Moncontour 15 August Flea Market

A flea market in a medieval town

Moncontour is a historic town of around 800 inhabitants, a former Loudunais stronghold famous for its spectacular 12th-century medieval keep dominating the Dive valley. The village lived through the Wars of Religion (Battle of Moncontour in 1569) and preserves exceptional heritage today: restored visitable keep, Notre-Dame church, old character houses. In this unique setting a busy flea market unfolds each 15 August.

The 15 August tradition

Assumption Day is one of the strongest moments of the French summer tourism season. Many rural communes use it for major events and Moncontour is no exception. The 15 August flea market has become an awaited ritual: peak visitor numbers, beauty of the setting, festive mid-August atmosphere.

What to find

• Antique furniture and brocante: wardrobes, chests, chairs, tables
• Crockery, porcelain, crystal, old glassware
• Knick-knacks, bronzes, lamps, decorative objects
• Paintings, frames, prints
• Old books, papers, postcards
• Household linen, lace, fabrics
• Clothes, bags, antique and costume jewellery
• Toys, games, baby gear
• Tools, bikes, misc.

Moncontour and the Loudunais

Moncontour is part of the Loudunais, a transition area between Poitou and Anjou, known for cereal plains, pale-stone villages, rich heritage. Nearby: Loudun (sub-prefecture 15 km, Renaudot's town), Monts-sur-Guesnes Renaissance castle, Dive valley, and further Fontevraud royal abbey in Anjou.

The keep, town emblem

The keep is impossible to miss — a historic beacon visible across the plain. 24 metres high, restored and open in summer. The view from the top over Loudunais countryside is magnificent. Many flea-market visitors combine the climb and discover the medieval history.