Vide-Grenier d'Ensuès-la-Redonne

The Vide-Grenier d'Ensuès-la-Redonne: Treasure hunting facing the coves

Each year, Ensuès-la-Redonne hosts a friendly car boot sale that brings together between 80 and 120 private sellers in the heart of the village. From the morning, bargain hunters and families flock to the aisles in search of good deals among a wide selection of second-hand items: clothing, tableware, toys, books, small furniture, trinkets, and vintage objects. This popular event takes place in a relaxed atmosphere, with refreshments and light catering offered by the organizers throughout the day, all accompanied by the salty air of the nearby Mediterranean.

Ensuès-la-Redonne, jewel of the Côte Bleue

Ensuès-la-Redonne is a town of about 5,500 inhabitants nestled on the Côte Bleue, this wild and preserved coastline west of Marseille. Created in 1933 by detachment from the communes of Châteauneuf-les-Martigues and Le Rove, it takes its name from the first mentions of the place in the 15th century, in documents relating to the attachment of Provence to the Kingdom of France under Louis XI. The name 'la Redonne' is the Gallicized form of the Provençal la Redouno, meaning 'the Round one', referring either to the cove's original shape or to the small hill overlooking it. More than 80% of the territory is covered by garrigue protected by the Conservatoire du littoral, making Ensuès one of the greenest towns in the Marseille metropolitan area.

The coves: an exceptional coastline

The coastline of Ensuès-la-Redonne is divided into five coves of striking beauty: the Madrague de Gignac, La Redonne and its picturesque fishing port, les Figuières, petit Méjean and grand Méjean. The name 'Méjean' comes from Occitan and means 'in the middle of', describing the cove's position between two rocky outcrops. These turquoise water coves, bordered by limestone cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean, offer some of the most sought-after swimming and diving spots in the region. The Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Officers' Path), which runs along the cliffs of grand Méjean to the cove of Niolon, offers dizzying panoramas of the open sea and the Frioul islands.

The Côte Bleue train: an exceptional journey

One of Ensuès-la-Redonne's treasures is its access via the Côte Bleue train, one of France's most spectacular railway lines. Created in 1882, this nearly 32-kilometer line connects Marseille to Miramas along the coast. It crosses 18 viaducts, 2 bridges, and passes through 23 tunnels, serving 7 stations, including La Redonne-Ensuès. The journey to Marseille-Saint-Charles takes only 25 minutes, with 15 services per day on weekdays, offering passengers breathtaking views of the coves, inlets, and the intense blue of the Mediterranean. This train provides access to natural sites inaccessible by road, making every journey a true panoramic excursion.

Finds for all tastes

As with all car boot sales on the Côte Bleue, the stalls at the Ensuès-la-Redonne car boot sale offer a wide variety of items:

• Clothing and accessories for the whole family
• Tableware, earthenware, and Provençal ceramics
• Toys, board games, and childcare items
• Books, comics, and vinyl records
• Small furniture, lighting, and decoration
• Trinkets, collectibles, and vintage items
• Garden tools and small appliances

Hikes and natural heritage

Ensuès-la-Redonne is an ideal starting point for hikes along the Côte Bleue coastline. The Grand Sentier de la Côte Bleue offers 17 hiking loops accessible from all stations on the line, providing 3 to 4 days of walking between wild coves, pine forests, and fragrant garrigue. The trails wind through the coves, offering spectacular views of the sea and cliffs. The town is also home to remarkable Mediterranean flora and fauna, with protected species nesting in the cliffs and the preserved garrigue. After treasure hunting, visitors can reach the port of La Redonne in a few minutes to enjoy grilled fish facing the colorful fishing boats.