Vide-Grenier de Coudoux

The Vide-Grenier de Coudoux: Treasure Hunting at the Foot of the Provençal Hills

Every year at the beginning of June, the village of Coudoux hosts its annual car boot sale on the Place des Amandiers. Organized by the Association Les Vallons, an affiliate of the Communal Forest Fire Committee (CCFF) of Coudoux, this popular event brings together about 100 private exhibitors who come to clear out their attics, cellars, and closets for the benefit of bargain hunters in the region. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., families and bargain hunters browse the stalls in search of forgotten treasures.

Coudoux, a Provençal Village Between Hills and Olive Trees

Located 17 kilometers northwest of Aix-en-Provence and 20 kilometers from Salon-de-Provence, Coudoux is a small village in the Bouches-du-Rhône department that has preserved its authentic Provençal character. Mentioned as Codols as early as 1224, the hamlet only became an independent commune in 1950, after separating from Ventabren. The village stretches between the wooded hills of the Chaîne de la Fare and the plain of the Arc river, in a landscape dotted with ancient olive groves. The Coudoux olive oil mill, still in operation, produces AOC olive oil with a characteristic scent of undergrowth and candied black olives, using traditional scourtin pressing methods.

Varied Finds for All Bargain Hunters

As in the best car boot sales in Provence, the stalls at the Coudoux car boot sale offer a wide range of goods: Provençal tableware and earthenware, books and comics, clothing and accessories, toys and board games, knick-knacks and decorative objects, gardening tools, and small furniture. Prices, which can be freely negotiated between individuals, often allow for great deals. Savvy bargain hunters know to arrive at opening time at 9 a.m. to find the best items.

A Solidarity Event for Prevention

The car boot sale is organized by the Association Les Vallons, which brings together volunteers from the Coudoux Communal Forest Fire Committee. The profits from the event help fund forest fire prevention and surveillance efforts in the surrounding hills. By participating in the car boot sale, exhibitors and visitors alike support an essential cause for the protection of the Provençal natural heritage.

June in Provence: The Ideal Season for Treasure Hunting

The month of June offers ideal conditions for an outdoor car boot sale in the Bouches-du-Rhône. The generous sunshine, pleasant temperatures, and golden Provençal light create an atmosphere conducive to strolling among the stalls. After the car boot sale, visitors can extend their day by discovering the Saint-Michel church and its sundial, wandering through the alleys of the old village, or hiking the trails in the wooded hills overlooking Coudoux. The weekly market on Tuesdays and the Saint-Michel patronal festival in September complete the festive calendar of this charming village.

Practical Information for Exhibitors

Individuals wishing to exhibit at the Coudoux car boot sale can book their spot with the Association Les Vallons. The fee is €15 for a 12 m² pitch. A coffee and a mini-pastry are offered to each exhibitor. A sworn statement must be completed and submitted upon setup. Entry is free for visitors.