Vide Grenier de Plats

The Plats car boot sale: an associative event in the heart of Ardèche Verte

Every spring, the small village of Plats (07300) comes alive for the annual car boot sale organized by the Amicale laïque de l'école de Plats. This friendly and family event brings together the villagers and visitors from neighboring towns for a day of treasure hunting, exchanges, and good cheer in the heart of Ardèche Verte.

The Amicale laïque, the driving force behind school and community life in Plats

The Amicale laïque de l'école de Plats is an association of parents and residents involved in the community's school life. It works throughout the year to fund educational projects, school trips, and equipment for the school. The annual car boot sale is one of its flagship events, bringing the village community together for a festive and supportive occasion, while also raising funds for the school children.

Plats, an Ardéchois village on its plateau

Perched at an altitude of about 450 meters on a plateau, the village of Plats derives its name from this particular geographical location — planum in Latin, Plana in the 14th century, before evolving into Plats. With a population of around 830 inhabitants, the Platous, Plats is part of the canton of Tournon-sur-Rhône and neighbors the towns of Tournon-sur-Rhône and Mauves. The commune's area of 16.25 km² accommodates vast rural spaces dotted with woods and cultivated land.

The heritage of Plats includes the 19th-century Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité church and the 14th-century Château de Suzeux, with its two Renaissance-style towers. This bucolic and authentic setting, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities, gives the Amicale laïque's annual event a special flavor, in the purest tradition of Ardéchois country fairs and markets.

A car boot sale in a rural and authentic setting

The Plats car boot sale draws its uniqueness from its rural roots and the voluntary involvement of the entire village community. Far from large urban flea markets, it offers a human-sized treasure hunting experience, where each stall tells a story and where exchanges between sellers and visitors are marked by simplicity and generosity.

Exhibitors and visitors gather in a village setting, surrounded by the green landscapes of Ardèche Verte. The items offered reflect rural Ardéchois life: tools, antique tableware, peasant furniture, books, clothes, toys, and trinkets. Each edition holds surprises for lovers of second-hand goods and authentic objects.

Conviviality and village spirit

True to the spirit of rural associations, the Amicale laïque makes it a point of honor to make each edition warm and welcoming. A refreshment stand and entertainment are usually provided to accompany the day. Entry is free for all visitors, making the Plats car boot sale an event accessible to all families and all budgets.

Access to the village of Plats

Plats is accessible from Tournon-sur-Rhône (about 10 km) by taking the departmental road that climbs towards the plateau. The village is also accessible from Mauves. Although perched on its plateau, Plats remains accessible by car, with parking possibilities near the village center where the car boot sale is held. The road offers beautiful views of the Rhône valley and the surrounding vineyards.