Brocante and Summer Car Boot Sale of Bretenoux

The Summer Brocante of Bretenoux, a highlight of the Lot tourist region

Every summer, the charming fortified village of Bretenoux (46130), at the confluence of the Cère and Dordogne rivers, opens its quays to a large flea market and car boot sale that attracts local visitors and tourists from the valley. The event, organized by the Bretenoux Festival Committee in partnership with the Guidons et Calandres association, is one of the most popular summer events in the northern Lot.

The banks of the Cère, an ideal setting for treasure hunting

The banks of the Cère offer an exceptional setting for this summer flea market. Running along the river in a green environment, they allow for the setup of a large open-air market where stalls of professional antique dealers and individuals follow one another. The river, the summer light, and the lively atmosphere of Bretenoux create a particularly pleasant ambiance for bargain hunters and strollers.

Guidons et Calandres: the vintage vehicle dimension

The unique feature of the Bretenoux Summer Brocante is the presence of the Guidons et Calandres association, which organizes a gathering of vintage vehicles — cars, motorcycles, and mopeds — on the Île de la Bourgnatelle, complementing the flea market. This dual event attracts a diverse audience: traditional bargain hunters and vintage mechanics enthusiasts mingle in a festive atmosphere typical of major summer events in the Quercy region.

Bretenoux, a medieval bastide in the Dordogne Valley

Bretenoux is a bastide founded in the 13th century, one of the best-preserved in Quercy. Its grid plan, its arcaded Place des Consuls, and its half-timbered houses make it a jewel of medieval architecture. Located at the gates of the Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux (one of the most beautiful medieval castles in the Lot) and in close proximity to the Padirac chasm and the Dordogne Valley, the town is ideally placed to welcome tourists to the region.

Practical information

The Bretenoux Summer Brocante is held every summer, usually in August, on the banks of the Cère. Hours: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Free entry for visitors. Food available on site.