Vide-Grenier de Belmont-sur-Rance

The Vide-Grenier de Belmont-sur-Rance: Treasure hunting at the foot of the collegiate church

Every summer, the medieval village of Belmont-sur-Rance hosts its annual car boot sale, a friendly event that enlivens the streets and squares of this perched village in Aveyron. Exhibitors, mainly individuals, set up their stalls in the historic center of the village, at the foot of the majestic Saint-Michel collegiate church whose octagonal spire reaches 74 meters high. Early morning bargain hunters and Sunday strollers mingle in a relaxed atmosphere, looking for good deals or simply enjoying the charm of the place.

An exceptional medieval village in the heart of the Rougiers

Belmont-sur-Rance, a commune of about 1,000 inhabitants, is a heritage gem in southern Aveyron nestled in the Rance valley, in the heart of the Rougiers natural region characterized by its red Permian sandstone soils. The village, labeled Station Verte, experienced great prosperity in the 15th and 16th centuries thanks to its fairs, tanneries, and artisan workshops along the river. The old bridge from the 12th century, modified in the 14th century, bears witness to this era when trade made the village wealthy. The steep streets, half-timbered houses, and stone facades tell centuries of Aveyronnais history.

The Saint-Michel collegiate church, a Gothic masterpiece

The emblematic monument of Belmont-sur-Rance, the Saint-Michel collegiate church is an exceptional example of flamboyant Gothic architecture, built between 1515 and 1524 by the Albi architect Pierre Balangier at the initiative of provost Michel de Pontault. Classified as a Historic Monument since 1929, it is distinguished by its square tower flanked by four powerful buttresses, topped by an octagonal spire of 74 meters crowned by the statue of the archangel Saint Michael slaying the dragon. The monumental portal adorned with sculptures and statues dedicated to the Virgin, the stained glass windows, and the interior rose window make it an unmissable monument of Aveyronnais religious heritage.

Finds for all tastes

The Belmont-sur-Rance car boot sale offers the typical diversity of rural events in Aveyron: crockery and antique objects, books and magazines, clothing and accessories, toys and children's games, tools and DIY equipment, furniture, and decorative trinkets. The village atmosphere and the beauty of the medieval setting add a special dimension to the treasure hunt, far from large urban flea markets. Visitors can extend their day by discovering the heritage of Belmont, between the collegiate church, the old bridge, and the streets of the historic center.

At the gates of the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses

Located in the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses, Belmont-sur-Rance is an ideal starting point for hiking and discovering the spectacular landscapes of southern Aveyron. The Rougiers de Camarès, with their red soils contrasting with the green forests, offer striking panoramas. The Rance valley invites you for a walk along the river, while the neighboring villages of Camarès, Brusque, and Saint-Sernin-sur-Rance complete a remarkable heritage circuit. The summer market in Belmont, held on Tuesdays in July and August in the late afternoon, allows you to discover the local products of Aveyron.