Port-Vendres Spring Car Boot Sale

A car boot sale facing the fishing port of Port-Vendres

Every spring, the quai Pierre Forgas of Port-Vendres is transformed into a large bargain hunting space to the greatest delight of the inhabitants of the Côte Vermeille and tourists staying in Argelès, Banyuls or Collioure. Organized by the Port-Vendres town hall, this spring car boot sale is one of the most popular associative events of the Catalan spring, faithful to the tradition of coastal sales.

Port-Vendres, the most beautiful natural port on the coast

Port-Vendres is an exceptional natural port, the only true port of the Côte Vermeille. Nestled in a deep cove sheltered from the winds, it has maintained its port activity since antiquity, between fishing, trade and boating. Its main quay, quai Pierre Forgas, bears the name of a former mayor much appreciated by the people of Port-Vendres and borders the port along its entire length. It is here that the trawlers dock on their return from fishing, here that the famous anchovies are unloaded, and here that the restaurant terraces come alive at sunset. The setting is sublime, between colorful facades, stone staircases, fishing boats and views of the Mediterranean.

A spring sale in a unique setting

Traditionally held on the third Sunday of May, the spring car boot sale sees dozens of exhibitors line up on the quays, individuals from Port-Vendres and neighboring communes. The atmosphere is that of a great Catalan popular festival: the sun plays with the sea, seagulls fly over the stalls, walkers stroll between the stands and cafe terraces. You can hunt for marine objects, trinkets, tableware, books, vinyls, clothes, toys and sometimes beautiful finds related to the maritime history of the port.

Collioure, Banyuls, the Côte Vermeille at hand

A visit to the Port-Vendres car boot sale is the ideal opportunity to discover the Côte Vermeille, this piece of Catalan coastline where the Pyrenees dive into the Mediterranean. Just a few kilometers away, you reach Collioure and its famous royal castle, Banyuls-sur-Mer and its terraced vineyards, or Cerbère, the last commune before the Spanish border. A string of picturesque villages that inspired the Fauvist painters at the beginning of the 20th century and continue to fascinate with their incomparable colors.