Oust Car Boot Sale

The Oust Car Boot Sale: Treasure Hunting in the Garbet Valley

In the Garbet valley, in the heart of Couserans ariégeois, the commune of Oust hosts its car boot sale every year. This popular event brings together exhibitors and visitors in this mountain village of 583 inhabitants, located at 502 meters altitude at the confluence of several Pyrenean rivers.

Oust, a Mountain Village in Couserans

Oust (09140) is a municipality with a "mountain character" in the Ariège department, belonging to the Couserans-Pyrénées Community of Communes. Located 13 kilometers south-east of Saint-Girons, the village is crossed by the Salat river, the Garbet and the Aleu stream. These waterways shape a landscape of narrow valleys and wet meadows, characteristic of the Pyrenean foothills.

The commune covers 19 km² with altitudes ranging from 480 to 1,494 meters, reflecting the diversity of natural environments present in its territory. Oust is fully integrated within the perimeter of the Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees. The village has seen its population increase by 13.2% since 1999.

Historically, Oust merged with the hamlet of Vic in 1969, creating an extended municipality. The current mayor, Richard de Meritens de Villeneuve, has been overseeing the development of this mountain commune since 2020.

A Car Boot Sale in a Pyrenean Setting

The Oust car boot sale benefits from the exceptional geographical location of the village, at the confluence of the Salat and the Garbet. Private exhibitors from the Couserans communes offer items from local attics and cellars: clothing and household linen, crockery and earthenware, mountain furniture, agricultural and craft tools, books and magazines, trinkets and curiosities. Lovers of old rural utensils will often find unusual pieces from Pyrenean agricultural life.

The Riches of Couserans from Oust

A visit to the car boot sale can be part of an exploration of Couserans. The Garbet valley leads to Aulus-les-Bains with its thermal baths and its spectacular Ars waterfall in season. Ustou and its panoramas of the Mont Valier massif – the highest point of Couserans at 2,838 meters – attract discerning hikers. Saint-Girons, 13 km away, offers its renowned market and shops.

Practical Information

The car boot sale is held in Oust (09140). Free entry for visitors. Information available from the Oust town hall.