Embrun town centre car boot sale

The monthly car boot sale in Embrun: bargain hunting at the foot of the cathedral

The Place de la Mazelière, the beating heart of Embrun's old town, hosts a monthly car boot sale organized by the association Embrun Commerces. From March to August, private sellers unpack their attic treasures on this historic square lined with old houses, just a stone's throw from the majestic Notre-Dame du Réal cathedral, a jewel of Alpine Romanesque art classified as a historic monument.

Embrun, former episcopal metropolis of the Alps

Perched on a rock overlooking the Durance valley and offering a spectacular view of Lake Serre-Ponçon, Embrun was for centuries the seat of a prestigious archbishopric. The town retains exceptional heritage: the 12th-century cathedral with its Lombard porch, the Brune Tower, the medieval streets, and the archbishop's gardens. The car boot sale is an integral part of the animation of this vibrant historic centre.

A regular event for bargain hunters in Serre-Ponçon

The monthly regularity of this car boot sale makes it a landmark for bargain hunters from Embrunais and Serre-Ponçon. Each edition attracts local visitors and tourists looking for good deals, in a relaxed and sunny atmosphere typical of the Hautes-Alpes. Town centre shops open their doors, creating synergy between the second-hand market and the city's boutiques.

What to find at the stalls?

Sellers offer a wide range of second-hand items: antique tableware, trinkets, frames and mirrors, books and magazines, toys, clothes, small appliances, tools, sports equipment, vinyl records and CDs, home linen, and decorative objects. In the Hautes-Alpes, you can also regularly find typical mountain objects: old agricultural tools, cowbells, Savoyard furniture, vintage skis, snowshoes, and hiking equipment. Prices, generally very attractive, make these car boot sales an economical and ecological alternative to buying new.

The Hautes-Alpes, land of flea markets and car boot sales

The department of Hautes-Alpes, the least populated in metropolitan France, compensates for its low density with a particularly dynamic associative life. From March to October, car boot sales and flea markets punctuate the life of Alpine villages, offering as many opportunities to hunt for bargains as to meet neighbours. The summer season, with the influx of tourists and holidaymakers, multiplies the opportunities: passing visitors willingly stop to rummage through the stalls, sometimes discovering unsuspected Alpine treasures. The exceptional mountain setting of the department adds a unique dimension to these events, between grandiose panoramas and the pure air of the summits.

Practical information

The car boot sale is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm, with sellers able to set up from 7 am. A 4-meter pitch is offered at 15 euros, reserved for individuals. Entry is free for visitors.