz. The grand car boot sale organized on August 16 by the Tourist Office is one of the highlights of this festive period in Haute-Loire. Held in the village center, outside the August 15 weekend to maximize attendance, this event benefits from the strong tourist presence during the high season to welcome a large public.

The village center as a backdrop for treasure hunting

The car boot sales take over the center of Allègre, these central areas around which village life is concentrated. Exhibitors' stalls are set up along the alleys and squares of the historic heart of the village. Hunting for treasures in this medieval setting — with its basalt houses, stone arches, and the watchful silhouette of the castle in the background — is a unique experience that summer visitors particularly appreciate.

A varied offer, from antiques to bric-a-brac

The summer car boot sales attract both local private exhibitors and sellers from neighboring towns. The diversity of the offerings is characteristic of the summer markets in this rural region: antique objects from surrounding farms and houses, tableware and table art, clothing and textiles from all generations, toys and games, books and documentation, various tools and equipment. The rural and mountainous character of the region sometimes leads to surprising finds: old agricultural objects, regional ceramics, farm furniture...

The Tourist Office, guarantor of professional organization

The Allègre Tourist Office ensures the organization and promotion of this summer event. Its role is essential to ensure the visibility of the event among tourists staying in the region and to coordinate the logistics of setting up exhibitors. The extended hours — from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. — allow everyone to come at their own pace without rushing, in the mildness of a summer day at altitude.

Practical Information

The car boot sales are held in the center of Allègre (43270), on August 16 each year, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Organized by the Allègre Tourist Office. Free admission for visitors.