Car boot sale of Saint-Rome-de-Cernon

The Car boot sale of Saint-Rome-de-Cernon: treasure hunting in the heart of the Cernon valley

Each year at the beginning of summer, the village of Saint-Rome-de-Cernon hosts its car boot sale on the Laumière plain, a vast area located two kilometers from the village center, in the village's artisanal zone. Open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the stalls take over this open space, allowing sellers to set up comfortably and visitors to stroll freely between the aisles. Entry is free for bargain hunters, who come from Millau, Saint-Affrique, Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, and surrounding towns to find a good deal.

A medieval village between Larzac and Lévézou

A commune of about 960 inhabitants located at an altitude of 420 meters, Saint-Rome-de-Cernon occupies a crossroads position in the Cernon valley, between the roads from Millau to Saint-Affrique and the one leading to Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon and the Larzac plateau. The village retains a remarkable medieval heritage, with its stone houses with slate roofs, its picturesque alleys, and no less than four castles on its territory. The most famous, the Château de Mélac, a listed historical monument, was built between the 14th and 16th centuries by the Gozon family. Initially a fortress with round towers and a keep, it became an elegant seigneurial residence under the influence of the Gozon, Morlhon, and Arpajon families. Still inhabited and carefully maintained, it hosts the Musicales de Mélac every summer, classical music concerts in its inner courtyard since 1995.

10 minutes from the Roquefort cellars

Saint-Rome-de-Cernon benefits from a privileged geographical location on the D999, just ten minutes from the famous Roquefort cellars where the king of cheeses is aged. The commune is also served by a SNCF train station on the historic Béziers-Neussargues line, opened in 1874, with Intercités connections to Clermont-Ferrand and TER Occitanie services. The Cernon river, the Soulzon, and the Coufours stream cross the communal territory, offering green landscapes between the limestone cornices of the Larzac and the wooded hills of the Lévézou.

Finds for all tastes

The car boot sale of Saint-Rome-de-Cernon offers the diversity characteristic of large rural events in Aveyron: crockery and kitchenware, books and magazines, clothing and accessories, toys and children's games, tools and DIY equipment, antique furniture, and decorative trinkets. The generous space of the Laumière plain can accommodate both small private stalls and larger displays. Savvy bargain hunters know that they need to arrive at opening time at 7 a.m. to spot the most interesting items before the crowds arrive.

A territory for hiking and heritage

The car boot sale is an excellent opportunity to discover the territory of Saint-Rome-de-Cernon and its surroundings. Several hiking trails start from the village, such as the loop of the Butte de Sargel or the "Between Larzac and Lévézou" route, which offers breathtaking panoramas of the causses and valleys. Heritage enthusiasts can take the Route des Seigneurs du Rouergue, a circuit of twenty castles, including the Château de Mélac. The Spirulina farm of Grands Causses, an innovative facility located in the commune, also offers visits to discover this micro-algae cultivated in Aveyron.

Information for sellers

Individuals wishing to book a spot at the car boot sale of Saint-Rome-de-Cernon can contact the organizer. Sellers can set up from the early morning hours on the Laumière plain. Entry is free for visitors. It is advisable to bring sun protection during this early summer period, as well as good shoes for walking around the site.