Vide-Grenier de Roquevaire

The Vide-Grenier de Roquevaire: Bargain hunting in the heart of Pagnol's hills

Every summer, the village of Roquevaire hosts its car boot sale on the church square and the cours du Patronage, in the historic center of this commune in the Huveaune valley. This popular event brings together villagers, bargain hunters from Aubagne and Marseille, and curious visitors from neighboring towns for two days of outdoor treasure hunting, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Private sellers offer everyday items, clothing, books, tableware, toys, trinkets, and finds from Provençal attics.

Roquevaire, a village of character between Huveaune and Garlaban

Located 26 kilometers from Marseille and 30 kilometers from Aix-en-Provence, Roquevaire occupies a prime position in the hollow of the Huveaune valley, protected by the surrounding hills. The Garlaban massif dominates the horizon to the west, while the Sainte-Baume massif is visible to the east. It is these landscapes of garrigue, pine trees, and limestone rocks that inspired the work of Marcel Pagnol, whose hamlet of Lascours, in the commune of Roquevaire, serves as the gateway to the mythical hills of his stories.

Exceptional heritage to discover

Roquevaire boasts a surprisingly rich heritage. The Saint-Vincent chapel, built on the foundations of a Roman necropolis, is considered one of the oldest Merovingian chapels in Provence and is classified as a historic monument. The Saint-Vincent church, a vast 18th-century building of 2,300 square meters, houses a monumental organ with nearly 5,000 pipes, one of the most important in France, which hosts the annual International Organ Festival founded in 1997. The Pont Bonaparte, rebuilt in 1702 and spanning the Huveaune, recalls Napoleon's passage in 1798. The ruins of the medieval castle, perched above the old village with its steep alleys, offer a remarkable panorama of the entire valley.

Strolling among the stalls under the Provençal sun

The stalls at the Roquevaire car boot sale offer the typical diversity of Provençal flea markets: tableware and pottery, books and comics, clothing and accessories, toys and board games, trinkets and decorative objects, small furniture, and garden tools. The summer atmosphere of August, the warmth of the village stones, and the shade of the plane trees lining the cours create an ideal setting for a relaxed day of treasure hunting. Roquevaire, once nicknamed the 'city of painters', retains this artistic charm that captivates visitors.

Extend your visit to Roquevaire and the valley

Before or after the car boot sale, a stroll through the narrow streets of the old village is a must. The Sarret bell tower, a remnant of the old Notre-Dame-de-Lausa church, the fountains, and the stone houses bear witness to a rich past. Hiking enthusiasts can take the trails leading to the summit of Garlaban (714 m) or Plan de l'Aigle (732 m), following in Pagnol's footsteps. The René Verrier Museum complements the cultural discovery of the village. A few minutes away, Aubagne with its pottery markets and Cassis with its calanques offer further possibilities for this excursion into the hinterland of Marseille.