Vide Grenier de Meysse

The annual car boot sale of Meysse

Every year in June, the village of Meysse, nestled between the Rhône valley and the first foothills of the Ardèche, transforms into a vast hunting ground for bargain hunters. Its annual car boot sale is one of the popular events in this part of the Ardèche department, with around 135 exhibitors who take over the village streets and spaces for a day of swapping, discoveries, and conviviality.

On the stalls, diversity is the watchword: antique and contemporary furniture, tableware and table arts, clothing for all ages, books and comics, tools and DIY equipment, toys and games, trinkets and decorative objects, household appliances, records and cassettes, collector's items… In short, everything that makes up the richness and variety typical of private car boot sales. With 135 exhibitors, the event reaches a significant size that justifies the trip from surrounding towns and even from the Montélimar-Privas region.

Meysse, a village in the Ardèche Rhône valley

Meysse is a commune of about 1,400 inhabitants located on the right bank of the Rhône, on the edge of the alluvial plain, halfway between Le Teil and Montélimar. Its territory is marked by the meeting of two complementary landscapes: the wine-growing and market-gardening plain along the river, and the first limestone reliefs of southern Ardèche which rise rapidly to the west. This transitional geographical setting between the Bas-Rhône and the garrigue region of Ardèche gives Meysse a character that is both open and picturesque.

The village has an ancient history — its name may have its roots in the Roman occupation of the Rhône valley — and developed around a traditionally agricultural economy. Today, a dynamic residential commune, Meysse benefits from good accessibility from the national road and from Le Teil and Montélimar, which partly explains the attendance at its car boot sale.

A family-friendly and convivial event

The Meysse car boot sale stands out for its warm and accessible atmosphere. Entry is free for visitors, and the exhibitors — essentially individuals from the village and neighboring towns — help maintain the authentic spirit of a village car boot sale, far from overly commercialized events. Holding the event in June offers generally favorable weather conditions, with long hours of sunshine and a nascent summer atmosphere that invites leisurely browsing among the stalls.

The month of June also marks the beginning of the holiday season in Ardèche, which helps to diversify the car boot sale's audience: permanent residents are joined by second-home owners, passing tourists, and bargain hunters who organize their circuit among the many car boot sales in the department.

For visitors and exhibitors

Entry is free for visitors. Individuals wishing to exhibit are invited to contact the Meysse town hall for registration details and the cost of pitches. It is recommended to arrive early in the morning to enjoy the cool air and spot the best deals before the crowds arrive.

Meysse is easily accessible from Le Teil (about 8 km north) and from Montélimar (about 10 km southeast, crossing the Rhône). The event is usually held in the village center or in a dedicated public space. It is advisable to check the practical arrangements with the town hall before traveling.