Saint-Izaire Car Boot Sale

The Saint-Izaire Car Boot Sale: Bargain hunting at the foot of the bishops' castle of Vabres

Every August 15th, Assumption Day, the village of Saint-Izaire hosts its traditional car boot sale in the village streets and around its episcopal castle. Organized by the Vie et Château association, this event brings together around 100 exhibitors and attracts bargain hunters and strollers who come to enjoy the public holiday in an exceptional heritage setting. The stalls line the alleys of the fortified village and the shaded squares surrounding the massive red sandstone fortress, offering a unique bargain hunting experience between history and conviviality.

Saint-Izaire, a fortified village above the Dourdou

Saint-Izaire is a small village in Aveyron nestled on a promontory overlooking the Dourdou de Camarès valley, a tributary of the Tarn. Mentioned as early as 862, the village gradually enclosed itself within ramparts in the 12th century to protect its inhabitants from feudal wars. Its history is inseparable from that of its episcopal castle, the summer residence of the bishops of Vabres-l'Abbaye, whose construction is attributed to the first bishops Pierre and Raymond d'Olargues between 1317 and 1346. The castle is a quadrangular mass of red sandstone, flanked by a truncated keep and corner turrets, classified as a Historic Monument since 1991.

A unique setting for bargain hunting: the castle and the village streets

The car boot sale takes over the picturesque village streets and the castle surroundings, creating a walking route between private stalls and stone facades. The exhibitors offer the usual variety of rural car boot sales: antique tableware, decorative objects, clothing for the whole family, toys, books, tools, small furniture, and various trinkets. A local crafts area also allows visitors to discover the know-how of regional creators and artisans, adding a cultural dimension to the bargain hunting day.

Refreshments in the castle courtyard

The castle courtyard is transformed for the occasion into a friendly refreshment area. Visitors can enjoy grills and fries prepared by the association, accompanied by drinks from the refreshment stand. This unique historical setting, in the heart of the episcopal fortress, gives the lunch break a special atmosphere, blending medieval heritage with a village festival ambiance. Coffee is offered to exhibitors upon their early morning setup.

The Vie et Château association, guardian of heritage

The Vie et Château Saint-Izaire association is the organizer of the car boot sale and the animator of local heritage. It works throughout the year for the preservation, enhancement, and animation of the episcopal castle and the village. The August 15th car boot sale is one of the highlights of its calendar, helping to bring this remarkable heritage to life while creating a moment of sharing and meeting between residents, summer visitors, and bargain hunters passing through Aveyron.

Practical information for visitors and exhibitors

The Saint-Izaire car boot sale is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm, with free admission. Exhibitors can set up from 7 am, with dedicated parking near each spot. Pitches are free, with a voluntary contribution requested. Visitor parking is available at the village entrance. Toilets are accessible on site. To book a pitch, contact the Vie et Château association.