Vide-Grenier d'Alleins

A car boot sale at the foot of the castle of the Counts of Provence

Each year, the village of Alleins hosts its annual car boot sale in the streets and squares of the old town, at the foot of the castle of the Counts of Provence. Organized by the ACATIA association, this popular event brings together individuals and families for a day of outdoor treasure hunting, in a friendly and authentically Provençal atmosphere.

Alleins, 4,000 years of history between Alpilles and Luberon

Perched on a hill in the Massif des Costes, between the Alpilles and the Luberon, Alleins is a village whose human occupation dates back over 4,000 years. The castrum Allenii, mentioned in a 10th-century charter, was owned by the Counts of Provence in the 12th century before being ceded in 1167 by Alphonse I to Raymond de Bollène, Archbishop of Arles, in exchange for the barony of Fos. The castle, remodeled over the centuries, retains vestiges of this glorious era, notably a colonnade that bordered the gardens and two towers still visible from the departmental road.

The religious heritage of Alleins

The parish church of Saint-Pons, with its characteristic hexagonal bell tower, overlooks the village and testifies to the religious fervor that has marked the history of Alleins. Several chapels are also worth a visit: the Chapel of the Penitents (Notre-Dame-de-Miséricorde), the Chapel of Saint-Pierre, the Chapel of Saint-Jean, and the ruins of the Chapel of Saint-Georges. This religious heritage, ranging from Romanesque to Baroque, forms a remarkable setting for treasure hunters to wander among the stalls of the car boot sale.

Finds for all tastes

The stalls at the Alleins car boot sale offer the usual variety of Provençal second-hand markets:

• Clothing and accessories for the whole family
• Tableware, earthenware, and ceramics from Provence
• Toys and games for children
• Books, vinyl records, and collectibles
• Small furniture and garden tools
• Trinkets, curiosities, and decorative objects

A village to discover

Take advantage of your visit to the car boot sale to explore the alleys of Alleins, admire the old facades of the historic center, and discover the fountains and washhouses that punctuate the walk. The village is also the starting point for hikes in the Massif des Costes, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Durance, the Luberon, and the Alpilles. Nearby, the 12th-century Romanesque chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Beauvezet, fully restored, is worth a visit for lovers of Provençal Romanesque art.