Car boot sale patronal festival — Aubazat

The Car Boot Sale of the Aubazat Patronal Festival

Aubazat is a small village in Haute-Loire located in the Allier plain, not far from Brioude. Every third Sunday in August, this rural town transforms into a festive place thanks to the AVI association (Association Villages Intercommunaux), which orchestrates a complete and diverse day around the patronal festival. The car boot sale is at the heart of the event, but it is only one of the many highlights of this day.

An early morning car boot sale from 6:30 am

Exhibitors are welcomed from 6:30 am in the Aubazat Town Hall square. The pitch fee, set at €1 per linear meter, is one of the most affordable in the department and encourages private individuals to participate. An average of fifty exhibitors fill the square and adjacent streets, offering bric-a-brac, antique furniture, tableware, clothing, books, and tools. The car boot sale remains open all day, allowing visitors to browse at their own pace.

Hikes for all levels

The AVI association offers two hiking circuits starting from Aubazat, accessible from 8:30 am. The first, 12.5 km, is for seasoned hikers and offers a discovery of the landscapes of Limagne and the Brioude hillsides. The second, 5 km, is suitable for families and occasional hikers. These routes allow you to enjoy the Haute-Loire countryside in the early part of the day before joining the afternoon activities.

Meal at the communal oven and pétanque

At noon, the meal at the communal oven is the gastronomic highlight of the day. The village's communal oven, reactivated for the occasion, bakes bread and traditional dishes that are served to participants in a friendly and warm atmosphere. This attachment to the communal oven is emblematic of Auvergne's rural traditions and demonstrates a commitment to preserving local heritage.

In the afternoon, the pétanque competition livens up the village streets, while theater performances add a cultural and festive dimension to this multifaceted day. Children and adults alike find something to enjoy in these varied activities that make the Aubazat patronal festival a complete and generous event.

The commitment of the AVI association

The Association Villages Intercommunaux, organizer of this event, plays an essential role in the cultural and social life of the Brioude sector. By offering such a rich and diverse day, the AVI contributes to maintaining social cohesion in these rural areas and offers residents and visitors a memorable festive experience in the heart of summer.