Monestiés Flea Market

A flea market in a classified village

Nestled in a bend of the Cérou north of Albi, Monestiés is ranked among France's Most Beautiful Villages. Its paved lanes, half-timbered houses, Saint-Pierre church and Saint-Jacques chapel - home to an exceptional 15th-century Entombment - make it a jewel of the north-western Tarn. Every spring, the festival committee runs its big flea market in the East lices, at Candèze, a green space extending the medieval village and offering an ideal open-air setting.

Around 150 exhibitors in a natural setting

With roughly 150 pitches, the flea market draws private sellers from across the Tarn Ségala, the Carmaux area and even neighbouring Aveyron. Visitors find the classics: crockery, clothes, toys, baby items, books, comics, vinyl records, trinkets, small furniture, tools and family bric-a-brac, alongside vintage linen, postcards and small brocante offered by a few local semi-professionals. Stands spread over the lawns of the lices, under the trees, in a relaxed and very friendly atmosphere.

A family day in pure Tarn spirit

The festival committee welcomes exhibitors from dawn and runs the refreshment stand and catering (sausages and fries, crêpes, homemade cakes, cold drinks). The day naturally extends into a visit to the village: the Entombment of Saint-Jacques chapel, the covered market, the old church, the garden and the flower-lined streets. With family, friends or alone, visitors browse at their pace, then linger for a drink on the square.

A rendezvous in the northern Tarn

Located between Albi, Carmaux and Cordes-sur-Ciel, Monestiés enjoys strong tourist appeal. The spring flea market is a lovely gateway for discovering the village and its heritage. Many bargain hunters round off the day with a visit to nearby Cordes-sur-Ciel, just 10 km away, one of the most spectacular medieval cities in Occitanie.