ECLA Auriol Car Boot Sale

The ECLA Car Boot Sale: Bargain Hunting in the Heart of a Provençal Village

Each year, the ECLA (Espace Culture et Loisirs d'Auriol) organizes its car boot sale on the Cours du 4 Septembre, Auriol's main shopping street. From 8 in the morning, bargain hunters stroll between the stalls set up under the plane trees of the avenue, searching for all sorts of treasures. Entry is free for visitors, making this event an ideal family outing for a spring Sunday in Provence.

Auriol, a Provençal Village at the Foot of the Sainte-Baume

Auriol, a municipality of over 12,000 inhabitants located in the Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Étoile, benefits from an exceptional natural setting. Nestled at the confluence of three massifs—the Sainte-Baume, the Garlaban dear to Marcel Pagnol, and the Regagnas—the village is crossed by the Huveaune, a river that has shaped its industrial history since antiquity. The famous Trésor d'Auriol, a collection of 2,130 Greek silver coins dating from 460 BC, testifies to the ancient commercial exchanges in this valley. The old village, dominated by the ruins of its medieval castle built in 1001 and the Sainte-Croix chapel, offers a remarkable panorama of the surrounding hills.

Finds for Every Taste

The ECLA car boot sale offers a wide variety of items: Provençal tableware and earthenware, books and comics, clothing and accessories, toys and board games, small furniture and decorative items, vinyl records and discs, tools and gardening equipment. Prices, set by the individual sellers, are often very attractive and negotiable. The earliest bargain hunters, present from opening time, usually find the best deals.

ECLA, the Driving Force of Auriol's Cultural Life

The Espace Culture et Loisirs d'Auriol is an essential association in local life. Located at the Moulin Saint-Claude, the town's cultural center, ECLA offers a variety of activities throughout the year: dance school, music school, theater workshops, fitness and sophrology classes, and activities for all ages from 0 to 18 and for adults. The car boot sale is one of the association's flagship events, alongside bingo games and conferences. The profits generated contribute to the financing of the cultural and leisure activities offered to the residents of Auriol.

Refreshments and Camaraderie

Throughout the day, a refreshment stand and a snack area are managed by ECLA volunteers. Cold drinks, coffee, and light refreshments allow visitors to take a pleasant break between bargain hunting sessions. This catering service contributes to the friendly and relaxed atmosphere that characterizes Provençal car boot sales, where people take the time to chat, negotiate, and share a moment of village life.

Practical Information for Sellers

Individuals wishing to sell at the ECLA car boot sale can book their spot for €5.50 per linear meter (minimum 3 meters). A parking space on the avenue is available for €10. Stall setup begins at 6 am. Bookings can be made through the ECLA association, by mail, or by contacting the secretariat directly.