Car Boot Sale of the Drulhe Festival

A Car Boot Sale at the Heart of the Drulhe Festival

Every last Sunday of August, the village of Drulhe comes alive for its traditional festival, and the car boot sale is one of the most anticipated moments. Organized by the USPA (Union Sportive du Pays Alzuréen), this car boot sale brings together 100 to 200 exhibitors, both individuals and professionals, on the site of the municipal campsite Le Sol. From 5:30 AM, the first bargain hunters stroll through the shaded alleys of the campsite in search of good deals, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere typical of Aveyronnais village car boot sales.

Aligot-Saucisse and Fouace: The Flavors of Rouergue

The Drulhe festival car boot sale is not just about bargain hunting. At lunchtime, the organizers offer an aligot-saucisse meal served under the shade of the campsite trees, a true culinary institution of Aveyron. This emblematic dish, a creamy blend of mashed potatoes and fresh Aubrac tomme cheese stretched into long strands, served with grilled sausage, is a must-have at village festivals in Rouergue. The fouace, a crown-shaped brioche flavored with orange blossom, a specialty of northern Aveyron, and coffee are offered to visitors, adding a touch of generosity to this festive day. A refreshment bar is also available throughout the day.

Drulhe, a Templar Village on the Montbazens Plateau

Drulhe is a village of about 450 inhabitants perched on the Montbazens plateau, in the north of Aveyron, about fifteen kilometers northeast of Villefranche-de-Rouergue. The history of the village is inseparable from that of the Templars: in 1166, the town was given to the Brothers of the Temple, who established a commandery there. From that era, a 12th-century tower remains, a vestige of the commandery, located opposite the village's old forge. The Notre-Dame church, built by the Templars, preserves their engraved cross at the top of the vaults. The village also has a chapel with a 17th-century sculpted altarpiece, once a popular pilgrimage site. Strolling through the streets of Drulhe on the day of the car boot sale means combining the pleasure of bargain hunting with the discovery of remarkable medieval heritage.

An Event within "Drulhe en Fête"

The festival car boot sale is part of a larger festive weekend: "Drulhe en Fête", organized by the Drulhe Festival Committee. This music festival, created in 1959, annually features concerts with national headliners at the municipal stadium. In 2024, the festival hosted Fatal Bazooka, Manau, and Picon mon amour. The Sunday morning car boot sale allows festival-goers and families to extend the weekend in a more relaxed atmosphere, between flea market stalls and friendly catering at the campsite. Rides and entertainment for children complete the offerings for this day open to all.

Information for Exhibitors and Bargain Hunters

The car boot sale is open to individuals and professionals. The pitch is charged at €1.50 per linear meter, a very accessible rate that contributes to the event's success. Outdoor setup begins at 5:30 AM, with a welcome from USPA volunteers. The Le Sol campsite site offers a pleasant setting with shaded areas, free parking nearby, and restrooms. For visitors, admission is completely free. The event continues until 6 PM, leaving ample time to browse each stall and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the village.