Car boot sale of the Right Bank of Saint-Geniez-d'Olt

A Car Boot Sale at the Heart of a Centenary Festival

Every first Sunday of August, the old quarters on the right bank of the Lot in Saint-Geniez-d'Olt-et-d'Aubrac are transformed into a vast open-air flea market. The Right Bank Car Boot Sale is organized by the Comité des Fêtes de la Rive Droite, an association that has been perpetuating for nearly a century the festive traditions of the historic districts on either side of the Pont Vieux. Approximately 70 exhibitors — individuals and families — set up their stalls in the picturesque alleys to offer flea market items, tableware, clothing, toys, books, and curiosities at attractive prices.

The Right Bank Festival: A Weekend of Festivities

The car boot sale is the Sunday event of a festive program that spans the entire weekend. On Saturday, the festivities begin with a doubles pétanque competition in the afternoon, free wooden games under a marquee, a concert-aperitif in the evening, then a torchlight procession at dusk with illumination of the Talabot monument, followed by a grand ball. On Sunday, in addition to the car boot sale, the program includes a serenade to the inhabitants in the morning, the traditional 'jeu de la cruche' from 11 a.m., activities for children (inflatable structures, carousel, face painting), a grand meal under a marquee by the Lot from 7 p.m., and a spectacular fireworks display at nightfall, considered one of the most important in the Aveyron department.

The Old Quarters of the Right Bank: A Heritage Setting

Strolling among the car boot sale stalls is also an opportunity to discover the remarkable architectural heritage of the right bank of Saint-Geniez-d'Olt. This part of the town preserves old medieval and Renaissance houses, vaulted passageways, and sculpted facades testifying to the town's past prosperity, enriched by the serge and wool trade. The parish church, whose origins date back to the 11th century, overlooks this historic district. On the other side of the Lot, the Augustinian cloister (14th-17th centuries), the 17th-century townhouses, and the 19th-century Talabot monument complete this exceptional heritage.

Saint-Geniez-d'Olt: Jewel of the Upper Lot Valley

Nestled in a meander of the Lot, at the crossroads of the Aubrac mountains to the north and the Causses to the south, Saint-Geniez-d'Olt-et-d'Aubrac is a town of character whose rich heritage testifies to a prosperous past. The town, built on both banks of the Lot and connected by its historic bridges, offers an enchanting setting for a summer treasure hunt day. The tree-lined riverbanks, shaded promenades, and café terraces invite leisurely strolls between discoveries at the stalls. The commune is also an ideal starting point for exploring the Aubrac, the Gorges du Tarn, and the vast natural spaces of Aveyron.

Practical Information for Treasure Hunters

The car boot sale takes place on Sundays, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the streets of the old quarters on the right bank. Admission is free for visitors. A refreshment stand and on-site catering are offered by the festival committee. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning to take advantage of the best deals and the morning atmosphere in the still-cool streets. Saint-Geniez-d'Olt is accessible from Rodez (about 45 minutes), from the A75 via the Séverac-d'Aveyron exit, or from Espalion (20 minutes). Parking is available on the outskirts of the town center.