SARC XV Flea Market

Rugby at the service of community

In the south-west of the Tarn, rugby is more than a sport: it is a culture, a social glue, a family tradition passed down the generations. SARC XV, Stade Athlétique Rabastens Couffouleux, is one of its local institutions. Founded long ago, the club brings together players, managers, supporters, families and shopkeepers in a shared passion. Its annual flea market fits this spirit: an event open to all, funding sports activities while creating a festive moment for the whole town.

Rabastens, a quiet gem of the Tarn valley

Rabastens is a bastide in the Tarn valley, halfway between Toulouse and Albi. Listed among France's most beautiful villages, it is famous for its Notre-Dame-du-Bourg church (UNESCO-listed as part of the Santiago de Compostela routes), its half-timbered houses and its outstanding medieval heritage. The SARC XV flea market is held in the town centre, giving bargain hunters the chance to discover these architectural treasures while making their finds.

An early start for serious hunters

One of the distinctive features of the SARC XV flea market is its 6am opening. This early start, rare in the department, caters to genuine bargain hunters who want first pick. Early risers are rewarded with a hot coffee, the charm of early morning and the guarantee of browsing the stalls before the main mid-morning crowds.

What you'll find and the vibe

As with any general flea market, goods are varied: clothing, toys, crockery, books, trinkets, small furniture, comics, records, decoration items, baby gear. But the atmosphere is what really sets the event apart: SARC XV volunteers — players, players' parents, long-time supporters — run the refreshment stand and catering with enthusiasm. You can eat grilled meats, have a drink and talk rugby between two bargains. A true moment of rural conviviality.

A lasting tradition

Year after year, the SARC XV flea market remains a highlight of spring in Rabastens. Bargain hunters come from Rabastens, Couffouleux, Lavaur, Gaillac, but also from Toulouse and Albi. They often leave with fine finds and the sense of having contributed — via their purchases at the stand — to the life of an amateur club that trains young players in rugby and its values.